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Computer network support - Essex and East London
Network Platforms
Overview
ECL prides itself on its ability to provide and manage business LAN's and WAN's built on operating systems from Microsoft, Novell and SuSE LINUX. We understand the desire to 'go with the flow' and indeed the majority of our clients use Microsoft products for the running and management of their IT systems. However there are realistic alternatives which deserve consideration. We believe it is important to make our clients aware that they do have a choice, and in some cases the alternatives offer considerable advantages over the market leading brand. Below is a brief overview. If you would like further information please contact us.
Microsoft
Microsoft are by far and away the market leading provider of business level network operating systems and related packages. Worldwide, more small to medium-sized business networks are run on the Windows 2000/2003 Server platforms (often as part of the Microsoft Small Business Server, or SBS package) than all other brands put together. Advantages include a huge range of popular networking and desktop products, along with availability of technical expertise. Disadvantages include being prone to malicious attack. For example, the vast majority of viruses are written specifically to attack Microsoft products.
Novell
Novell Netware was the first widely used PC networking platform back in the early 1980's. Netware has since evolved and now, along with many other Novell products such as GroupWise and BorderManager, it is often found at the core of many larger well-known corporations IT systems. However Novell's range of products is also available for smaller companies. Advantages include a second-to-none security and reliability record. The main disadvantage being a general misconception that Novell are from the past and in decline, which fortunately is not the case.
SuSE LINUX
The core Linux operating system first appeared in the early 1990's as the brainchild of Linus Torvalds, at the time a Finnish student. The aim was to create a free-to-all operating system that anyone with the time and ability could download, make changes or additions to, and resubmit for further development by anyone else who was so inclined. Things have moved on considerably since then there are a whole range of products under the LINUX banner, including network operating systems and desktop packages designed as alternatives to Microsoft Office and others. Various software companies have taken the free core LINUX products and given them their own branding and development, in order to make them true business grade alternatives to Microsoft. These versions are sold in the same way as their competitors, with regular patches and updates. It is worth noting that the operating system supplied with Apple computers is a version of LINUX, and a growing number of large organisations use LINUX technology at the heart of their IT systems.
Advantages include low cost compared to other brands, with easier and less obstructive user licensing. Also very secure and reliable. Disadvantages are lack of product awareness and lack of technical expertise in the market place, although this is changing as LINUX continues to grow in popularity.