The Internet has changed the way that we work. We can now exchange information so quickly and effectively through email, file sharing and the web that companies that do not have a connection are at a clear competitive disadvantage.

 

As the Internet has evolved, an increasing number of access technologies have emerged. The question for business is no longer "Why should I connect?" The question is now "How should I connect?"

 

The answer depends on three factors:

 

1. the number of users you intend to provide access for
2. what you intend to use your connection for
3. where you are

 

Home Office Users

Single users who just want to browse the web and send occasional emails should consider Home Office Broadband or 3Ti's Dial access.

 

Broadband is up to 40 times faster than Dial-Up, but this additional speed may cost you more if you use the service for less than 5 hours per week.

Your location is important because Broadband is not available everywhere. You can check whether you can receive Broadband using our Availability Checker. If you need additional speed, but cannot get broadband, then ISDN might be the right choice.

If you are working from home, we would highly recommend that you choose Home Office Broadband. This would enable you to use the phone at the same time as you are online. You can make calls whilst you are connected to Broadband, which you cannot using a Dial-Up connection. If you have been using two phone lines (one for the PC and one for the phone), you will almost certainly find that with Broadband you spend the same amount of money or less because you can cancel one of the phone lines.

 

Small Businesses

If you have less than 20 users, you should be able to cater for their requirements with a Business Broadband service, unless you are also hosting a website or other servers on your connection. If you do have a website, you should probably think about putting that into a shared data centre using a product from the 3Ti's hosting solutions range. This will improve your web site connectivity and allow you to use your connection for end-user Internet access.

 

Medium / Large Businesses

If you have more than 20 users in an office, you should use a Dedicated Access connection. Within the Dedicated Access product range is Leased Line, Ethernet or Microwave Radio connectivity. Your choice of these will depend on your bandwidth requirement and your location, so we recommend that you talk to our Sales department to get a quote for your requirement.