CTSM is a local computer networking specialist.  We project-manage network design, supply and installation as well as ongoing network maintenance and computer support services for SME's in and around Blackburn Lancashire

A solid computer network = strong business foundation

Maintaining a stable, high performance IT system requires specific architecture, good quality hardware and careful management.  Enabling shared resources, centralised, automatic backup and more streamlined business processes, CTSM can ensure your computer network runs like a dream

Computer Network Services

We'll work closely with you to identify the optimum business network design and configuration whether this is with your existing ICT network infrastructure or when you need advice and recommendations for the implementation of a new computer system.

Our strict sourcing policy guarantees you will be equipped with industry standard, quality computer hardware at competitive prices.  From mice to servers our branded solutions include products from world class manufacturers such as D-link®, 3Com™, Draytek, HP®, Fujitsu-Siemens, Lenovo, Intel®, Logitech and Microsoft®.

 

So for Hampshire based, trustworthy network troubleshooting, remote network management, network configuration, network cabling, computer network installation, server support, indeed anything to do with business computer networks, not to mention recurring email issues, contact us today

NB: Free 30-day support on installation comes as standard

Benefits of a well-managed file server and computer network:

Remote access Easy and secure access to your email and data from home, from your laptop, Smart phone or pocket PC* *Some restrictions may apply	Host an internal website Great for keeping all staff up-to-date with important company information like phone directories, shared documents and news using Share Point technology
Share files The server stores important files in a central place.  You control who can access which files so confidential files stay that way.  Ensure all staff have the latest and most up to date information	Back up your data If files are stored on different machines, it's fiddly to get them regularly backed up.  Server data can be backed up every day so you have peace of mind
Exchange email Internal email is handled by the router so it's more secure.  Email is stored centrally and backed up	Electronic diaries Store digital diaries, address books and task lists.  Critical data is available when you're out of the office
Customer Relationship Management Maintaining customer information on a central server so that everyone can stay up to date and information isn't duplicated	Send and receive faxes Anyone on the network can send a fax from their own laptop just like sending a document to print.  Incoming faxes are delivered by email
Share printers Attach several printers to one server and everyone on the network can print to them	Stop viruses and hackers Protect your company network, filter junk email and keep security measures up to date

What type of computer network do you need?

Local Area Network (LAN)

The most familiar type of network is where the computers are close together, normally within the same office or building.  The computers can be connected by cable, (providing high bandwidth and reliability) or wirelessly.  Wireless networks off er lower bandwidth and reliability.  A wireless connection is best employed as an add-on for mobile devices

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Where the computers in a network are geographically far apart, the network is called a WAN and is connected via the Internet

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is a way of securely connecting a remote computer into the office network, enabling users to access everything as if they were in the office.  This is used for mobile employees, remote users and home-based workers who need a secure connection to company data on the network.

Network Switch and Routers

The network switch (or switching hub) connects your computers to the network and the server via Cat5 cable ports.  The router is to your business computer network, what your modem is to your home PC.  It connects your network to the Internet.

Clients and Servers

There are 2 ways computer network systems can be arranged.  Peer-to-peer is a network that is set up without a server.  Each computer shares its files with all the other users on the network.  This can work well when there are only a couple of PC's to connect but it doesn't provide the flexibility, ease of management, reliability or security of a server-based network.

The most common business network arrangement is called client-server.  A server is a computer responsible for the sharing of resources between many computers and controls all network activity.  The other computers on the network are called clients and have to go through a server to access the function or resource which it is controlling.

Servers are often dedicated to one task depending on the type of server software they are running.  For example you may have a network server, email server, print server, file server and web server.  However it is possible to have several of these functions combined on one machine.

We know our stuff and we talk your language...

Our engineers are conversant with many leading computer network systems including: Microsoft Windows 2003® Server, Windows Vista, Windows XP®, Windows 2003®, Microsoft Small Business Server®, Microsoft Back Office®, Novell Netware as well as the specialist HP/Compaq VMS Operating System.  We install network cabling to modern enhanced Cat5e standards - from 5 ports to 500.