Why are the computers slowing down?

When the users on your network start complaining that their everyday tasks are taking noticeably longer, it’s time to take an in-depth look at the key performance issues. Do you need to consider new hardware or software, or would some simple tweaks be enough to sort it out?

A recent article by Bob Tarzey of Quocirca, a UK-based IT research firm, suggests that a poorly managed network, where extra applications, modules or users have been added willy-nilly over the years, can end up frustrating everyone using it. “Today, ensuring the performance, reliability and security of network usage requires that a holistic view is taken of internal network resources, the internet and mobile network services,” he says.

If your system is failing, your first port of call is your server. Do your basic checks: CPU, RAM, disc and network utilisation, and once you’ve got those figures you can start making some educated guesses about where the problem may lie. If it’s not a resource problem, ie: if your server is working within its capacity, then it’s probably a software or application issue.

Application faults and conflicts are relatively simple to identify. Network issues can become more complex if you’re operating a wide area network, or WAN – allowing remote users to access your network. You then have to check those remote users to ensure they haven’t plugged in something or installed an application which is hogging bandwidth. A badly configured network can present a raft of problems, particularly with latency – the time it takes for data to move around the network.

Get it right first time

Of course, the best solution is to get your network properly set up in the first place. Running clever apps and high-powered software on an outdated network is asking for trouble, and there are plenty of options available now that mean less expenditure on hardware. Terminal services, internet and cloud-based services, hosted services – all of these offer flexible solutions for the medium-sized business. However, they do have complicating issues that require careful study before making a choice.

When you’re looking at cloud services, for instance, you need to realise how much more reliant you’ll be on the internet. You have to assess the amount of bandwidth you’re currently using, and calculate how much more you’re likely to need if you move users and applications from server-based to service-based systems. You’ll also need a reliable ISP, and if they can give you a written undertaking about their service, so much the better. You need to question them closely about reliability, redundancy, bandwidth and latency. You’ll want assurances about where your data is stored, and any business that relies heavily on web-based services should definitely have a backup internet connection. For more advice on cloud services see our story ‘Forecast: Partly cloudy’.

For a business that’s expanding – opening a new branch office, for instance – network access can be provided through a virtual private network (VPN) or terminal services. VPN requires more bandwidth than terminal services, but the latter presents only a screen grab to the user, rather than actual data. If you require your remote users (eg: a branch office) to have full access to your network, you may need to consider what’s called a site-to-site VPN, which enables remote users to operate as if they’re part of your local area network [LAN]. This will cost more, because of bandwidth requirements, so you need to be sure you’re getting enough return on investment to justify it. You’ll also want a decent service level agreement with your ISP. The same applies if you’re considering a dedicated or leased internet connection, which means you don’t have to share with a lot of other internet users, but can cost a packet.

A final thought on VPN: don’t try to set it up cheaply. You’ll need a budget of around $25,000. Again, it’s an expense you’ll need to justify by calculating your current and expected number of users, and just much data each of them is moving around. Medium-sized businesses will generally find more economically acceptable solutions in cloud or hosted services.

Plan for growth

When contemplating a new or updated IT infrastructure, don’t just think about what you’re doing now. Everyone wants to grow their business, so think about where you’re going to be a year or two years from now, or even longer. Your big-ticket hardware purchases are going to have a lifespan of 3-5 years on average, and you should buy the best you can get to ensure resilience. Remember: most IT hardware is out of date in less than 12 months. However, costs are coming down all the time, and what was once considered enterprise-level technology is now available to medium sized businesses.

Any system requires someone who knows how to run it, and how to fix it. If you can’t afford a full-time IT person, ensure you’ve got a contractor who’s on call as required. If you’re moving from a server to a service infrastructure, you need to write a detailed policy concerning usage that everyone understands. It needs to cover security if your users are accessing the network externally, and what they’re doing when they’re using your bandwidth. How strict your policy is may depend on whether you can afford to police it. Also, more people are keen to use their own devices at work – see this story for more about that.

Finally, you should resist just bolting on new modules or adding new applications. If they weren’t designed for your network, that’s a great way to slow it down or even make it crash.

The best answer? A fully integrated system that can operate on a local server or in the cloud, and which is installed and maintained by an experienced vendor who understands your particular needs.

Now what’s the name that springs to mind? Oh yes – Greentree.

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