How to choose the right ADSL connection for your business

So says Derek Hershaw, CEO of MWEB ISP, who notes that many businesses, particularly smaller enterprises, often try to make do with consumer-type alternatives.

A 'broadband' connection meant for home use is not ideal for use as a business connection. It certainly will not be able to deliver the level of performance that most businesses need - particularly if they hope to use the internet for more than a few emails and occasional web surfing," he adds.

"They also won't be able to use technologies like video conferencing, remote back-up and archiving and other essential productivity enhancers that Cloud makes possible, effectively."

Hershaw points out that for technological freedom and cloud exploration, a reliable, fast, uncapped internet connection is essential. The connection should be able to cope with high traffic volumes as well as ensure productivity levels within the organisation are not compromised by slow data transfer speeds.

Businesses should ask their ISPs for advice to ensure that the connection is the best in terms of value for money and performance. Performance is a function of speed and reliability. Q

Questions to ask an ISP to ensure an optimal solution for your business:

1. Is the service shaped or unshaped?
   
2. Is priority given to some kinds of traffic over others such as peer-to-peer applications?
   
3. Is there a rolling threshold on the uncapped allowance? If so, what happens when you reach that threshold?
   
4. Does the service have connectivity redundancy on its international links? This is essential if one link goes down.
   
5. Do you provide round-the-clock technical support?
   

"At MWEB Business, we recognise that businesses have differing needs and budgets," Hershaw says.

"While all our business offerings harness the speed and power of MWEB Business' robust network and deliver the essential reliability, redundancy and 24/7 technical support businesses need, there are different 'flavours' of business connectivity available."