Broadband and the Small Technology Business
Dave Aiello wrote, "I showed up in the office this morning, and began some very bandwidth-intensive tasks: I copied the backups of our production SQL databases from our co-located servers in Seattle, and I began a full update of Red Hat Linux 7.2 on a new server I am building, using the Red Hat Update Agent. Both of these tasks required encrypted communication sessions."
"I couldn't have completed them at all without a network-style, broadband connection. We happen to use Verizon Online DSL, but, a lot of services of this sort would be equally good for our purposes."
"In the last four years, CTDATA has utilized broadband services from Covad, Comcast, and Verizon. Of the three, our worst experience was with Comcast. The other services that both happen to use DSL technology have performed well, and customer service and support has been good. We are still evaluating Verizon Online DSL, but we are pleased with the service so far."
Dave Aiello continued:
It's hard for me to imagine how anyone who develops software for a living or provides IT consulting services could get by without having a broadband connection in their office. Yet, there are indications that some people I know in these businesses are still doing it. I realize that these are bad times for many of them, but the productivity gains that can come from broadband use are incalculable.If you are still in the dial-up camp, run, don't walk to sign up for DSL or a cable modem. Most of the major providers have solved their most persistant deployment issues. Take the advice of friends who adopted the technology earlier than you, and opt for the provider with a better service and support record when you have a choice.