Managing IT solutions for a multi-office enterprise will require proper
computer infrastructure. Support for this infrastructure depends on factors
that need to be considered by using IT Consulting services.

Communication Method

Determine on the method of communication that will be used between each of
the locations. Users will need to be able to access information at a
central location such as a home office. The central location is houses the
main computer server. Offices can be connected by a wide area network or
WAN or utilizing the internet for a Virtual Private Network. A VPN will
provide secure site-to-site communication for your IT supportpersonnel to
provide needed services.

Remote Computing

Users that can connect remotely to a central server may not need to have a
traditional desktop that is set up at each location. One option is to use a
dedicated terminal to connect to a mainframe computer such as a Terminal or
Citrix server. This system uses software that allows an application to run
from the server and to be displayed on a remote terminal. You are able to
concentrate all of our data by using a remote system.

Cloud Computing

Businesses that provide IT Support may recommend the use of cloud
computing. This is the use of a service instead of maintaining computer
infrastructure. Resources for each location is shared and made available by
using the Internet. Cloud services can be public or made private and
accessible by using a secure system. A business does not need end-user
knowledge of computer infrastructure to make use of cloud computing
services.

On-Site Support

Computer infrastructure for multi-office locations will require IT support.
This can be done by in-house personnel or by contracting out to a vendor.
The number of IT support personnel needed is based on the number of remote
office locations. One to two IT people are enough to manage infrastructure
needed at two or three locations.

Tips

A Virtual Private Network will allow an IT person at a central location to
access computers that are at a remote location via the internet. This
eliminates the need for IT personnel to travel to different office
locations.

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