T1 Internet Service - When is a Business Internet T1 Justified?
By: Jim Green
Submitted: 2009-12-27 22:45:27 | Word Count: 617
This piece provides an overview of T1 Internet Service for companies that have very high uptime needs. Since T1 Internet service comes with a service level agreement (SLA), average uptime is much higher than DSL or cable. Also, with T1 Internet service, the upload and download rates are consistent. This is essential for critical information needs, where limited downtime can be tolerated and productivity depends on having consistant quality Internet connections. Also, for voice traffic a T1 may be configured for quality of service (QOS) to assure the access speed and consistency needed for quality voice traffic.
Numerous small business employ low-priced Internet links, such as DSL, cable, and fios. To keep costs down, all of these methods use shared resources for access to the Internet backbone. In addition, reliability is not guaranteed, athough a "best effort" is made to retain connection. A business Internet T1 data line, although using the same technology as SDSL, is given a higher value by the telcos. A T1 failing will be repaired within hours whereas a DSL, cable, or fios user might experience a 5 day time to repair.
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Telecommunications vendors provide higher-end services, such as business Internet T1 service, in order to address higher reliability and consistency needs in some businesses. As a business grows and adds employees, the value of an Internet connection increases and the business often requires higher availability. Often, the usage and reliance on the Internet also increases as services such as voice, and shared data services are moved to the "cloud." Usually around 10 employees, a company will find it's telecommunications needs economically served by a business Internet T1 service.
Voice over IP (VOIP) has become widespread as well as various shared data services. Examples include popular applications such as SalesForce.com, GoogleApps, and many more. Generally, the quality of information available on the Internet has improved over time, causing more extensive dependence on connectivity to applications and online data sources. Changing business operations and usage all necessitate additional bandwidth and reliability. Sales revenue and productivity of employees can be affected for each minute of downtime. Imagine having no office telephone service for up to 5 days.
Although difficult to quantify, timely information or lack thereof is vital to the success of many small enterprises. This is especially true for companies using "cloud computing," where online collaboration and information for daily operations in office calendaring, documents and financial data are only accessible through the company Internet link.
With business Internet T1 service, the SLA offers a "guarantee" of reliability and availability of critical Internet services. Although many don't realize it, a company's Internet connection has taken on increasing importance as more business functions and information needed for daily operations now depend on reliable access. Loss of connectivity even for hours or a few days at a time can be fatal to daily operations or even the enterprise.
As T1 prices continue to drop and businesses' need for connectivity increases, a greater number will turn to the reliability and availability of T1 Internet service for day to day operations. The SLA distinguishes T1 Internet service from less expensive and unreliable DSL, cable, and fios services that many are using today. The SLA will be the deciding factor in order that critical operations are maintained, productivity remains high, and acceptable sales and revenue is achieved for survival.
This piece provides an overview of T1 Internet Service for companies that have very high uptime needs. Since T1 Internet service comes with a service level agreement (SLA), average uptime is much higher than DSL or cable. Also, with T1 Internet service, the upload and download rates are consistent. This is essential for critical information needs, where limited downtime can be tolerated and productivity depends on having consistant quality Internet connections. Also, for voice traffic a T1 may be configured for quality of service (QOS) to assure the access speed and consistency needed for quality voice traffic.