Thursday, September 16, 2010

3 Tips For Choosing a Network Cabling Provider




As technology becomes increasingly important to your company, it is vital that you find a network cabling provider (NCP) upon whom you can rely. Whether you're having a PBX phone system installed or you're upgrading your company's communication architecture to a T1 pipe, the impact of a poor installation can be substantial. Today's article will focus on how to find a network cabling contractor who can get the job done properly the first time.
#1 - Identify Your Requirements
Every job is different, of course. It's worth taking the time before contacting a NCP to determine the type of work your business needs. Doing so will help you choose a contractor who can perform the work based upon your company's specific needs.
For example, if you're having a small phone system installed, the network cabling provider may need to perform the installation after normal business hours. Or, if the cable work is going to impact the productivity of a large portion of your staff, it may also be a good idea to wait until your employees go home. Other considerations include whether you'll need to provide any equipment for the contractor and whether specific permits are required.
#2 - Look For Experience
Most contractors are trained to handle the cable jobs you need them to perform on-site. However, being trained is not the same as having experience. Before hiring a NCP, ask them to describe the experience they have in providing the type of work your business needs. For example, if you're having fiber optic lines installed, you'll want the peace of mind of knowing the network cabling provider has done this type of job before.
#3 - Look For Licensing And Certifications
To be sure, not all cable jobs will require specific licenses. However, keep in mind that these types of jobs are often complex and can easily become problematic. A state licensed contractor cannot guarantee the installation or upgrade will be problem-free, but his or her license does imply a higher level of professionalism.
The same is true for professional certifications. New technology requires training. While a contractor may be very knowledgeable about the architecture involved, having specific certification implies that he or she has received the latest training. The installation you're having performed will likely have a long-lasting impact on your business. Make sure the network cabling provider you're entrusting with the job understands the architecture.
Implementing new communication technologies throughout your company can give you a competitive advantage in your market. However, if an installation or upgrade is performed poorly, it can have the opposite effect. It can hamper your productivity, prevent your employees from doing their jobs, and even become an obstacle for your customers. Use the tips above to identify a network cabling provider that can fulfill your technology requirements the first time.
Choosing the right providers for your business is one of the things that is so important, but so difficult at the same time. It is essential to make the right decisions for your company and your employees.

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