Our consultants have designed, and our technicians have installed and maintained computer networks since 1988. The two network operating systems that we install and service are Microsoft Windows 2003, Microsoft Small Business Server and Novell Netware. PATTCO Printer Systems is a Microsoft Certified Partner. The basic computer networking concepts are:
Peer-to-Peer Local Area Network
-A simple file sharing and/or printer or other resource sharing concept suitable for small environments, generally up to six or seven users
-Application software must be appropriately suited
-Often no additional network software needs to be purchased
-Generally does not require dedicated resources
-WIN98, WIN2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 is generally accepted as best peer-to-peer software
Client-Server Local Area Network
-Suited for use within the business facilities of one business address
-A file sharing or managing concept that can range from simple file sharing to a very complex file and resource management business tool
-Suitable for small to very large environments
-Application software must be appropriately suited
-Additional network software must be purchased
-Requires very specific dedicated resources including both hardware and software components
-Novell Netware and Windows 2003 (including Small Business Server) are both accepted as best client-server network software, and should be chosen between based on the overall concerns of the installation
Client-Server Wide Area Network
-Suited for use within the business facilities of more than one business address
-Requires use of communications; generally some type of telephone line
-A file sharing or managing concept that can range from simple file sharing to a very complex file and resource management business tool
-Suitable for small to very large environments
-Application software must be appropriately suited
-Additional network software must be purchased
-Requires very specific dedicated resources including both hardware and software components
-Novell Netware and Windows 2003 are both accepted as best client-server network software, and should be chosen between based on the overall concerns of the installation
PATTCO technicians also possess the unique ability for integration of networks with the IBM MidRange family of systems. This type of integration includes:
-PC’s communicating with IBM MidRange systems such as the AS/400
-PC printers emulating IBM MidRange printers
-PC Networks communicating with IBM MidRange systems both locally and remotely
Network Consulting
Our consultants utilize specific, industry-related training, experience, knowledge, and research to provide clients with professional, detailed, information-technology strategies & solutions. Our goal is to provide our client with the best opportunity for maximum return on investment of information- technology. We focus on the client's benefit as the basis for any recommendation. The two primary types of consulting services we offer are:
-Assistance and direction in choosing the most effective networking solution when installing new technology or upgrading existing systems
-Assistance in determining the best value when obtaining network software products or licenses
Since we are not a traditional reseller of hardware and software, we have no vested interest in the solution that we present. Often however, the solution will include services that we can provide. For this reason, our consulting services are treated as a separate entity to all other services we offer, and we always strive to present fair market value options rather than "price-quote" options when services pricing is included as a part of a recommended solution.