Do Business Better Articles

Be More Productive

• File Storage: How to Use It So You Won't Lose Your Data

  Learn how file storage systems can provide automated, secure backup functions and additional storage capacity for your business.

• What Is a Network Switch?

  Learn what a network switch is and how it differs from a router.

• Small Phone Systems: The Basics

  Which small phone systems will work for your business? Get an overview of the benefits that IP-based small phone systems offer, including better productivity, cost savings, and a host of advanced features.

• Office Phone System: Designed to Help You Grow

  See how an IP-based office phone system can help you reduce administrative costs, be more productive, collaborate better, and deliver superior customer service with advanced technologies that give your company the same communication tools that your larger competitors have.

• How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller

  Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.

• Ten Tips for Making Your Business More Efficient

  These 10 tips will help you work more efficiently, cut costs, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition.

• Productivity Begins with a Secure Network

  Learn how a secure network, coupled with the power of wireless and IP communications, can make your business faster, smarter, and more adaptable.

• Business Productivity: Preparing for a Boost

  Help your company transition to a network with advanced communications tools, such as Cisco Unified Communications and video conferencing, by following these seven steps.

• Unified Communications Offers Value to Small and Medium-Size Businesses - Manufacturing Companies

  Survey conducted with over 350 Manufacturing companies around effectiveness, business value of Unified Communications.

• Productivity Perks of a Secure Network

  Collaborate with customers. Go global. Stay in touch around the clock. These are just some of the benefits that a secure Cisco network foundation can help your company achieve.

• What You Need to Know About Voice and Conferencing

  As your business grows, IP-based communications technology can provide the tools to help your business succeed.

• Small Office Phone System: Getting Started

  Before getting started with voice and conferencing, think about these five considerations.

• PBX Providing Business Value?

  Learn why businesses are finding value by moving their Small Business PBX systems toward unified communications solutions with IP PBX functionality.

• Next-generation Office Phone System

  With next-generation small office PBX systems, small businesses have the type of communications systems their larger competitors have, in a solution that's built especially for their needs and budgets.

• Why Evolve Your Office Phone System

  Learn about the benefits of an advanced small office pbx phone system.

• Adding IP to Small Office PBX Telephone Systems

  Instead of requiring two networks, next-generation small office PBX telephone systems only need one—which simplifies network management and administration costs.

• Do What You Want with Your Phone System

  A flexible phone system lets you connect employees and customers, enable collaboration, and access information from anywhere.

• Big Benefits for Your Small Business -- Video, Data and Video Applications

  Voice, data and even video applications are all possible with a small office phone system. Learn what one can do for your business.

• Voice over IP FAQ

  Find answers to questions that small businesses frequently ask about Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) and unified communications.

• What is Voice over IP

  What is Voice over IP? How is it different from unified communications? And how can it help your small business?

• Small Office Phone System: Basic and Affordable

  Learn how a small office phone system on a converged network makes basic and sophisticated business communications more affordable and effective.

• Buyers Guide for Small Business Phone Systems

  This buyer's guide helps small business owners decide which phone system is best for their business needs.

   

  Back to Top

Connect Employees and Offices

• Simplifying Technology: Ways to Connect Your Business (PDF - 1.4 MB)

  Learn the who, why, how, and where of connecting a business so you can make informed technology decisions that save your company time and money.

• Basic Networking: What You Need to Know

  Learn about routers and switches, the basic hardware of networks, and make better decisions about the network design your business needs.

• What Is a Network Switch?

  Learn what a network switch is and how it differs from a router.

• How Does a Network Switch Work?

  Understand what a network switch does and how it works.

• Considering Wireless Networking?

  Understand common concerns about wireless networking and whether it's the right technology for your business.

• Small Business Communication System: Three Reasons to Consider

  Get an overview of how a small business communication system can improve day-to-day operations by providing easy access to all your applications, enhanced collaboration tools, and a flexible foundation for future growth.

• Networking Solutions for Small Business

  Learn how Cisco networking solutions for small business can help you compete better against larger companies while lowering communications costs, boosting efficiency, and improving customer service.

• Small Business Phone Systems from Cisco

  Collaborate in real time using a variety of applications from one easy-to-use interface. Small business phone systems from Cisco give you cost-effective and powerful communications capabilities.

• How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller

  Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.

• The Power of Connections

  Find out how Cisco Unified Communications and a virtual private network (VPN) can keep your most vital resource connected and productive no matter where they are.

• Collaboration and the Competitive Edge

  Collaboration can yield immediate and long term benefits; greater efficiency and enhanced margin and revenue.

• Connected Businesses Win

  Networks connect your world securely, reliably and more efficiently.

• Small Business Networking: The Basics

  Find out how a secure network foundation can change your business.

• Preparing for an End-to-End Cisco Network

  Planning advice for those considering a Cisco end-to-end network.

• The Five Productivity Benefits of a Secure Network

  A secure Cisco network foundation can help you continue to enhance your company's productivity in five ways.

• Networking Basics: What You Need to Know

  Find out how switches and routers operate in a network.

• Unsung Heroes - How Routing & Switching Keep the Business Going

  Routers and switches can improve a company's bottom line by enabling your company to increase productivity, cut business costs, and improve security and customer service.

• Building a Small Office Network: Getting Started

  An introduction to the business benefits of routing and switching technology. Learn what it can do for you.

• Outpace the Competition

  The benefits of a small-business computer network from Cisco can help you outpace the competition. Find out how.

• Get Ahead with a Business Communications Network

  By combining voice, video, and data on a single network, you can cut costs and do more. Learn how.

• Small Business VoIP: All Your Communications in One Basket

  Imagine your email, voice and video communications all on one secure, easy-to-manage network. That's just the beginning of what a small business VoIP network can do for you.

• Using Your Phone for Competitive Advantage

  Help your business work smarter, faster and more effectively with a small-business phone system from Cisco.

• Use VoIP to Do More with Less

  Enjoy the speed, flexibility, and security of unified communications on your own network.

• Communications System: Putting it All Together

  See how the elements of an IP-based communications system work together to enhance collaboration, boost productivity, and cut costs.

• Learn What VoIP Can Do for You

  VoIP helps improve productivity and efficiency. Learn how it can help you.

   

  Back to Top

Do Business Better

• Need Speed? 5 Ways to Tune Your Network with a LAN Switch

  Steer traffic around congestion and reduce collisions. Two network experts share tips on segmenting, increasing capacity, VLAN routing, and more.

• Results from Virtualization: Partner Cuts PC, Labor Costs

  Picking the right IT partner paid off. This customer's desktop virtualization (VDI) saves it PC upgrade costs and transformed its user support.

• Advice to Managers: Five Ways to Simplify Your PCI 2.0 Compliance

  If the acronym "PCI" makes your heart race, you're in good company.

• How to Protect Your Voice: Tips on IP Phone Security

  Cybercriminals will happily tell you: IP telephony, known as VoIP, is a wonderful thing.

• How to Get More Hours in Your Day: A Managed IT Service

  How many staff hours would your business reclaim by outsourcing network maintenance and support?

• Is Your Network Really Ready for Video? 10 Tips

  Each day, more businesses are using video applications to communicate faster, collaborate and train more effectively, and reduce cycle times and travel expenses.

• Why Insist on an Expert IT Partner: Costs Are Cut 30 Percent

  Picking the right IT provider can make a big difference. This company immediately began saving thousands and will soon attain full ROI.

• How to Win the Mobility Game: Set Up the Right Access Points

  Connect users wherever they are, and offload their 3G/4G traffic. IT experts offer tips for WLAN security and top performance, anywhere.

• The ROI of Virtualization: Get Big Results from Your Servers

  How can your business cut costs by 50 percent? And also save on IT staffing? What is a virtual server? Here are the answers.

• Four Steps to Virtualization: How to Start a Server Project

  Server virtualization can lead to awesome ROI. Learn best practices for getting started, from IT experts who've been there and done that.

• From the Cloud: How to Get Started with Telepresence

  Any size business can now get the top videoconferencing experience--from a monthly subscription. Here's how to prepare your network.

• How to Have the Best Sales Month

  You can use a video conference technology--subscription-based telepresence--to close more sales, and close them faster. Get tips from one business that's doing it.

• Better Budgets for 2012: Four Ways to Save on Security Essentials

  Want a bigger salary or more job opportunities? See how to build your IT security expertise, including a new Cisco security certificate.

• Take Control of Your Career: How to Become an IT Security Expert in 2012

  Four ways you can lead your business to stronger IT security-without exhausting your techies or cash. Plus, risks that require fast action?

• The Network Top 10: Technology Trends and Must-Haves for 2012

  Line up for a fast, fun ride—it's all about more wireless network access, high performance, stronger security, and collaborating.

• Five New Tips: How to Find an IT Partner That Will Cut Your Costs

  Who do you trust? Learn strategies other businesses are using to get the IT expertise and services they need. Some start by checking IQ.

• Results of the Right Network: Changes Cut Costs by 50 Percent

  Discover how a small business uses its network to cut OpEx by up to $12,000 a year, save time, and improve its security and service.

• How a Techie Built a Network That Cut Costs by 50 Percent

  Discover how the network at a small business cut OpEx by up to $12,000 a year, saves time, and improves the company's security and service.

• NAS Storage: What to Look For

  Learn about the top features you should look for in a NAS storage appliance.

• Stimulate Your Business

  Q&A with the Small Business Administration on Recovery Act Opportunities for Small Businesses.

• How to Get Ahead in a Challenging Economy

  In this economy, there are so many challenges that it's tough to know where to focus. Here are some key tactics that can help you succeed.

• Business Communication Tools for Tough Times

  Right now, getting the most from your IT budget is critical. Find out what you should focus on to make your employees more productive and your business more competitive.

• The Global Small Business

  Learn how Cisco Unified Communications can help small and medium-sized businesses compete on a global scale.

• How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller

  Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.

• Go Green with Ease: Five Steps for Small IT Shops

  Five ways resource-strapped IT shops can save money and help the environment.

• Business Loans for Women

  Find out how Cisco is supporting the Make Mine a Million $ Business program, which offers business loans for women.

• Ms. Million Dollar Business

  Cisco is technology sponsor for Make Mine a Million $ Business, a program supporting women business owners with loans and technology.

• The Building Blocks for Growth

  Find out what tools are required for a company with 20 employees to grow to 100 employees within one year.

• Big Things from Small Companies

  Cisco's Supplier Diversity Business Development Program works to expand its network of small and diverse suppliers, both domestically and internationally.

• The Benefits of a Cisco Partnership

  When it comes to using your network for success, it's not only what you know, it's who you know.

   

  Back to Top

Secure My Business

• Is Your Network Security Ready for the Cloud? Take This Test

  Traditional firewall blocking? Don't go there. Think more about context awareness, VPNs, and requirements for your cloud provider.

• Get Real About the Security of Employees' Tablets, Smartphones

  BYOD use on your network is inevitable. But it creates risks to business data and productivity. Learn 7 ways to protect your company.

• Simplifying Technology: Secure Your Business (PDF - 2.9 MB)

  This guide can help to relieve your worries about risk exposure. It presents simple, affordable ways to protect your business assets while providing appropriate access to information.

• IP Camera Systems Offer More than Security

  IP camera systems offer affordable, easy-to-administer video surveillance for physical security purposes. But did you know that an IP camera can also help improve productivity?

• Eliminate the Roadblocks to Remote Access, and Save

  Dramatically cut overhead by having your employees and contractors work remotely without sacrificing security.

• Firewall Solutions for Small Business

  See how firewall solutions for small business can help you control access to vital resources, boost productivity, minimize disruptions, and help support your changing business needs.

• Small Business Firewall: Frequently Asked Questions

  This FAQ provides more details about how a small business firewall can help you safeguard your network and protect your business.

• Small Business Firewall Software vs. Hardware Firewalls

  Learn about the differences between small business firewall software and hardware-based firewalls. Get the information you need to build a comprehensive security solution that's right for your business.

• Network Security Checklist

  Complete this checklist to protect yourself against spammers, hackers, disasters, and other threats.

• How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller

  Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.

• Five Steps Toward Disaster Preparedness

  Consider these five key steps when implementing an effective disaster preparedness program for your company.

• Small Business Security: What You Need to Know

  Learn how you can safeguard your network against hackers, spammers, disasters, and more.

• Network Security for Small Business: Things to Consider

  Securing your network isn't just a defensive strategy. Read about the other benefits of a secure network.

• As Strong as the Weakest Link

  A step-by-step approach for building a powerful, flexible, and highly secure network.

• Get a Head Start on Future Security Challenges

  Smart planning up front will mitigate future security challenges. Learn what the key considerations are.;

• What is Network Security?

  Your computer network requires the same level of protection - if not more - than your office and its equipment.

• How Security Pays Off

  Discover the four critical benefits businesses gain from a secured network.

• Small Business Computer Security

  Small business computer security is essential to protecting your company from viruses, spyware, hackers, and other threats.

• Small Business Network Solutions

  Small business network technologies can help lower costs, improve security, and enhance customer service.

• Align the Business with the Right Security Technology

  Find out how to match the needs of your business with the right security technologies.

   

  Back to Top

Serve Customers Better

• Eight Strategies for First-rate Customer Service

  These eight strategies will create relationships with your customers that will keep them coming back.

• The Basics of Serving Customers Better

  Customer satisfaction starts when you offer both a trouble-free shopping experience and a smooth business transaction. But you also have to anticipate and meet your customers' wants, not just needs.

• How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller

  Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.

• Upgrading Your Network for CRM? Six Things to Consider

  Thinking about adding customer relationship management tools to your Cisco Unified Communications phone system? Here are six things to consider before you upgrade your network.

• Small Business VoIP: The Basics

  See how combining voice and data on a single, secure network foundation with a small business voice over IP (VoIP) system can help you meet your biggest business challenges.

• Serve Your Customer Better

  Find out how customer relationship management (CRM) software and wireless connectivity can help your small business improve productivity, respond to customers quickly, and generate new business.

• Unified Communications Offers Value To Small and Medium Businesses - Financial Services

  Cisco commissioned Forrester Research to survey 374 companies to quantify how unified communications (UC) affect the small and medium-size business sector.

• Small Business Phones

  Small business phones using VoIP, unified messaging, video and other applications can help improve your customer relationships.

• VoIP Can Reduce Operating Expenses

  VoIP can dramatically reduce expenses and give you consistent quality of service and stronger security controls.

• How Voice over IP Works

  How Voice over IP works for your business is simple: adding voice to a data network will reduce costs, improve productivity, and enhance collaboration.

• Get an Edge with Cisco IP Phones

  When you join video, voice, and data together on your own easy-to-manage network, you can be much more productive.

   

  Back to Top

Work from Anywhere

• What Is a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN): WLAN FAQ

  Learn what a wireless LAN is, the equipment you'll need, and the benefits you can expect.

• Small Office Phones: The Benefits

  Get an overview of the benefits that small office phones can deliver when connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network.

• Wireless Networking FAQ: Learn about Wireless Networking

  Understand common concerns about wireless networking and whether it's the right technology for your business.

• Small Business Phone System: Business Benefits

  Learn how businesses are taking advantage of voice, conferencing, and Cisco Unified Communications solutions.

• Your Small Business Network from Cisco

  Learn more about how a small business network can give you the secure, flexible, and cost-effective foundation you need to be productive and competitive.

• Work Wherever You Want

  Today's network lets you stay connected, access data, and make business decisions regardless of where you are. Learn about these and other benefits to working from anywhere.

• The Virtual Office Checklist

  Begin by covering access, security and flexibility.

• Building Your Network for Growth and Innovation

  Some tips to make sure your network will grow alongside your business.

• What is a Wireless Network?

  Find out how small businesses are using both wireless networks and WiFi hotspots to stay in touch with co-workers, customers, and partners, regardless of where they are.

• How to Start a Relationship with a Cisco Reseller

  Not sure where to get started? Ask potential partners these five questions about small business solutions.

• Five Reasons to Go Wireless

  Learn five reasons businesses are taking advantage of wireless LANs.

• Wireless Networking: Five Questions to Start With

  Once it's clear how a wireless LAN can help your business, these five considerations will help you get the project off the ground.

• The Network Effect: Productivity

  Find out how a small business network from Cisco Systems can help you increase productivity without increasing your workforce.

   

  Back to Top