Deciding whether to build or buy your next office network is an important decision that requires careful analysis of your business needs, budget, and IT capabilities. Here is an in-depth look at the key factors to consider when making this choice:
Cost Considerations For Building vs Buying
One of the biggest factors is likely to be cost. Here’s an overview of how the costs compare:
-
Building an office network yourself will require upfront investments in network hardware like routers, switches, servers, and cables. You’ll also need IT staff salaries and training. However, you’ll have full control to customize the network to your needs.
-
Buying a pre-configured network system will have higher upfront costs but faster deployment. Vendor service contracts cost more than in-house staff over time. You’ll be limited to what models the vendor offers but gain their experience.
To get an accurate comparison, get quotes from vendors on hardware, software, licensing, installation services, and support contracts. Compare to salary and training costs for IT staff to build and manage the network long-term.
IT Capabilities And Resources
Building your own network requires skilled IT staff to design, deploy, and manage it. Consider if you have or can hire:
- Network engineers to design and integrate the systems
- Systems administrators to install OSes and applications
- Security analysts to implement firewalls, threat monitoring, etc.
With buying a network, the vendor takes care of design and deployment. But you’ll still need IT staff for administration, user support, and security.
Evaluate whether you have the right IT capabilities in-house vs. outsourcing all or part of the work.
Network Performance And Scalability
The performance and scalability of the network will impact productivity.
When building your own, you control the quality and capacity of network hardware. But robust performance requires advanced network engineering skills.
With a bought network, you are limited to the vendor’s equipment. But it will be enterprise-grade and tested for scale. Purchasing agreements can allow upgrades as you grow.
Consider if your business needs will require a high degree of customizability or reliability out of the gate and down the road.
Network Configuration Flexibility
The ability to customize the network to your specific requirements may guide your decision.
Building gives you full control to design the network around your needs – types of applications, traffic patterns, security policies, etc. But you’ll take on the complexity of configuring it.
With a pre-configured bought network, you are limited to the vendor’s standard options. But the network will work right “out-of-the-box” and be supported.
If you have specialized needs like custom applications, IoT connectivity, or complex multi-site networks – building may be preferable. If you just need basic office functionality – buying gets you up and running faster.
Service And Support Responsibilities
With a self-built network, your IT team is solely responsible for all service and support like:
- Internet connectivity monitoring
- Troubleshooting performance issues
- Managing security patches and updates
- Adding new hardware and applications
- Supporting users and fixing problems
Buying a network transfers these responsibilities to the vendor via a service contract. But issues still require coordination with your in-house IT team.
Factor whether you are equipped to provide 24/7 monitoring and emergency response. If not, buying with a strong SLA may be low-risk.
Summary And Recommendations
Deciding between buying and building your office network depends on multiple key considerations:
- Analyze all hardware, software, staffing, training, and services costs for accurate budgeting
- Audit in-house IT skills and staffing to meet requirements
- Prioritize performance vs. out-of-the-box functionality based on needs
- Determine required flexibility for configurations and custom apps
- Evaluate service and support responsibilities and risks
For most SMBs without advanced IT expertise, buying tends to be the easiest path. But for larger budgets and needs, building your own tailored network is an option. Involve both IT leadership and business stakeholders in the decision process.
