Home »

UK ISP News Archives

⇆ Speedtest

✎ Review ISP

✔ Compare ISP

★ Top 10 ISPs

BTO Offers Plug-&-Go Office Network

Posted: 02nd Oct, 2003 By: MarkJ

UK ISP BTOpenworld has today introduced another new product, the 'plug-and-go intelligent office network'. It's touted as offering small and home offices an easier way to network and Internet-enable multiple computers, sharing a single broadband connection:

BT OPENWORLD LAUNCHES PLUG-AND-GO INTELLIGENT OFFICE NETWORK

BT Openworld, the UK's leading SME ISP, is offering small and home offices an easier way to network and internet-enable multiple computers, sharing a single broadband connection.

The company has launched an IT 'starter kit' for business broadband subscribers, allowing them to create a plug-and-go small office network in under an hour. The package is based on the 2Wire 'Intelligent Gateway', which allows both Macs and PCs to share a broadband connection, minimising common compatibility problems.

The Gateway includes high-speed internet access, and enables users to connect several computers, all sharing a single broadband connection.

PCs and peripherals can be connected to each other wirelessly using Wi-Fi, or physically using Ethernet cables or USB. Alternatively, they can be networked using telephone access points within the office or home, allowing data to be transferred over ordinary telephone lines.

The intelligent gateway also includes applications for managing and securing internet access. An industrial strength firewall helps users to protect their businesses from unauthorised network access. The Firewall Monitor service continually assesses and alerts users to network threats, checks the firewall rules and automatically downloads updates.

"Small businesses often appreciate the benefits of broadband but struggle to find the time and resources to manage an IT infrastructure. The Intelligent Gateway allows them to set up and manage a network and connect to the internet quickly, safely and cost-effectively," said Jerry Thompson, director, Business Broadband at BT Openworld.

"We feel there's a high demand amongst small businesses for a simple to use yet complete and cost-effective IT solution, combining high-speed internet access with the ability to link PCs and peripherals into a small office network. Anyone wanting to do that in the past might have needed a PhD and a huge amount of patience - now all they need is an hour. And because of the proactive and remote updating capabilities, they can rest assured their security defences and other technology resources will not become obsolete so quickly." Thompson continued.

An Access Controls Service allows businesses to monitor Web usage, as well as define user access privileges on the network. Businesses can also choose to receive new enhanced broadband services and features via the Intelligent Gateway as they become available, without needing to swap out equipment.

Support for users will be provided via a dedicated, 24x7 professionally staffed help desk, which has access to remote management and diagnostic tools. This will enable support agents to identify and fix problems remotely, even carrying out fixes when the office is unmanned. The amount of time users spend managing their own network will be reduced, therefore improving customer satisfaction.

For more information please visit http://www.bt.com/business/broadband