Advantages and disadvantages of accounting software
In this guide:
- Accounting software
- How to keep business accounts
- Advantages and disadvantages of accounting software
- Types of accounting software
- Choosing the right accounting package
- Accounting requirements checklist
- Key features of accounting packages
- Specialised requirements for your accounting package
- Implementation checklist for new accounting package
How to keep business accounts
Different ways of keeping small business accounts, including spreadsheets and accounting software packages.
In order to run any business, you need to keep accounts or pay someone to do this for you. Keeping accounts is a legal requirement, but keeping them well is vital to running your business effectively. There are many ways of keeping accounts, including:
- paper-based accounts
- spreadsheet accounts
- computerised accounting packages
Paper-based accounts
Traditionally, accounts were kept on paper with handwritten entries. Many small businesses relied on the traditional methods of bookkeeping, often using specially printed books to organise records. However, handwritten accounts can take a significant amount of business time and it is easy to make mistakes.
If you currently keep paper records such as a notebook or paper receipts, you can continue doing so. However, if you are a VAT-registered business, you must also keep your records of sales and purchases digitally (unless you are exempt). Find out more about Making Tax Digital for VAT.
Accounting spreadsheets
You can set up computing spreadsheets to keep accounts. They can do the sums for you and update all data in a series of spreadsheets simultaneously. However, designing and maintaining a spreadsheet accounts system can be a significant task. Mistakes made in a spreadsheet may go unnoticed and not get corrected until the end of the year.
If you choose to keep digital records on a spreadsheet, you should use bridging software to make sure your spreadsheet is Making Tax Digital compliant. You can use the HMRC online service to search for bridging software.
Accounting software packages
The ease and efficiency of accounting software generally make it a better choice for most businesses. If you choose carefully, the right package can:
- save you time and money
- reduce mistakes in your calculations
- help you gain insights into your business that you would not easily see in paper accounts
A software package that is compatible with Making Tax Digital for VAT will also allow you to keep digital records and submit VAT returns, to ensure that you meet your responsibilities towards HMRC. To find out more, watch a video about getting compatible software.
Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of accounting software.
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Advantages and disadvantages of accounting software
Find out how the right accounting software can help your business, and understand the potential pitfalls.
Reliable accounting software is likely to benefit many businesses. However, such software sometimes comes with its share of problems, so it is important not to overlook the possible issues.
Advantages of accounting software
Benefits of accounting software include:
- simple data entry - it is typically fast, straightforward and only required once
- fast processes - delays, for example between a sale and invoicing, are minimal
- digital record keeping - essential for compliance with Making Tax Digital for VAT
- automation of reports and analysis - eg on profit and loss, debtors and creditors, customer accounts, inventory counts, sales, forecasting, etc
- automation of tasks - eg calculating pay, producing payslips, calculating and submitting VAT, etc
- reduction of errors - eg transposition of figures, incorrect or incomplete recording of transactions, etc
- integration with other systems, such as online banking and e-filing
Using accounting software can help you save time and money, and offer you valuable insight into your business. If you choose the package carefully, investing in a computerised accounting system can be one of the best decisions you can make for your business.
Find tips on choosing the right accounting package and use this HMRC service to search for Making Tax Digital for VAT compliant software.
Disadvantages of accounting software
Certain problems and disadvantages are worth considering if you are looking to use accounting software in your business. For example:
- Price - the package cost, although small in relation to your other costs, is higher than a paper-based system.
- Implementation - manual accounts are generally easier to set up and can be more flexible than computerised accounting. You will probably need some initial help setting up accounting software. Your accountant or system provider will usually charge you for this service.
- Support - you may need to purchase yearly maintenance and support for your package.
- Specialised needs - an accounts package will typically suit most types of business. However, specialist businesses may need to refine the package or change their processes to use accounting software successfully. See more on specialised requirements for your accounting package.
Accounting software may sometimes also have a steep learning curve, so if you are more comfortable writing up ledgers and books, keeping manual accounts may be a simpler option.
Do I need to use accounting software?
Not all businesses will benefit from using accounting software. However, you can't successfully manage your business without some sort of an accounting system. Whether you choose manual over computerised accounting, it's entirely up to you. See how to keep business accounts.
Small or new businesses are probably likely to use manual accounts or a combination of manual and computerised systems until their accounting needs become more complex. You can use our accounting requirements checklist to help you assess and prioritise your accounting needs.
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Types of accounting software
Understand the different types of accounting software, from free software and small business packages, to cloud accounting and enterprise-level software.
Accounting software allows you to monitor and manage the financial health of your business. Many different types of accounting packages are available on the market, with options to suit different business sizes, sectors, industries and even work processes.
Free accounting software
It is possible to get small business accounting software for free. However, free software often comes with limitations - for example, disruptive advertising or locked access to advanced features that are bundled into paid tiers.
If you're not sure which accounting software to use, freeware may allow you to try out different products without having to commit. It can also help you familiarise yourself with using different features so you have a better idea of what type of product you might need.
Small business accounting software
Small business accounting software typically provides all the basic bookkeeping features like invoicing, payroll, reporting and more. These are usually simple programs, easy to use, available off-the-shelf or over the internet. They may have different tiered price plans, providing more functionality for additional fees.
Some small business accounting packages may allow you to integrate them with other services you use in your business, for example, job scheduling or online payments. Other solutions may allow you to create customised functions or modules to fit your specific needs.
Enterprise accounting software
Enterprise accounting software is a package of programmes that allows an organisation to track their financial transactions and the resulting data.
These types of packages are usually more expensive and offer all the standard financial tools and reports, as well as a wider range of features and functions. For example, they will often integrate:
- billing
- purchasing
- reconciliation
- supply chain software
- inventory control
- customer relationship management
- business intelligence through analytics and dashboards
Enterprise-level software commonly features industry-specific modules, eg for construction or manufacturing. Keep in mind that advanced features come at a higher price, so unless you run a complex operation or have very specific business needs, investing in such software may not be worth your while.
Online accounting software
Both free and paid for accounting software may be hosted online or on remote servers in the cloud. Such products offer accounting capabilities in a way that is similar to Software as a Service (SaaS) business model.
Online accounting software usually offers great flexibility and cost benefits. It frees you from having to install and maintain software on your premises and allows you to access your data and your services from remote offices or on the go. However, due to their nature, online accounting software systems pose certain risks, in particular to:
- data protection
- portability of your data
- business continuity options
- service level agreements around service provision
- reliance on internet access and connectivity
If you're considering cloud computing, read about the advantages and disadvantages of SaaS.
Within all the different categories of accounting packages, you can choose from many different options. It is important to choose a solution that fits your business needs. Avoid paying for extra features if you don't need them and, if possible, check trial versions first to make sure that the software meets your expectations.
Find software compatible with Making Tax Digital
All VAT-registered businesses should now be signed up for Making Tax Digital for VAT. If you're not signed up, HM Revenue & Customs will sign you up automatically unless you are exempt or have applied for exemption.
You should now keep VAT records and submit VAT Returns using compatible software. This may be:
- record-keeping software that updates and stores your records digitally and works directly with HMRC systems allowing you to file a VAT Return
- bridging software which works with non-compatible software like spreadsheets, accounting systems and other digital bookkeeping products and lets you send the required information digitally to HMRC in the correct format
If you haven't got it already, search for compatible software to ensure you can meet your Making Tax Digital obligations.
See more on choosing the right accounting package.
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Choosing the right accounting package
How to choose the right accounting package for your business and assess your needs and requirements for accounting software.
Finding the best accounting software that will deliver on all your business needs isn't always easy. Here are some things to consider:
- Is the software built for a particular size of business? For example, a micro business' needs will usually be different from those of a large company.
- Is the software a good fit for your specific industry or business sector?
- How much does it cost and are there any add-on expenses for maintaining the software?
- What features does the software offer? Can you customise it if the basic components don't fit your specific needs?
- Will the software help you comply with statutory requirements, such as audit trails, tax returns or annual accounts?
- Is the software accredited as compliant with all the necessary services? For example, the HMRC's Making Tax Digital for VAT or the PAYE recognition scheme.
- What support is available for the setup, staff training and running and maintenance of the system, and at what cost?
- What security measures are in place to back up data and keep business and customer information safe?
- Is your accountant familiar with the software and is the software itself compatible with the accountant's package? If you're working with an accountant to submit your business accounts, you will most likely want to be able to exchange accounts data electronically.
To help you search for the right software, HMRC offers two tools: find payroll software that is recognised by HMRC and find software for Making Tax Digital for VAT.
Define your business requirements
Once you determine what package options are available, you should define your business requirements and needs, and match them to the existing packages. To assist you with this, we have developed two resources:
- an accounting requirements checklist - to help you assess your business' basic accounting needs
- a list of key features of accounting packages - to help you understand the different tasks accounting software packages can carry out
If your business needs are complex or industry-specific tasks, see specialised requirements for your accounting package.
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Accounting requirements checklist
A checklist to help you work out your business' basic accounting needs before selecting an accounts package.
Keeping good accounts is vital for the health and survival of your business. In order to assess what your business' accounting requirements are, it may be helpful to consider the following:
- Is your business a limited company or do you operate as a sole trader? Sole traders may be able to use a personal accounts package rather than a business package, as they are unlikely to need payroll processing.
- Do you have to comply with Making Tax Digital for VAT? All VAT-registered businesses should now be signed up for Making Tax Digital for VAT. If you're not signed up, HM Revenue & Customs will sign you up automatically unless you are exempt or have applied for exemption. You should now keep VAT records and submit VAT Returns using compatible software.
- Do you have employees? If so, you may want an accounting package with a payroll function rather than separate payroll software. You may need to file certain PAYE returns online, so check that the software can handle e-filing and meets the HM Revenue & Customs payroll standard.
- What is the number of transactions that you expect to do in a month? If less than ten, you may find that a manual accounts system will be the best choice. If more than ten, you may need to select a package designed for higher levels of activity.
- What is the number of users of the accounts package at any given time? If one person does all the accounts work, a simple low-cost package may suffice. However, if several people are entering transactions at the same time, you will need something more sophisticated.
- What computer systems do you use? Most businesses use personal computers with a Windows Operating System and there is a wide range of accounts software for this platform. If you use Macintosh or Linux, your choice of software may be restricted and you may need to consider using a Windows-based PC just for the accounts package. Some applications rely on additional software to link a Macintosh computer to a Windows-based PC.
When you've worked out your business' basic accounting needs, you may want to consider any specialised requirements for your accounting package.
How to prioritise your business' accounting needs
When you are looking at your accounting needs, it is unlikely that a single software package will tick every box on your list. You may need to prioritise features that are essential to your core requirements. To help you do this, think about:
- how much time and cost a particular feature will save you
- what are the consequences of omitting the feature
- could you add the feature on in the future
- how your requirements are likely to change in the future
You could give each detailed feature a rating, for example:
- must have - without this feature the package is not usable
- advantageous - the feature would save a lot of time
- nice to have - useful, but not essential
This will allow you to compare your requirements against each accounting package. If the package doesn't meet your basic or 'must have' business requirements, discard it. From the rest, select the one that delivers the greatest number of advantageous and 'nice to have' features at a price your business can afford.
See also how to choose software for your business.
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Key features of accounting packages
Understand the key features of accounting software, and how they could meet your business' specific needs and requirements.
There are many types of accounting packages for business, with many different features and key functionalities. The software you should consider will depend on the type of business you have and how you run it.
Ideally, you should look for an accounts package that can meet all your basic business needs as well as detailed requirements. To help you work out your basic needs, see our accounting requirements checklist.
Detailed requirements for accounting packages
Requirements you may want to consider include:
- Basic bookkeeping - eg sales and purchase ledgers, nominal ledger and invoicing.
- Ability to keep digital records for Making Tax Digital for VAT purposes.
- VAT calculations - your accounts system should be able to keep track of VAT and calculate your VAT payment at the end of each VAT period.
- Payroll processing - if you have employees, consider a payroll function that calculates PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and National Insurance contributions weekly or monthly.
- Automatisation of management reports - you may need to prepare internal management reports periodically, and a system that gives regular management accounts will help improve business efficiency.
- Invoicing - any accounts package needs to be able to produce invoices, but you will probably want to be able to customise them and you may want to send them by email.
- Credit control - an accounts package can help by highlighting where customers have exceeded their limits and providing statements to chase them.
- Compatibility with other computer systems - including accounts system used by your accountant, as well as stock control systems, an e-commerce website or customer relationship management systems.
- Industry accreditation - from an independent industry body such as the Business Application Software Developers Association.
If your business needs are more complex, see also specialised requirements for your accounting package.
If you are struggling to find the right accounting package, it might be worth asking for advice, or finding out how others in your industry computerise their accounts.
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Specialised requirements for your accounting package
Tailored accounts packages can include specialised features, such as VAT schemes, stock control and electronic payment features.
When choosing an accounts package for your business, you may find that general-purpose applications don't entirely fit your requirements. Depending on how complex your needs are, you may need to consider:
- software with integrated or add-on modules for specific tasks, eg project accounting
- industry-specific solutions
- custom-built solutions
Some of the more common specialised features in accounting software are listed below. You can get accounts packages with all of these features if you need them, but the cost is likely to be higher.
Specialised VAT schemes
There are a number of these, the most familiar of which is the Cash Accounting Scheme where you pay VAT when your invoices have been paid. There are others such as the Flat Rate and Retail Schemes. If you use any of these schemes you should look for a package that supports them.
Foreign currency
If you buy and sell in foreign currencies your accounts may be more complex. You can purchase accounts packages that fully support foreign currencies, but these tend to be designed and priced for larger businesses. You can still operate with a cheaper package, but you will have to do more of the work manually.
Stock control
If your business sells products rather than services and you have a high turnover of sales, you may benefit from integrating your stock control function with your accounts.
Retail point-of-sale
If you have a high volume of small value sales, eg if you have a shop, you should look for an accounts system that supports this type of operation.
Electronic payments
There are significant benefits in paying invoices online using electronic funds transfer. Some accounts packages support this capability in an integrated fashion. If this would deliver significant benefits for your business it is worth investigating how the packages work and the costs that apply to this type of service.
Integration with other IT systems
You may wish to integrate your accounting software with your other software such as customer relationship management or e-commerce website. For example, you may want online financial transactions to be recorded directly to your accounting software.
To help you work out your business' accounting needs, see also our accounting requirements checklist.
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Implementation checklist for new accounting package
How to set up your accounts package and develop a software implementation plan for your business.
There are many approaches to setting up a new accounting package and making it work for your business. Most begin with careful planning and analysis of critical steps that you need to carry out for a successful implementation of the package.
Accounting software implementation checklist
Your implementation plan should consider the following:-
Step 1: Package installation
This will usually be in the form of a CD-Rom, or via internet if hosted in the cloud, and may require you to register the package with the supplier so it is fully licensed and works correctly. Depending on the complexity of the package, the supplier may install it for you.
Step 2: Initial company setup
You will need to enter details of your business including the year-end date, the form of VAT accounting you use and other details. Your accounts package may have several different Charts of Accounts - ie the headings you use in your accounts - so you can choose to suit your type of business. However, you may need to tailor this to your requirements. Your accountant should be able to advise you on this work, or undertake it for you. See how to choose an accountant.
Step 3: Parallel running
You may find it useful to run your old accounts and the new package alongside each other for a while to ensure that you are getting the correct results. However, it is difficult to maintain parallel running for very long because of the duplication of effort.
Step 4: Training
The staff who will work with the accounts package on a day-to-day basis should ideally have some formal training. You should time this training so that it is done shortly before the installation of the software.
Step 5: Support
It is a good idea to purchase a support agreement from your supplier for your new accounts package, at least for the first year of operation so that you have a readily available contact to help sort out queries and problems. Many small businesses find that a support agreement is a good investment even after this initial period.
For more best practice tips, see also software installation and maintenance.
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Types of accounting software
In this guide:
- Accounting software
- How to keep business accounts
- Advantages and disadvantages of accounting software
- Types of accounting software
- Choosing the right accounting package
- Accounting requirements checklist
- Key features of accounting packages
- Specialised requirements for your accounting package
- Implementation checklist for new accounting package
How to keep business accounts
Different ways of keeping small business accounts, including spreadsheets and accounting software packages.
In order to run any business, you need to keep accounts or pay someone to do this for you. Keeping accounts is a legal requirement, but keeping them well is vital to running your business effectively. There are many ways of keeping accounts, including:
- paper-based accounts
- spreadsheet accounts
- computerised accounting packages
Paper-based accounts
Traditionally, accounts were kept on paper with handwritten entries. Many small businesses relied on the traditional methods of bookkeeping, often using specially printed books to organise records. However, handwritten accounts can take a significant amount of business time and it is easy to make mistakes.
If you currently keep paper records such as a notebook or paper receipts, you can continue doing so. However, if you are a VAT-registered business, you must also keep your records of sales and purchases digitally (unless you are exempt). Find out more about Making Tax Digital for VAT.
Accounting spreadsheets
You can set up computing spreadsheets to keep accounts. They can do the sums for you and update all data in a series of spreadsheets simultaneously. However, designing and maintaining a spreadsheet accounts system can be a significant task. Mistakes made in a spreadsheet may go unnoticed and not get corrected until the end of the year.
If you choose to keep digital records on a spreadsheet, you should use bridging software to make sure your spreadsheet is Making Tax Digital compliant. You can use the HMRC online service to search for bridging software.
Accounting software packages
The ease and efficiency of accounting software generally make it a better choice for most businesses. If you choose carefully, the right package can:
- save you time and money
- reduce mistakes in your calculations
- help you gain insights into your business that you would not easily see in paper accounts
A software package that is compatible with Making Tax Digital for VAT will also allow you to keep digital records and submit VAT returns, to ensure that you meet your responsibilities towards HMRC. To find out more, watch a video about getting compatible software.
Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of accounting software.
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Advantages and disadvantages of accounting software
Find out how the right accounting software can help your business, and understand the potential pitfalls.
Reliable accounting software is likely to benefit many businesses. However, such software sometimes comes with its share of problems, so it is important not to overlook the possible issues.
Advantages of accounting software
Benefits of accounting software include:
- simple data entry - it is typically fast, straightforward and only required once
- fast processes - delays, for example between a sale and invoicing, are minimal
- digital record keeping - essential for compliance with Making Tax Digital for VAT
- automation of reports and analysis - eg on profit and loss, debtors and creditors, customer accounts, inventory counts, sales, forecasting, etc
- automation of tasks - eg calculating pay, producing payslips, calculating and submitting VAT, etc
- reduction of errors - eg transposition of figures, incorrect or incomplete recording of transactions, etc
- integration with other systems, such as online banking and e-filing
Using accounting software can help you save time and money, and offer you valuable insight into your business. If you choose the package carefully, investing in a computerised accounting system can be one of the best decisions you can make for your business.
Find tips on choosing the right accounting package and use this HMRC service to search for Making Tax Digital for VAT compliant software.
Disadvantages of accounting software
Certain problems and disadvantages are worth considering if you are looking to use accounting software in your business. For example:
- Price - the package cost, although small in relation to your other costs, is higher than a paper-based system.
- Implementation - manual accounts are generally easier to set up and can be more flexible than computerised accounting. You will probably need some initial help setting up accounting software. Your accountant or system provider will usually charge you for this service.
- Support - you may need to purchase yearly maintenance and support for your package.
- Specialised needs - an accounts package will typically suit most types of business. However, specialist businesses may need to refine the package or change their processes to use accounting software successfully. See more on specialised requirements for your accounting package.
Accounting software may sometimes also have a steep learning curve, so if you are more comfortable writing up ledgers and books, keeping manual accounts may be a simpler option.
Do I need to use accounting software?
Not all businesses will benefit from using accounting software. However, you can't successfully manage your business without some sort of an accounting system. Whether you choose manual over computerised accounting, it's entirely up to you. See how to keep business accounts.
Small or new businesses are probably likely to use manual accounts or a combination of manual and computerised systems until their accounting needs become more complex. You can use our accounting requirements checklist to help you assess and prioritise your accounting needs.
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Types of accounting software
Understand the different types of accounting software, from free software and small business packages, to cloud accounting and enterprise-level software.
Accounting software allows you to monitor and manage the financial health of your business. Many different types of accounting packages are available on the market, with options to suit different business sizes, sectors, industries and even work processes.
Free accounting software
It is possible to get small business accounting software for free. However, free software often comes with limitations - for example, disruptive advertising or locked access to advanced features that are bundled into paid tiers.
If you're not sure which accounting software to use, freeware may allow you to try out different products without having to commit. It can also help you familiarise yourself with using different features so you have a better idea of what type of product you might need.
Small business accounting software
Small business accounting software typically provides all the basic bookkeeping features like invoicing, payroll, reporting and more. These are usually simple programs, easy to use, available off-the-shelf or over the internet. They may have different tiered price plans, providing more functionality for additional fees.
Some small business accounting packages may allow you to integrate them with other services you use in your business, for example, job scheduling or online payments. Other solutions may allow you to create customised functions or modules to fit your specific needs.
Enterprise accounting software
Enterprise accounting software is a package of programmes that allows an organisation to track their financial transactions and the resulting data.
These types of packages are usually more expensive and offer all the standard financial tools and reports, as well as a wider range of features and functions. For example, they will often integrate:
- billing
- purchasing
- reconciliation
- supply chain software
- inventory control
- customer relationship management
- business intelligence through analytics and dashboards
Enterprise-level software commonly features industry-specific modules, eg for construction or manufacturing. Keep in mind that advanced features come at a higher price, so unless you run a complex operation or have very specific business needs, investing in such software may not be worth your while.
Online accounting software
Both free and paid for accounting software may be hosted online or on remote servers in the cloud. Such products offer accounting capabilities in a way that is similar to Software as a Service (SaaS) business model.
Online accounting software usually offers great flexibility and cost benefits. It frees you from having to install and maintain software on your premises and allows you to access your data and your services from remote offices or on the go. However, due to their nature, online accounting software systems pose certain risks, in particular to:
- data protection
- portability of your data
- business continuity options
- service level agreements around service provision
- reliance on internet access and connectivity
If you're considering cloud computing, read about the advantages and disadvantages of SaaS.
Within all the different categories of accounting packages, you can choose from many different options. It is important to choose a solution that fits your business needs. Avoid paying for extra features if you don't need them and, if possible, check trial versions first to make sure that the software meets your expectations.
Find software compatible with Making Tax Digital
All VAT-registered businesses should now be signed up for Making Tax Digital for VAT. If you're not signed up, HM Revenue & Customs will sign you up automatically unless you are exempt or have applied for exemption.
You should now keep VAT records and submit VAT Returns using compatible software. This may be:
- record-keeping software that updates and stores your records digitally and works directly with HMRC systems allowing you to file a VAT Return
- bridging software which works with non-compatible software like spreadsheets, accounting systems and other digital bookkeeping products and lets you send the required information digitally to HMRC in the correct format
If you haven't got it already, search for compatible software to ensure you can meet your Making Tax Digital obligations.
See more on choosing the right accounting package.
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Choosing the right accounting package
How to choose the right accounting package for your business and assess your needs and requirements for accounting software.
Finding the best accounting software that will deliver on all your business needs isn't always easy. Here are some things to consider:
- Is the software built for a particular size of business? For example, a micro business' needs will usually be different from those of a large company.
- Is the software a good fit for your specific industry or business sector?
- How much does it cost and are there any add-on expenses for maintaining the software?
- What features does the software offer? Can you customise it if the basic components don't fit your specific needs?
- Will the software help you comply with statutory requirements, such as audit trails, tax returns or annual accounts?
- Is the software accredited as compliant with all the necessary services? For example, the HMRC's Making Tax Digital for VAT or the PAYE recognition scheme.
- What support is available for the setup, staff training and running and maintenance of the system, and at what cost?
- What security measures are in place to back up data and keep business and customer information safe?
- Is your accountant familiar with the software and is the software itself compatible with the accountant's package? If you're working with an accountant to submit your business accounts, you will most likely want to be able to exchange accounts data electronically.
To help you search for the right software, HMRC offers two tools: find payroll software that is recognised by HMRC and find software for Making Tax Digital for VAT.
Define your business requirements
Once you determine what package options are available, you should define your business requirements and needs, and match them to the existing packages. To assist you with this, we have developed two resources:
- an accounting requirements checklist - to help you assess your business' basic accounting needs
- a list of key features of accounting packages - to help you understand the different tasks accounting software packages can carry out
If your business needs are complex or industry-specific tasks, see specialised requirements for your accounting package.
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Accounting requirements checklist
A checklist to help you work out your business' basic accounting needs before selecting an accounts package.
Keeping good accounts is vital for the health and survival of your business. In order to assess what your business' accounting requirements are, it may be helpful to consider the following:
- Is your business a limited company or do you operate as a sole trader? Sole traders may be able to use a personal accounts package rather than a business package, as they are unlikely to need payroll processing.
- Do you have to comply with Making Tax Digital for VAT? All VAT-registered businesses should now be signed up for Making Tax Digital for VAT. If you're not signed up, HM Revenue & Customs will sign you up automatically unless you are exempt or have applied for exemption. You should now keep VAT records and submit VAT Returns using compatible software.
- Do you have employees? If so, you may want an accounting package with a payroll function rather than separate payroll software. You may need to file certain PAYE returns online, so check that the software can handle e-filing and meets the HM Revenue & Customs payroll standard.
- What is the number of transactions that you expect to do in a month? If less than ten, you may find that a manual accounts system will be the best choice. If more than ten, you may need to select a package designed for higher levels of activity.
- What is the number of users of the accounts package at any given time? If one person does all the accounts work, a simple low-cost package may suffice. However, if several people are entering transactions at the same time, you will need something more sophisticated.
- What computer systems do you use? Most businesses use personal computers with a Windows Operating System and there is a wide range of accounts software for this platform. If you use Macintosh or Linux, your choice of software may be restricted and you may need to consider using a Windows-based PC just for the accounts package. Some applications rely on additional software to link a Macintosh computer to a Windows-based PC.
When you've worked out your business' basic accounting needs, you may want to consider any specialised requirements for your accounting package.
How to prioritise your business' accounting needs
When you are looking at your accounting needs, it is unlikely that a single software package will tick every box on your list. You may need to prioritise features that are essential to your core requirements. To help you do this, think about:
- how much time and cost a particular feature will save you
- what are the consequences of omitting the feature
- could you add the feature on in the future
- how your requirements are likely to change in the future
You could give each detailed feature a rating, for example:
- must have - without this feature the package is not usable
- advantageous - the feature would save a lot of time
- nice to have - useful, but not essential
This will allow you to compare your requirements against each accounting package. If the package doesn't meet your basic or 'must have' business requirements, discard it. From the rest, select the one that delivers the greatest number of advantageous and 'nice to have' features at a price your business can afford.
See also how to choose software for your business.
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Key features of accounting packages
Understand the key features of accounting software, and how they could meet your business' specific needs and requirements.
There are many types of accounting packages for business, with many different features and key functionalities. The software you should consider will depend on the type of business you have and how you run it.
Ideally, you should look for an accounts package that can meet all your basic business needs as well as detailed requirements. To help you work out your basic needs, see our accounting requirements checklist.
Detailed requirements for accounting packages
Requirements you may want to consider include:
- Basic bookkeeping - eg sales and purchase ledgers, nominal ledger and invoicing.
- Ability to keep digital records for Making Tax Digital for VAT purposes.
- VAT calculations - your accounts system should be able to keep track of VAT and calculate your VAT payment at the end of each VAT period.
- Payroll processing - if you have employees, consider a payroll function that calculates PAYE (Pay As You Earn) and National Insurance contributions weekly or monthly.
- Automatisation of management reports - you may need to prepare internal management reports periodically, and a system that gives regular management accounts will help improve business efficiency.
- Invoicing - any accounts package needs to be able to produce invoices, but you will probably want to be able to customise them and you may want to send them by email.
- Credit control - an accounts package can help by highlighting where customers have exceeded their limits and providing statements to chase them.
- Compatibility with other computer systems - including accounts system used by your accountant, as well as stock control systems, an e-commerce website or customer relationship management systems.
- Industry accreditation - from an independent industry body such as the Business Application Software Developers Association.
If your business needs are more complex, see also specialised requirements for your accounting package.
If you are struggling to find the right accounting package, it might be worth asking for advice, or finding out how others in your industry computerise their accounts.
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Specialised requirements for your accounting package
Tailored accounts packages can include specialised features, such as VAT schemes, stock control and electronic payment features.
When choosing an accounts package for your business, you may find that general-purpose applications don't entirely fit your requirements. Depending on how complex your needs are, you may need to consider:
- software with integrated or add-on modules for specific tasks, eg project accounting
- industry-specific solutions
- custom-built solutions
Some of the more common specialised features in accounting software are listed below. You can get accounts packages with all of these features if you need them, but the cost is likely to be higher.
Specialised VAT schemes
There are a number of these, the most familiar of which is the Cash Accounting Scheme where you pay VAT when your invoices have been paid. There are others such as the Flat Rate and Retail Schemes. If you use any of these schemes you should look for a package that supports them.
Foreign currency
If you buy and sell in foreign currencies your accounts may be more complex. You can purchase accounts packages that fully support foreign currencies, but these tend to be designed and priced for larger businesses. You can still operate with a cheaper package, but you will have to do more of the work manually.
Stock control
If your business sells products rather than services and you have a high turnover of sales, you may benefit from integrating your stock control function with your accounts.
Retail point-of-sale
If you have a high volume of small value sales, eg if you have a shop, you should look for an accounts system that supports this type of operation.
Electronic payments
There are significant benefits in paying invoices online using electronic funds transfer. Some accounts packages support this capability in an integrated fashion. If this would deliver significant benefits for your business it is worth investigating how the packages work and the costs that apply to this type of service.
Integration with other IT systems
You may wish to integrate your accounting software with your other software such as customer relationship management or e-commerce website. For example, you may want online financial transactions to be recorded directly to your accounting software.
To help you work out your business' accounting needs, see also our accounting requirements checklist.
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Implementation checklist for new accounting package
How to set up your accounts package and develop a software implementation plan for your business.
There are many approaches to setting up a new accounting package and making it work for your business. Most begin with careful planning and analysis of critical steps that you need to carry out for a successful implementation of the package.
Accounting software implementation checklist
Your implementation plan should consider the following:-
Step 1: Package installation
This will usually be in the form of a CD-Rom, or via internet if hosted in the cloud, and may require you to register the package with the supplier so it is fully licensed and works correctly. Depending on the complexity of the package, the supplier may install it for you.
Step 2: Initial company setup
You will need to enter details of your business including the year-end date, the form of VAT accounting you use and other details. Your accounts package may have several different Charts of Accounts - ie the headings you use in your accounts - so you can choose to suit your type of business. However, you may need to tailor this to your requirements. Your accountant should be able to advise you on this work, or undertake it for you. See how to choose an accountant.
Step 3: Parallel running
You may find it useful to run your old accounts and the new package alongside each other for a while to ensure that you are getting the correct results. However, it is difficult to maintain parallel running for very long because of the duplication of effort.
Step 4: Training
The staff who will work with the accounts package on a day-to-day basis should ideally have some formal training. You should time this training so that it is done shortly before the installation of the software.
Step 5: Support
It is a good idea to purchase a support agreement from your supplier for your new accounts package, at least for the first year of operation so that you have a readily available contact to help sort out queries and problems. Many small businesses find that a support agreement is a good investment even after this initial period.
For more best practice tips, see also software installation and maintenance.
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Cloud hosting
In this guide:
- Website hosting options
- What is website hosting?
- Factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider
- Difference between a domain and web hosting
- Pros and cons of using ISP for hosting
- Pros and cons of in-house hosting
- How to host your own business website
- Cloud hosting
- Website hosting and management
What is website hosting?
How web hosting works and what you need to get your small business website online.
The term 'web hosting' usually refers to companies renting out space on their web servers to businesses or individuals who wish to make their websites available on the internet.
What does it mean to host a site?
Hosting means storing all the files that make up your website - such as HTML pages, images, audio and video - on a web server. When someone visits your site, the server sends these files to their browser so they can see and interact with your website. Each hosted website is assigned a unique internet protocol (IP) address. This lets visitors use your website's address (ie the domain name) to find and access the site via an internet browser.
Read about the difference between a domain and web hosting to understand how these two elements work together.
Types of web hosting
There are three main ways a business can host a website. You can:
- host it on your own server in-house
- outsource it to an external hosting provider
- host it on a server owned and operated by an internet service provider (ISP)
Hosting your own web server in-house can be expensive and requires technical skills, hardware, and a reliable, high‑speed internet connection. It also means you are responsible for maintenance, security and 24‑hour support. As an alternative, you can buy hosting services from an external provider, such as an internet service provider.
Types of web hosting services
If you choose external hosting, you will usually have a choice between three types of web servers:
- shared hosting - where your website shares a server with other websites
- dedicated hosting - where your website is the only one on a server
- virtual hosting - including cloud hosting, where your website runs on a virtual server that can scale up or down as needed
As well as the server space, many hosting providers offer value-added services, such as:
- easy-to-use website building tools
- site statistics
- search engine optimisation features
- shopping carts
- one-click app installers
- unlimited number of email addresses
- customer support
- other control, maintenance and safety features
How much does it cost to host a website?
If you are a sole trader or small business, you can host a basic website on a free web host. However, free hosts often have more downtime, limited features and less reliable support. You may also be restricted in how you present your brand or use your own domain name.
If your website is important to your business – for example, if you sell online or rely on it for customer enquiries – a commercial web host is usually a better choice. Commercial hosting plans vary in price depending on:
- hosting provider
- the service they provide as part of the package
- the size of your website
- the expected traffic to your website
- whether you need email addresses
- whether you need e-commerce functionality or advanced features
On average, small business shared hosting can start from a low monthly fee, while dedicated or scalable cloud hosting is more expensive but offers better performance and security. With many hosting options available, it can be difficult to know what to look for. There are many factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider.
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Factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider
Key considerations when choosing a web hosting plan include your website's functionality, performance and reliability.
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a web host. The most important ones relate to your website's functionality, performance, reliability and security. Each of these can significantly affect how well your site works for your customers and whether it meets your business needs.
Website functionality
The functionality of your website depends on the software and tools it uses. This can affect:
- the range of features your site offers, such as forms, blogs, or e-commerce
- how you update or edit your content
- how complex or interactive your website is
When choosing a hosting provider, make sure they support the applications, scripts or software your website needs - for example, content management systems such as WordPress or Drupal. If you do not have in‑house technical expertise, ask your web designer or internet service provider for advice. You should also follow best practice in web design to keep your site simple, secure and easy to maintain.
Website performance
To perform well, your website needs a fast, stable connection to the internet. The speed and capacity of your host's network (often called the 'backbone') affects how quickly visitors can load your pages. If your connection is too slow or your server is overloaded, pages may take a long time to load or may fail to load at all, especially during busy periods.
Type of web server
Your choice of web server also affects the performance of your site. You can either go for:
- a dedicated server - where only your site is hosted on the machine
- a shared hosting service - where you share the machine with other sites
Shared hosting can reduce costs, but may slow down your site if other customers use a lot of resources. The server specification - such as processor speed, memory and disk space - is important for how well your site runs.
Website reliability and uptime
Your website should be available 24/7, especially if it is central to your business. Even with good hosting, some downtime is possible, but many providers offer service level agreements (SLAs) that promise a high level of uptime. When you choose a host, check:
- their typical uptime percentage
- how they respond to outages
- what compensation they offer if the service falls below claimed uptime
If your business relies heavily on your website, you should also plan for contingencies - for example, clear communication channels if your site goes offline.
Website hosting security
Security is an ongoing concern for any device open to the internet. Your hosting provider should take steps to protect your website and data from hackers, fraudsters and other attacks.
Your web host should, at the very least, offer:
- backups and restore points - stored securely away from the main server
- disaster recovery plans - to help you recover your website in case of system failures
- network monitoring - to spot unusual activity and mitigate risks
- firewalls - including other basic intrusion prevention methods
- antivirus and malware scanning and removal
- SSL (secure sockets layer) certificates, if you need to transfer sensitive data such as online payments to and from the server
- some level of management support - most crucially with file management, access and user permissions, logins, applications, software updates, etc
You should also follow wider cyber security best practices to protect your business online.
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Difference between a domain and web hosting
Understand the difference between a domain name and web hosting, and how they make your website accessible to your customers.
To put a website online, you need both a domain name and web hosting. These are closely linked but different things. You will need both in order for your website to be visible and accessible on the internet.
What is a domain name?
Your domain name is the address people type into the browser to visit your website - for example, www(dot)mynewbusiness(dot)com. It is your website's name on the web and helps customers find you online.
You can buy a domain name through a domain name registrar. This gives you the right to use that specific web address, but it does not provide space to host your website files. A domain name on its own won't make your website 'live' and available on the internet.
How hosting and domains work together
To make your website visible, the files that make it up (eg text and images) must be stored on a web host, which is a computer server connected to the internet 24 hours a day. The server gives your hosted website a unique internet protocol (IP) address - a string of numbers that computers use to locate it. A domain name is a human-friendly version of this address, so visitors do not have to remember long numbers.
What is an IP address used for?
When someone types your domain name into a browser, the system translates the domain name into the correct IP address and sends a request to the web host. The host then sends your website files back to the visitor's screen. This is essentially how your customers are able to view your website. So, for your website to be available online, you need both a domain name, as well as a hosted website.
If you have yet to choose your business domain name, there is a lot to think through - from the different types of domain names to trade marking considerations.
If you have a domain name but are looking for hosting, see factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider.
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Pros and cons of using ISP for hosting
How to use an internet service provider to host your website, and assess the benefits of shared vs dedicated hosting.
Using an internet service provider (ISP) for web hosting means outsourcing your website to an external company that keeps your site connected to the internet 24 hours a day. The ISP is responsible for maintaining the server, the network connection and the hosting environment.
ISPs can provide different types of web hosting services, including:
- shared server hosting
- dedicated hosting
- co-location hosting
Shared server hosting
With this type of hosting, the ISP owns the server and hosts your site alongside other websites. This is usually the cheapest option and can be suitable for small or simple websites.
However, shared hosting may not be ideal if you need:- complex technologies such as databases
- secure certificates (SSL)
- tools that let you customise pages for different users
If other websites on the same server use a lot of resources, your site's performance can suffer.
Dedicated hosting
With dedicated hosting, your website is the only one hosted on a particular server. This option suits large or high-traffic websites, or those requiring special software or particularly high levels of security. While this approach offers the most powerful and secure solution, it is usually more expensive and may require more technical support or management.
Co-location hosting
With co-location, you host your own server (which you own or rent) in the ISP's data centre. You benefit from the ISP's high‑speed internet connection, power backup and secure environment, but you remain responsible for the server hardware, software and website content. This option can suit businesses that want more control over their hardware, but still want to use a professional hosting environment.
See other factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider.
Advantages of using an ISP for hosting
- You do not need to buy or manage your own server hardware.
- Most ISPs offer fast, reliable internet connections and high availability (uptime).
- ISPs usually maintain a secure environment, with virus protection and regular software updates.
- Support and monitoring are often included as part of the service.
Disadvantages of using an ISP for hosting
- You must trust the ISP to keep your website available and secure.
- If the ISP hosts too many sites on a shared server, performance may be affected.
- If the ISP is blacklisted (eg because of hosting adult content sites or spam sites), this can directly affect you. For example, you may find that your IP address is on various spam blacklists. This can cause your emails to be filtered out and junked or you may not be able to register with certain services, websites, forums, etc.
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Pros and cons of in-house hosting
Understand the advantages and disadvantages of hosting your business website in‑house, and the skills and resources you will need.
If you are setting up a corporate or business website, you will need to choose between outsourcing your hosting or hosting your website internally. Both options have benefits and risks. You should weigh these carefully to find the right fit for your business.
In-house hosting vs outsourcing
Outsourcing to an external web host may be an attractive proposition if you need an 'off the shelf' solution, or lack the skills and infrastructure to manage a server yourself.
Many small and medium-sized businesses choose to contract out their hosting to a specialist provider or an internet service provider (ISP). See pros and cons of using ISP for hosting.
In-house hosting can work well for larger businesses and organisations that have the expertise and the budget to run their own servers. As well as a web server, you will need a high‑speed, reliable internet connection and the ability to provide 24‑hour monitoring and support. You must also factor in the cost of maintenance, power, space and software licences.
If you are considering in‑house hosting, you should read how to host your own business website.
Advantages of the in-house web hosting
- You have full control over access to the website.
- The choice of hardware, including the ease and expandability of upgrades, is yours.
- You also have control over the operating environment - the software and systems that run on the web server.
- You can manage web storage space and performance more effectively.
- You are not contractually or legally bound to use a specific provider.
Disadvantages of the in-house web hosting
- The cost of buying your own web server hardware, associated software and high-speed internet connectivity (typically using a dedicated connection).
- The technical skills you or your staff will require in order to develop, maintain and upgrade the website, and to keep up to date with the latest technical developments.
- The resources needed to provide round-the-clock support for the website in order to ensure its availability for users.
- The need for specialist security expertise in employing tools and techniques to maintain the security of your website.
Before deciding to host your website internally, consider whether you can:
- provide 24-hour support internally on an ongoing basis
- build an in-house IT team with the right set of specialist skills to maintain the system
- implement appropriate monitoring systems and procedures
- take immediate and effective action when problems occur
If you cannot confidently meet these requirements, an external hosting option will often be cheaper, more reliable and less risky for your business. See factors to consider when choosing a web hosting provider to help you compare options.
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How to host your own business website
Understand the hardware, software and other resources you may need if you decide to host your website in‑house.
Using an internet service provider (ISP) or an external hosting company lets most small businesses run a website without worrying about the underlying technology. However, if you want to host your website on your own server, you need to understand what is involved and what operating systems, software and skills you will need.
Server operating systems
Web servers typically run on one of three main types of operating systems:
- Windows Servers - commonly used in business environments, often with Microsoft-based tools and databases
- Unix - a family of operating systems used in some enterprise environments, often requiring specialist knowledge
- Linux - widely used for web hosting; often stable, secure and cost-effective
Email
Email can be hosted on‑site alongside your website, but many businesses choose to outsource this to a dedicated email provider such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. External email services often offer better spam filtering, reliability and support, and can reduce the technical burden on your in‑house IT team.
Web server software
Web server software runs on top of the operating system and handles requests from visitors# browsers. Common web server software includes:
- Apache - widely used, open source and compatible with many hosting environments
- Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) - commonly used with Windows Server and Microsoft-based websites
Web Authoring languages
These are the software languages used to develop applications on the website. Examples include:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language) - a programming language used in the creation of simple web pages
- scripting and programming languages such as PHP, ASP.NET, Python, Ruby or JavaScript, used to create dynamic and interactive features
- web authoring tools such as editors or design applications that help you create pages, add graphics and build user‑friendly interfaces
Your in‑house hosting solution must support the languages and tools your website uses.
Databases
If your website uses a lot of data - for example, product information, customer records or bookings - you may need a database system. Examples include:
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
The best choice depends on the volume of data, expected traffic and the technical skills available in your team.
E-commerce
If your website sells goods or services online, you will need to support an e‑commerce package or platform. This can involve hosting shopping‑cart software, secure payment processing and additional security measures. See how to set up an online shop with an e-commerce package.
Planning for upgrades
As your business expands and your website grows, you may need to upgrade your server hardware, software or hosting model. Consider if:
- your current hosting can handle higher traffic or more complex features
- you need extra storage, memory or processing power
- it may be more cost‑effective or secure to move some services to an external or cloud host
Planning an upgrade path in advance helps avoid unexpected downtime and performance problems later.
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Cloud hosting
Understand what cloud hosting is, its benefits for small and medium‑sized businesses, and the risks you should manage.
With traditional web hosting, you buy or rent a physical machine - a server - that gives you resources like memory and processing power. With cloud hosting, you effectively rent virtual server resources from a provider, and you can scale them up or down as your needs change. This can make it easier and more cost‑effective for growing businesses to manage their websites.
How does cloud hosting work?
Cloud hosting spreads your website across multiple virtual servers instead of a single physical machine. The cloud provider allocates resources such as processing power, memory and storage when your website needs them. You typically pay only for what you use, so you do not need to buy extra hardware in advance.
Cloud hosting is often delivered as a service over the internet, using models such as:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - where you manage most of the software and configuration yourself
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) - where the provider manages the underlying platform, and you focus on your website and applications
- Software as a Service (SaaS) - where you use fully hosted applications, such as email and content management systems, without managing the server at all
Is the cloud a server?
The cloud itself is not a single physical server. A server is physical hardware, dedicated entirely to your business or shared with others. A cloud server is a virtual server created and managed by a cloud provider within a shared environment. It behaves like a traditional server but can be created, resized or removed quickly as your business needs change.
You can choose from several types of cloud services for full or partial hosting. Cloud hosting is increasingly popular with small and medium‑sized businesses because it can reduce the need to buy and maintain physical hardware, and can be easier to scale up during busy periods.
Cloud web hosting risks and considerations
When considering cloud hosting, think about the following.
Connectivity
You will need a reliable, high-speed internet connection at your business premises. If your connection fails, you may lose access to your website and data until it is restored.
Cost of ownership
Cloud services are often billed monthly, which can be good for cash flow, but you should compare the total cost over a longer period with more traditional software or hardware options.
Service level agreement
Check the conditions of your service level agreement - what uptime is promised, what happens if something goes wrong, who is responsible, and how quickly issues are meant to be fixed.
Data security and compliance
Make sure you understand where your data is stored, how it is protected and whether it is encrypted. You should also ensure your cloud provider helps you meet your legal responsibilities, including those under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
If you are unsure whether cloud hosting is right for your business, read about the advantages of cloud computing and find tips for moving your business to the cloud.
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Website hosting and management
Understand the support, maintenance, security and management features you should look for in a web hosting provider.
Finding the best servers to host your website on can be daunting. There are many things to consider, not least:
- the type of site you wish to build
- how to manage it
- who will maintain it
- whether to host it in-house or externally
As well as this, you should also think about server upgrades, monitoring and security, content management, and customer service. Read more on choosing a web hosting provider.
Server security
Websites can come under threat from hackers, viruses and other cyber attacks. If you host your website in-house, you must put your own security measures in place.
If you use third-party hosting services, server security will generally be their responsibility. Look for assurances that they are running firewalls and malware detection, and monitor their servers for unusual activity. See more on cyber security for business.
Server upgrades and monitoring
To keep your website running smoothly, someone must monitor the server's performance and apply upgrades when needed. This includes watching its central processing unit, memory and disk usage, network performance and backup utilities. From time to time, you will also need to install new versions of the server software or upgrade hardware components.
If updates require downtime, try to schedule them at quiet times, such as overnight, to minimise disruption to your customers. With external hosting, the provider usually handles upgrades and monitoring, but you should check their service level agreements (SLAs) to confirm what is included.
Content management
Content management systems (CMS) allow authorised users across your business to easily add or update web content without needing extensive technical skills. When choosing a hosting provider, make sure they support the CMS you plan to use - for example, WordPress, Drupal or a hosted site builder. Read more about content management systems.
Techical support
Customer and technical support are important when choosing a web host. No provider can guarantee 100% uptime, so you should know what help is available if a problem occurs. Ask:
- what support channels are offered, eg live chat, phone, email
- when support is available, eg 24/7 or during business hours
- is there a limit to the support you can get as part of the package
See how to choose an IT supplier for your business.
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Broadband security and your business
What is broadband?
An introduction to broadband internet technologies, and how they work to enable online connectivity.
Broadband is a general term for a permanent, high-speed connection to the internet. It describes any telecommunications technology that allows for a transfer of large amounts of data using either:
- fixed telephone lines, eg DSL (digital subscriber line), cable and fibre optic technologies
- wireless access, eg Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Max, mobile and satellite technologies
Is broadband Wi-Fi?
No. Broadband is a term for a fast connection to the internet. Broadband can use wired or wireless technology.
Wi-Fi is simply a means of getting broadband without having to connect through wires. It uses radio wave technology as an alternative to network cables to provide connectivity.
How does broadband work?
A broadband connection, like a telephone line, is 'always on'. This means that, once you have switched on your computer or mobile device, you are connected and you can access the internet at any time.
Unlike the traditional 'dial-up' method, which has become largely redundant, broadband doesn't affect the phone line. This means that you are free to receive and make calls while online.
Most commonly, broadband is provided over your phone line, via cable or via satellite. You can also have broadband access via mobile networks. Read about the different types of broadband connections.
How much does broadband cost?
Broadband packages vary greatly, depending on the provider, the location of your premises and the services you need.
Normally, you pay a standard monthly fee to your provider for unlimited internet access, although certain broadband products may offer pay-as-you-go access.
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Types of broadband connections
An overview of the most common types of broadband connections, and the options available to your business.
There are several types of broadband connections available. The location of your business may determine the type of connection you can access.
ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line)
ADSL is a common broadband technology available in the UK but, where available, it is being replaced with faster Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the premises (FTTP) internet connections. ADSL uses existing analogue telephone lines and can deliver download speeds from 0.5 Mbps up to 24 Mbps. Maximum upload speeds generally range from 0.25Mbps up to 1Mbps.
The exact speed of ADSL connection will depend on:
- length and quality of the phone line between your premises and the telephone exchange
- if the exchange has been upgraded to offer newer, faster services
If you are a small office or sole trader, a basic business ADSL line may be enough to meet your needs. Growing businesses or those relying on, for example, online sales or cloud storage, may want to consider faster connections such as fibre broadband for business.
Cable broadband
Broadband services are often available via cable TV operators using high-speed fibre optic networks. Most cable companies offer bundled packages that include telephone, broadband connection and TV channels.
Wireless access
In areas where broadband is not possible via telephone or cable, it may be available using wireless technology. Local Wi-Fi hotspots are common in airports, hotels, cafes, pubs and motorway service stations. Some operators also offer mobile phone style 'roaming' facilities.
Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-max) is a fast-emerging alternative to Wi-Fi and makes it possible to provide broadband to areas where other technology is unsuitable.
Satellite broadband
Businesses in remote areas where ADSL, cable or wireless are not possible can access the internet by satellite. Download and upload speeds may vary, but faster speeds and more competitive deals are increasingly becoming available. There are also new satellite internet services using clusters of low earth orbiting satellites offering fast speeds and low latency.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband enables you to wirelessly connect a portable computer to the internet using the 3G, 4G or 5G mobile phone network. Mobile broadband can be useful for those working on the move. However, download speeds can be slow and coverage is not universal, especially in rural areas.
Leased lines
Larger businesses or those with specialist data needs may want to think about a dedicated 'point-to-point' leased line connection. This can provide higher bandwidths for both uploading and downloading, and better security and privacy over a line used exclusively by the purchasing business.
Each type of connection has its advantages and disadvantages. You should consider your options carefully and think about:
- your location, as not all broadband deals will be available in your area
- your current and future usage needs, including bandwidth and speed
- your budget, including setup fees, monthly line rental and contract terms and fees
Read about the advantages of business broadband.
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Advantages of business broadband
What are the benefits of business broadband, and how can the right broadband package improve the running of your business.
If you are running a small business or working from home, you may be using your home broadband connection to get on the internet. Business packages are often more reliable and may offer more security if internet access is critical to your business.
Business broadband vs home broadband
Business broadband often offers:
- better data transfer capabilities - eg more generous or unlimited upload and download allowances, and higher upload speeds than home broadband
- faster connection speeds - some packages offer priority to business users over the network at peak times
- lower contention ratio - ie the number of other internet users sharing a server with you is generally lower allowing for greater connection speeds
- greater efficiency - eg streamlining and automating online tasks, such as linking your online shop with the stock control system, transaction processing, order tracking and stock reordering
- static IP addresses - needed for businesses looking to host their own servers, eg for emails, CCTV systems, website hosting or remote connections via the internet
- tech support - eg service level agreements guaranteeing fix time and priority engineer support
- additional services - tailored to specific needs of your business, eg email services, data management, upgrades, backup plans, recovery, cloud services, etc
Other benefits of business broadband
Business broadband usually costs more than home packages. However, it is worth weighing the cost against the advantages. A reliable, robust connection can:
- get you closer to your customers and suppliers, with round-the-clock access to account information, order status and project details
- enable you to respond to customers' email queries or website orders within minutes
- ensure that communications channels, such as email and video conferencing systems, remain open between you and your staff
A broadband connection that suits the particular needs of your business can help you become more flexible and more able to adapt to your staff, customer and supplier needs.
If you're not sure which internet access technology would be best suited to your business, read about the different types of broadband connections.
If you think you may not require a specialised business broadband connection, an alternative may be using home broadband for business.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-business-broadband
Links
Fibre broadband for business
What is fibre optic broadband, and what types of fibre broadband connections are available to your business.
Fibre broadband uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide faster speeds and more reliable internet service.
Types of fibre broadband connections
There are generally two types of fibre broadband connections:
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) speed
FTTC uses fibre optic cable to connect the telephone exchange or distribution point to your phone line in the street cabinet that serves your premises. From the cabinet, your signal travels to your premises via traditional copper lines.
FTTC can typically achieve maximum 80Mbps download speeds, and 20Mbps upload speeds, although the actual maximum speed of your connection will depend on the length of your phone line to the street cabinet.
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) speed
FTTP connections provide end-to-end fibre optic connection from the exchange or the service provider's fibre network to your premises. They can deliver the fastest speeds, reaching download speeds of 1000Mbps and upload speeds of 300Mbps or more. They are usually limited to premises near the telephone exchange or fibre network. The main telecom operators in NI have plans to significantly increase availability of FTTP across NI so it is always worth checking availability.
G.Fast
At present, only a small number of providers offer packages using the hybrid G.Fast technology as it is only available to a limited number of FTTC subscribers around the UK.
G.Fast uses fibre optic cables from the exchange to the street cabinets, where a device is fitted that increases the maximum broadband speed users can get via their existing copper cables to be greater speeds than standard FTTC technology.
G.Fast can deliver speeds of up to 330Mbps download and 50Mbps upload, depending on the length and quality of the phone line between the premises at the street cabinet. It operates best over a short run of copper cable, ideally less than 350 meters from the cabinet.
Benefits of fibre broadband to business
With faster speeds and increased reliability, fibre broadband connections can make your business run more efficiently and be more profitable. It can help you:
- Get more done. Faster speeds mean you and your staff can do more bandwidth-heavy tasks simultaneously (eg send and receive large files, images and video) without experiencing slowdowns.
- Reach new markets. Fast, reliable speeds make online marketing easier and enable you to instantly communicate with customers in your area and across the world using social media, email marketing or via an online shop hosted on your website.
- Stay in touch with people who matter. Connect with customers and suppliers quicker and in new ways, eg through VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony and video conferencing.
- Make use of cloud computing. Take advantage of hosted applications, such as instant data backups, to reduce equipment, software and licensing costs. Pay only for what you use.
- Work remotely. Work from home or on the go, with the same efficiency as if you were working from the office.
- Cut costs. Online data storage can save you space and money on physical storage systems
Find superfast fibre broadband providers in Northern Ireland.
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
The government is providing voucher funding to help eligible businesses experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas. The vouchers are worth up to £4,500 to help cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband. Read more about the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/fibre-broadband-business
Links
Using home broadband for business
Difference between business broadband and home broadband, and advantages of using home broadband for your business.
Not every business requires a specialised business broadband connection. Some may be able to use their home broadband service, especially if their requirements are limited.
Broadband products are generally similar for domestic and corporate users. They rely on the same technology and infrastructure, but commercial businesses typically have different needs to the average domestic user.
It is important to consider your specific needs and the type and nature of your business when you're choosing a broadband package for your company.
Do I need business broadband?
If you're working from home temporarily or occasionally, in most cases your normal home broadband should be sufficient.
However, keep in mind that a home broadband package is designed for personal use. It often comes with a number of restrictions that businesses may find disadvantageous.
If you are a small business, a start-up or a sole trader, and you are working from home more permanently, a home broadband package would only be a suitable option if:
- you don't use the internet frequently and at very specific times
- internet access is not vital to your business operations
- any 'downtime' or 'slowdown' would not significantly affect the survival or profitability of your business
- you don't need large data transfers (eg uploading or downloading of large files) to conduct their business operations
If you are a larger business, or a small business relying on a dependable, secure internet connection, then business broadband might be a better option for you.
Key reasons for getting business broadband
Business packages generally offer faster connection speeds, greater data transfer allowances, static IP addresses and usually more service reliability with better service level targets.
These features may come at a greater price, but they may help you run your business more efficiently. Read more on the advantages of business broadband.
Claiming business expenses if you're using home broadband
If you use home broadband for your business, you may be able to reclaim some cost if:
- you use it for business purposes
- the broadband contract is undertaken in the name of your company
- the service is provided at home but paid for directly by the company
However, you are unlikely to be able to seek reimbursement if:
- you already have a broadband account in your personal name
- you are already paying for the connection
- you cannot split the business and personal use each month
Find out more about reimbursing broadband internet charges.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/using-home-broadband-business
Links
Broadband security and your business
An overview of the threats to your broadband, and the steps you can take to reduce the risks to your business.
Broadband provides an 'always-on' connection. This increases the security risks that your business network or equipment could become exposed to, such as viruses or hackers.
These risks could potentially be disastrous for your business. They could compromise your critical data, and lead to loss or theft of valuable information.
Is business broadband more secure than home broadband?
Business broadband packages most often come with better security options and more proactive measures than home broadband, to ensure that your data and network remain secure. Your internet service provider (ISP) can include, as an integral part of their offering, a range of security systems such as:
- network-wide email screening service
- anti-virus / anti-malware software and hardware firewall to intercept malicious attacks
- off-site data backup solution
Find out more about common network security issues.
How to secure your broadband connection
You can take some basic steps to reduce the risks to your broadband. For example, you can:
- install additional security software or an enhanced hardware firewall to your system
- keep your operating system, firewall, virus protection and other software up to date
- draw up and enforce policies for employee email/internet use
You should check which security options are available to you as part of your package, or at additional cost, from your ISP. Alternatively, you can consult an independent security expert.
You can also read more about securing your wireless network and find out how to protect your business online.
ActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/broadband-security-and-your-business
Links
Using home broadband for business
What is broadband?
An introduction to broadband internet technologies, and how they work to enable online connectivity.
Broadband is a general term for a permanent, high-speed connection to the internet. It describes any telecommunications technology that allows for a transfer of large amounts of data using either:
- fixed telephone lines, eg DSL (digital subscriber line), cable and fibre optic technologies
- wireless access, eg Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Max, mobile and satellite technologies
Is broadband Wi-Fi?
No. Broadband is a term for a fast connection to the internet. Broadband can use wired or wireless technology.
Wi-Fi is simply a means of getting broadband without having to connect through wires. It uses radio wave technology as an alternative to network cables to provide connectivity.
How does broadband work?
A broadband connection, like a telephone line, is 'always on'. This means that, once you have switched on your computer or mobile device, you are connected and you can access the internet at any time.
Unlike the traditional 'dial-up' method, which has become largely redundant, broadband doesn't affect the phone line. This means that you are free to receive and make calls while online.
Most commonly, broadband is provided over your phone line, via cable or via satellite. You can also have broadband access via mobile networks. Read about the different types of broadband connections.
How much does broadband cost?
Broadband packages vary greatly, depending on the provider, the location of your premises and the services you need.
Normally, you pay a standard monthly fee to your provider for unlimited internet access, although certain broadband products may offer pay-as-you-go access.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/what-broadband
Links
Types of broadband connections
An overview of the most common types of broadband connections, and the options available to your business.
There are several types of broadband connections available. The location of your business may determine the type of connection you can access.
ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line)
ADSL is a common broadband technology available in the UK but, where available, it is being replaced with faster Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the premises (FTTP) internet connections. ADSL uses existing analogue telephone lines and can deliver download speeds from 0.5 Mbps up to 24 Mbps. Maximum upload speeds generally range from 0.25Mbps up to 1Mbps.
The exact speed of ADSL connection will depend on:
- length and quality of the phone line between your premises and the telephone exchange
- if the exchange has been upgraded to offer newer, faster services
If you are a small office or sole trader, a basic business ADSL line may be enough to meet your needs. Growing businesses or those relying on, for example, online sales or cloud storage, may want to consider faster connections such as fibre broadband for business.
Cable broadband
Broadband services are often available via cable TV operators using high-speed fibre optic networks. Most cable companies offer bundled packages that include telephone, broadband connection and TV channels.
Wireless access
In areas where broadband is not possible via telephone or cable, it may be available using wireless technology. Local Wi-Fi hotspots are common in airports, hotels, cafes, pubs and motorway service stations. Some operators also offer mobile phone style 'roaming' facilities.
Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-max) is a fast-emerging alternative to Wi-Fi and makes it possible to provide broadband to areas where other technology is unsuitable.
Satellite broadband
Businesses in remote areas where ADSL, cable or wireless are not possible can access the internet by satellite. Download and upload speeds may vary, but faster speeds and more competitive deals are increasingly becoming available. There are also new satellite internet services using clusters of low earth orbiting satellites offering fast speeds and low latency.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband enables you to wirelessly connect a portable computer to the internet using the 3G, 4G or 5G mobile phone network. Mobile broadband can be useful for those working on the move. However, download speeds can be slow and coverage is not universal, especially in rural areas.
Leased lines
Larger businesses or those with specialist data needs may want to think about a dedicated 'point-to-point' leased line connection. This can provide higher bandwidths for both uploading and downloading, and better security and privacy over a line used exclusively by the purchasing business.
Each type of connection has its advantages and disadvantages. You should consider your options carefully and think about:
- your location, as not all broadband deals will be available in your area
- your current and future usage needs, including bandwidth and speed
- your budget, including setup fees, monthly line rental and contract terms and fees
Read about the advantages of business broadband.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/types-broadband-connections
Links
Advantages of business broadband
What are the benefits of business broadband, and how can the right broadband package improve the running of your business.
If you are running a small business or working from home, you may be using your home broadband connection to get on the internet. Business packages are often more reliable and may offer more security if internet access is critical to your business.
Business broadband vs home broadband
Business broadband often offers:
- better data transfer capabilities - eg more generous or unlimited upload and download allowances, and higher upload speeds than home broadband
- faster connection speeds - some packages offer priority to business users over the network at peak times
- lower contention ratio - ie the number of other internet users sharing a server with you is generally lower allowing for greater connection speeds
- greater efficiency - eg streamlining and automating online tasks, such as linking your online shop with the stock control system, transaction processing, order tracking and stock reordering
- static IP addresses - needed for businesses looking to host their own servers, eg for emails, CCTV systems, website hosting or remote connections via the internet
- tech support - eg service level agreements guaranteeing fix time and priority engineer support
- additional services - tailored to specific needs of your business, eg email services, data management, upgrades, backup plans, recovery, cloud services, etc
Other benefits of business broadband
Business broadband usually costs more than home packages. However, it is worth weighing the cost against the advantages. A reliable, robust connection can:
- get you closer to your customers and suppliers, with round-the-clock access to account information, order status and project details
- enable you to respond to customers' email queries or website orders within minutes
- ensure that communications channels, such as email and video conferencing systems, remain open between you and your staff
A broadband connection that suits the particular needs of your business can help you become more flexible and more able to adapt to your staff, customer and supplier needs.
If you're not sure which internet access technology would be best suited to your business, read about the different types of broadband connections.
If you think you may not require a specialised business broadband connection, an alternative may be using home broadband for business.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-business-broadband
Links
Fibre broadband for business
What is fibre optic broadband, and what types of fibre broadband connections are available to your business.
Fibre broadband uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide faster speeds and more reliable internet service.
Types of fibre broadband connections
There are generally two types of fibre broadband connections:
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) speed
FTTC uses fibre optic cable to connect the telephone exchange or distribution point to your phone line in the street cabinet that serves your premises. From the cabinet, your signal travels to your premises via traditional copper lines.
FTTC can typically achieve maximum 80Mbps download speeds, and 20Mbps upload speeds, although the actual maximum speed of your connection will depend on the length of your phone line to the street cabinet.
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) speed
FTTP connections provide end-to-end fibre optic connection from the exchange or the service provider's fibre network to your premises. They can deliver the fastest speeds, reaching download speeds of 1000Mbps and upload speeds of 300Mbps or more. They are usually limited to premises near the telephone exchange or fibre network. The main telecom operators in NI have plans to significantly increase availability of FTTP across NI so it is always worth checking availability.
G.Fast
At present, only a small number of providers offer packages using the hybrid G.Fast technology as it is only available to a limited number of FTTC subscribers around the UK.
G.Fast uses fibre optic cables from the exchange to the street cabinets, where a device is fitted that increases the maximum broadband speed users can get via their existing copper cables to be greater speeds than standard FTTC technology.
G.Fast can deliver speeds of up to 330Mbps download and 50Mbps upload, depending on the length and quality of the phone line between the premises at the street cabinet. It operates best over a short run of copper cable, ideally less than 350 meters from the cabinet.
Benefits of fibre broadband to business
With faster speeds and increased reliability, fibre broadband connections can make your business run more efficiently and be more profitable. It can help you:
- Get more done. Faster speeds mean you and your staff can do more bandwidth-heavy tasks simultaneously (eg send and receive large files, images and video) without experiencing slowdowns.
- Reach new markets. Fast, reliable speeds make online marketing easier and enable you to instantly communicate with customers in your area and across the world using social media, email marketing or via an online shop hosted on your website.
- Stay in touch with people who matter. Connect with customers and suppliers quicker and in new ways, eg through VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony and video conferencing.
- Make use of cloud computing. Take advantage of hosted applications, such as instant data backups, to reduce equipment, software and licensing costs. Pay only for what you use.
- Work remotely. Work from home or on the go, with the same efficiency as if you were working from the office.
- Cut costs. Online data storage can save you space and money on physical storage systems
Find superfast fibre broadband providers in Northern Ireland.
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
The government is providing voucher funding to help eligible businesses experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas. The vouchers are worth up to £4,500 to help cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband. Read more about the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/fibre-broadband-business
Links
Using home broadband for business
Difference between business broadband and home broadband, and advantages of using home broadband for your business.
Not every business requires a specialised business broadband connection. Some may be able to use their home broadband service, especially if their requirements are limited.
Broadband products are generally similar for domestic and corporate users. They rely on the same technology and infrastructure, but commercial businesses typically have different needs to the average domestic user.
It is important to consider your specific needs and the type and nature of your business when you're choosing a broadband package for your company.
Do I need business broadband?
If you're working from home temporarily or occasionally, in most cases your normal home broadband should be sufficient.
However, keep in mind that a home broadband package is designed for personal use. It often comes with a number of restrictions that businesses may find disadvantageous.
If you are a small business, a start-up or a sole trader, and you are working from home more permanently, a home broadband package would only be a suitable option if:
- you don't use the internet frequently and at very specific times
- internet access is not vital to your business operations
- any 'downtime' or 'slowdown' would not significantly affect the survival or profitability of your business
- you don't need large data transfers (eg uploading or downloading of large files) to conduct their business operations
If you are a larger business, or a small business relying on a dependable, secure internet connection, then business broadband might be a better option for you.
Key reasons for getting business broadband
Business packages generally offer faster connection speeds, greater data transfer allowances, static IP addresses and usually more service reliability with better service level targets.
These features may come at a greater price, but they may help you run your business more efficiently. Read more on the advantages of business broadband.
Claiming business expenses if you're using home broadband
If you use home broadband for your business, you may be able to reclaim some cost if:
- you use it for business purposes
- the broadband contract is undertaken in the name of your company
- the service is provided at home but paid for directly by the company
However, you are unlikely to be able to seek reimbursement if:
- you already have a broadband account in your personal name
- you are already paying for the connection
- you cannot split the business and personal use each month
Find out more about reimbursing broadband internet charges.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/using-home-broadband-business
Links
Broadband security and your business
An overview of the threats to your broadband, and the steps you can take to reduce the risks to your business.
Broadband provides an 'always-on' connection. This increases the security risks that your business network or equipment could become exposed to, such as viruses or hackers.
These risks could potentially be disastrous for your business. They could compromise your critical data, and lead to loss or theft of valuable information.
Is business broadband more secure than home broadband?
Business broadband packages most often come with better security options and more proactive measures than home broadband, to ensure that your data and network remain secure. Your internet service provider (ISP) can include, as an integral part of their offering, a range of security systems such as:
- network-wide email screening service
- anti-virus / anti-malware software and hardware firewall to intercept malicious attacks
- off-site data backup solution
Find out more about common network security issues.
How to secure your broadband connection
You can take some basic steps to reduce the risks to your broadband. For example, you can:
- install additional security software or an enhanced hardware firewall to your system
- keep your operating system, firewall, virus protection and other software up to date
- draw up and enforce policies for employee email/internet use
You should check which security options are available to you as part of your package, or at additional cost, from your ISP. Alternatively, you can consult an independent security expert.
You can also read more about securing your wireless network and find out how to protect your business online.
ActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/broadband-security-and-your-business
Links
Fibre broadband for business
What is broadband?
An introduction to broadband internet technologies, and how they work to enable online connectivity.
Broadband is a general term for a permanent, high-speed connection to the internet. It describes any telecommunications technology that allows for a transfer of large amounts of data using either:
- fixed telephone lines, eg DSL (digital subscriber line), cable and fibre optic technologies
- wireless access, eg Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Max, mobile and satellite technologies
Is broadband Wi-Fi?
No. Broadband is a term for a fast connection to the internet. Broadband can use wired or wireless technology.
Wi-Fi is simply a means of getting broadband without having to connect through wires. It uses radio wave technology as an alternative to network cables to provide connectivity.
How does broadband work?
A broadband connection, like a telephone line, is 'always on'. This means that, once you have switched on your computer or mobile device, you are connected and you can access the internet at any time.
Unlike the traditional 'dial-up' method, which has become largely redundant, broadband doesn't affect the phone line. This means that you are free to receive and make calls while online.
Most commonly, broadband is provided over your phone line, via cable or via satellite. You can also have broadband access via mobile networks. Read about the different types of broadband connections.
How much does broadband cost?
Broadband packages vary greatly, depending on the provider, the location of your premises and the services you need.
Normally, you pay a standard monthly fee to your provider for unlimited internet access, although certain broadband products may offer pay-as-you-go access.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/what-broadband
Links
Types of broadband connections
An overview of the most common types of broadband connections, and the options available to your business.
There are several types of broadband connections available. The location of your business may determine the type of connection you can access.
ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line)
ADSL is a common broadband technology available in the UK but, where available, it is being replaced with faster Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the premises (FTTP) internet connections. ADSL uses existing analogue telephone lines and can deliver download speeds from 0.5 Mbps up to 24 Mbps. Maximum upload speeds generally range from 0.25Mbps up to 1Mbps.
The exact speed of ADSL connection will depend on:
- length and quality of the phone line between your premises and the telephone exchange
- if the exchange has been upgraded to offer newer, faster services
If you are a small office or sole trader, a basic business ADSL line may be enough to meet your needs. Growing businesses or those relying on, for example, online sales or cloud storage, may want to consider faster connections such as fibre broadband for business.
Cable broadband
Broadband services are often available via cable TV operators using high-speed fibre optic networks. Most cable companies offer bundled packages that include telephone, broadband connection and TV channels.
Wireless access
In areas where broadband is not possible via telephone or cable, it may be available using wireless technology. Local Wi-Fi hotspots are common in airports, hotels, cafes, pubs and motorway service stations. Some operators also offer mobile phone style 'roaming' facilities.
Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-max) is a fast-emerging alternative to Wi-Fi and makes it possible to provide broadband to areas where other technology is unsuitable.
Satellite broadband
Businesses in remote areas where ADSL, cable or wireless are not possible can access the internet by satellite. Download and upload speeds may vary, but faster speeds and more competitive deals are increasingly becoming available. There are also new satellite internet services using clusters of low earth orbiting satellites offering fast speeds and low latency.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband enables you to wirelessly connect a portable computer to the internet using the 3G, 4G or 5G mobile phone network. Mobile broadband can be useful for those working on the move. However, download speeds can be slow and coverage is not universal, especially in rural areas.
Leased lines
Larger businesses or those with specialist data needs may want to think about a dedicated 'point-to-point' leased line connection. This can provide higher bandwidths for both uploading and downloading, and better security and privacy over a line used exclusively by the purchasing business.
Each type of connection has its advantages and disadvantages. You should consider your options carefully and think about:
- your location, as not all broadband deals will be available in your area
- your current and future usage needs, including bandwidth and speed
- your budget, including setup fees, monthly line rental and contract terms and fees
Read about the advantages of business broadband.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/types-broadband-connections
Links
Advantages of business broadband
What are the benefits of business broadband, and how can the right broadband package improve the running of your business.
If you are running a small business or working from home, you may be using your home broadband connection to get on the internet. Business packages are often more reliable and may offer more security if internet access is critical to your business.
Business broadband vs home broadband
Business broadband often offers:
- better data transfer capabilities - eg more generous or unlimited upload and download allowances, and higher upload speeds than home broadband
- faster connection speeds - some packages offer priority to business users over the network at peak times
- lower contention ratio - ie the number of other internet users sharing a server with you is generally lower allowing for greater connection speeds
- greater efficiency - eg streamlining and automating online tasks, such as linking your online shop with the stock control system, transaction processing, order tracking and stock reordering
- static IP addresses - needed for businesses looking to host their own servers, eg for emails, CCTV systems, website hosting or remote connections via the internet
- tech support - eg service level agreements guaranteeing fix time and priority engineer support
- additional services - tailored to specific needs of your business, eg email services, data management, upgrades, backup plans, recovery, cloud services, etc
Other benefits of business broadband
Business broadband usually costs more than home packages. However, it is worth weighing the cost against the advantages. A reliable, robust connection can:
- get you closer to your customers and suppliers, with round-the-clock access to account information, order status and project details
- enable you to respond to customers' email queries or website orders within minutes
- ensure that communications channels, such as email and video conferencing systems, remain open between you and your staff
A broadband connection that suits the particular needs of your business can help you become more flexible and more able to adapt to your staff, customer and supplier needs.
If you're not sure which internet access technology would be best suited to your business, read about the different types of broadband connections.
If you think you may not require a specialised business broadband connection, an alternative may be using home broadband for business.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-business-broadband
Links
Fibre broadband for business
What is fibre optic broadband, and what types of fibre broadband connections are available to your business.
Fibre broadband uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide faster speeds and more reliable internet service.
Types of fibre broadband connections
There are generally two types of fibre broadband connections:
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) speed
FTTC uses fibre optic cable to connect the telephone exchange or distribution point to your phone line in the street cabinet that serves your premises. From the cabinet, your signal travels to your premises via traditional copper lines.
FTTC can typically achieve maximum 80Mbps download speeds, and 20Mbps upload speeds, although the actual maximum speed of your connection will depend on the length of your phone line to the street cabinet.
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) speed
FTTP connections provide end-to-end fibre optic connection from the exchange or the service provider's fibre network to your premises. They can deliver the fastest speeds, reaching download speeds of 1000Mbps and upload speeds of 300Mbps or more. They are usually limited to premises near the telephone exchange or fibre network. The main telecom operators in NI have plans to significantly increase availability of FTTP across NI so it is always worth checking availability.
G.Fast
At present, only a small number of providers offer packages using the hybrid G.Fast technology as it is only available to a limited number of FTTC subscribers around the UK.
G.Fast uses fibre optic cables from the exchange to the street cabinets, where a device is fitted that increases the maximum broadband speed users can get via their existing copper cables to be greater speeds than standard FTTC technology.
G.Fast can deliver speeds of up to 330Mbps download and 50Mbps upload, depending on the length and quality of the phone line between the premises at the street cabinet. It operates best over a short run of copper cable, ideally less than 350 meters from the cabinet.
Benefits of fibre broadband to business
With faster speeds and increased reliability, fibre broadband connections can make your business run more efficiently and be more profitable. It can help you:
- Get more done. Faster speeds mean you and your staff can do more bandwidth-heavy tasks simultaneously (eg send and receive large files, images and video) without experiencing slowdowns.
- Reach new markets. Fast, reliable speeds make online marketing easier and enable you to instantly communicate with customers in your area and across the world using social media, email marketing or via an online shop hosted on your website.
- Stay in touch with people who matter. Connect with customers and suppliers quicker and in new ways, eg through VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony and video conferencing.
- Make use of cloud computing. Take advantage of hosted applications, such as instant data backups, to reduce equipment, software and licensing costs. Pay only for what you use.
- Work remotely. Work from home or on the go, with the same efficiency as if you were working from the office.
- Cut costs. Online data storage can save you space and money on physical storage systems
Find superfast fibre broadband providers in Northern Ireland.
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
The government is providing voucher funding to help eligible businesses experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas. The vouchers are worth up to £4,500 to help cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband. Read more about the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/fibre-broadband-business
Links
Using home broadband for business
Difference between business broadband and home broadband, and advantages of using home broadband for your business.
Not every business requires a specialised business broadband connection. Some may be able to use their home broadband service, especially if their requirements are limited.
Broadband products are generally similar for domestic and corporate users. They rely on the same technology and infrastructure, but commercial businesses typically have different needs to the average domestic user.
It is important to consider your specific needs and the type and nature of your business when you're choosing a broadband package for your company.
Do I need business broadband?
If you're working from home temporarily or occasionally, in most cases your normal home broadband should be sufficient.
However, keep in mind that a home broadband package is designed for personal use. It often comes with a number of restrictions that businesses may find disadvantageous.
If you are a small business, a start-up or a sole trader, and you are working from home more permanently, a home broadband package would only be a suitable option if:
- you don't use the internet frequently and at very specific times
- internet access is not vital to your business operations
- any 'downtime' or 'slowdown' would not significantly affect the survival or profitability of your business
- you don't need large data transfers (eg uploading or downloading of large files) to conduct their business operations
If you are a larger business, or a small business relying on a dependable, secure internet connection, then business broadband might be a better option for you.
Key reasons for getting business broadband
Business packages generally offer faster connection speeds, greater data transfer allowances, static IP addresses and usually more service reliability with better service level targets.
These features may come at a greater price, but they may help you run your business more efficiently. Read more on the advantages of business broadband.
Claiming business expenses if you're using home broadband
If you use home broadband for your business, you may be able to reclaim some cost if:
- you use it for business purposes
- the broadband contract is undertaken in the name of your company
- the service is provided at home but paid for directly by the company
However, you are unlikely to be able to seek reimbursement if:
- you already have a broadband account in your personal name
- you are already paying for the connection
- you cannot split the business and personal use each month
Find out more about reimbursing broadband internet charges.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/using-home-broadband-business
Links
Broadband security and your business
An overview of the threats to your broadband, and the steps you can take to reduce the risks to your business.
Broadband provides an 'always-on' connection. This increases the security risks that your business network or equipment could become exposed to, such as viruses or hackers.
These risks could potentially be disastrous for your business. They could compromise your critical data, and lead to loss or theft of valuable information.
Is business broadband more secure than home broadband?
Business broadband packages most often come with better security options and more proactive measures than home broadband, to ensure that your data and network remain secure. Your internet service provider (ISP) can include, as an integral part of their offering, a range of security systems such as:
- network-wide email screening service
- anti-virus / anti-malware software and hardware firewall to intercept malicious attacks
- off-site data backup solution
Find out more about common network security issues.
How to secure your broadband connection
You can take some basic steps to reduce the risks to your broadband. For example, you can:
- install additional security software or an enhanced hardware firewall to your system
- keep your operating system, firewall, virus protection and other software up to date
- draw up and enforce policies for employee email/internet use
You should check which security options are available to you as part of your package, or at additional cost, from your ISP. Alternatively, you can consult an independent security expert.
You can also read more about securing your wireless network and find out how to protect your business online.
ActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/broadband-security-and-your-business
Links
Advantages of business broadband
What is broadband?
An introduction to broadband internet technologies, and how they work to enable online connectivity.
Broadband is a general term for a permanent, high-speed connection to the internet. It describes any telecommunications technology that allows for a transfer of large amounts of data using either:
- fixed telephone lines, eg DSL (digital subscriber line), cable and fibre optic technologies
- wireless access, eg Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Max, mobile and satellite technologies
Is broadband Wi-Fi?
No. Broadband is a term for a fast connection to the internet. Broadband can use wired or wireless technology.
Wi-Fi is simply a means of getting broadband without having to connect through wires. It uses radio wave technology as an alternative to network cables to provide connectivity.
How does broadband work?
A broadband connection, like a telephone line, is 'always on'. This means that, once you have switched on your computer or mobile device, you are connected and you can access the internet at any time.
Unlike the traditional 'dial-up' method, which has become largely redundant, broadband doesn't affect the phone line. This means that you are free to receive and make calls while online.
Most commonly, broadband is provided over your phone line, via cable or via satellite. You can also have broadband access via mobile networks. Read about the different types of broadband connections.
How much does broadband cost?
Broadband packages vary greatly, depending on the provider, the location of your premises and the services you need.
Normally, you pay a standard monthly fee to your provider for unlimited internet access, although certain broadband products may offer pay-as-you-go access.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/what-broadband
Links
Types of broadband connections
An overview of the most common types of broadband connections, and the options available to your business.
There are several types of broadband connections available. The location of your business may determine the type of connection you can access.
ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line)
ADSL is a common broadband technology available in the UK but, where available, it is being replaced with faster Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the premises (FTTP) internet connections. ADSL uses existing analogue telephone lines and can deliver download speeds from 0.5 Mbps up to 24 Mbps. Maximum upload speeds generally range from 0.25Mbps up to 1Mbps.
The exact speed of ADSL connection will depend on:
- length and quality of the phone line between your premises and the telephone exchange
- if the exchange has been upgraded to offer newer, faster services
If you are a small office or sole trader, a basic business ADSL line may be enough to meet your needs. Growing businesses or those relying on, for example, online sales or cloud storage, may want to consider faster connections such as fibre broadband for business.
Cable broadband
Broadband services are often available via cable TV operators using high-speed fibre optic networks. Most cable companies offer bundled packages that include telephone, broadband connection and TV channels.
Wireless access
In areas where broadband is not possible via telephone or cable, it may be available using wireless technology. Local Wi-Fi hotspots are common in airports, hotels, cafes, pubs and motorway service stations. Some operators also offer mobile phone style 'roaming' facilities.
Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-max) is a fast-emerging alternative to Wi-Fi and makes it possible to provide broadband to areas where other technology is unsuitable.
Satellite broadband
Businesses in remote areas where ADSL, cable or wireless are not possible can access the internet by satellite. Download and upload speeds may vary, but faster speeds and more competitive deals are increasingly becoming available. There are also new satellite internet services using clusters of low earth orbiting satellites offering fast speeds and low latency.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband enables you to wirelessly connect a portable computer to the internet using the 3G, 4G or 5G mobile phone network. Mobile broadband can be useful for those working on the move. However, download speeds can be slow and coverage is not universal, especially in rural areas.
Leased lines
Larger businesses or those with specialist data needs may want to think about a dedicated 'point-to-point' leased line connection. This can provide higher bandwidths for both uploading and downloading, and better security and privacy over a line used exclusively by the purchasing business.
Each type of connection has its advantages and disadvantages. You should consider your options carefully and think about:
- your location, as not all broadband deals will be available in your area
- your current and future usage needs, including bandwidth and speed
- your budget, including setup fees, monthly line rental and contract terms and fees
Read about the advantages of business broadband.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/types-broadband-connections
Links
Advantages of business broadband
What are the benefits of business broadband, and how can the right broadband package improve the running of your business.
If you are running a small business or working from home, you may be using your home broadband connection to get on the internet. Business packages are often more reliable and may offer more security if internet access is critical to your business.
Business broadband vs home broadband
Business broadband often offers:
- better data transfer capabilities - eg more generous or unlimited upload and download allowances, and higher upload speeds than home broadband
- faster connection speeds - some packages offer priority to business users over the network at peak times
- lower contention ratio - ie the number of other internet users sharing a server with you is generally lower allowing for greater connection speeds
- greater efficiency - eg streamlining and automating online tasks, such as linking your online shop with the stock control system, transaction processing, order tracking and stock reordering
- static IP addresses - needed for businesses looking to host their own servers, eg for emails, CCTV systems, website hosting or remote connections via the internet
- tech support - eg service level agreements guaranteeing fix time and priority engineer support
- additional services - tailored to specific needs of your business, eg email services, data management, upgrades, backup plans, recovery, cloud services, etc
Other benefits of business broadband
Business broadband usually costs more than home packages. However, it is worth weighing the cost against the advantages. A reliable, robust connection can:
- get you closer to your customers and suppliers, with round-the-clock access to account information, order status and project details
- enable you to respond to customers' email queries or website orders within minutes
- ensure that communications channels, such as email and video conferencing systems, remain open between you and your staff
A broadband connection that suits the particular needs of your business can help you become more flexible and more able to adapt to your staff, customer and supplier needs.
If you're not sure which internet access technology would be best suited to your business, read about the different types of broadband connections.
If you think you may not require a specialised business broadband connection, an alternative may be using home broadband for business.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-business-broadband
Links
Fibre broadband for business
What is fibre optic broadband, and what types of fibre broadband connections are available to your business.
Fibre broadband uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide faster speeds and more reliable internet service.
Types of fibre broadband connections
There are generally two types of fibre broadband connections:
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) speed
FTTC uses fibre optic cable to connect the telephone exchange or distribution point to your phone line in the street cabinet that serves your premises. From the cabinet, your signal travels to your premises via traditional copper lines.
FTTC can typically achieve maximum 80Mbps download speeds, and 20Mbps upload speeds, although the actual maximum speed of your connection will depend on the length of your phone line to the street cabinet.
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) speed
FTTP connections provide end-to-end fibre optic connection from the exchange or the service provider's fibre network to your premises. They can deliver the fastest speeds, reaching download speeds of 1000Mbps and upload speeds of 300Mbps or more. They are usually limited to premises near the telephone exchange or fibre network. The main telecom operators in NI have plans to significantly increase availability of FTTP across NI so it is always worth checking availability.
G.Fast
At present, only a small number of providers offer packages using the hybrid G.Fast technology as it is only available to a limited number of FTTC subscribers around the UK.
G.Fast uses fibre optic cables from the exchange to the street cabinets, where a device is fitted that increases the maximum broadband speed users can get via their existing copper cables to be greater speeds than standard FTTC technology.
G.Fast can deliver speeds of up to 330Mbps download and 50Mbps upload, depending on the length and quality of the phone line between the premises at the street cabinet. It operates best over a short run of copper cable, ideally less than 350 meters from the cabinet.
Benefits of fibre broadband to business
With faster speeds and increased reliability, fibre broadband connections can make your business run more efficiently and be more profitable. It can help you:
- Get more done. Faster speeds mean you and your staff can do more bandwidth-heavy tasks simultaneously (eg send and receive large files, images and video) without experiencing slowdowns.
- Reach new markets. Fast, reliable speeds make online marketing easier and enable you to instantly communicate with customers in your area and across the world using social media, email marketing or via an online shop hosted on your website.
- Stay in touch with people who matter. Connect with customers and suppliers quicker and in new ways, eg through VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony and video conferencing.
- Make use of cloud computing. Take advantage of hosted applications, such as instant data backups, to reduce equipment, software and licensing costs. Pay only for what you use.
- Work remotely. Work from home or on the go, with the same efficiency as if you were working from the office.
- Cut costs. Online data storage can save you space and money on physical storage systems
Find superfast fibre broadband providers in Northern Ireland.
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
The government is providing voucher funding to help eligible businesses experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas. The vouchers are worth up to £4,500 to help cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband. Read more about the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/fibre-broadband-business
Links
Using home broadband for business
Difference between business broadband and home broadband, and advantages of using home broadband for your business.
Not every business requires a specialised business broadband connection. Some may be able to use their home broadband service, especially if their requirements are limited.
Broadband products are generally similar for domestic and corporate users. They rely on the same technology and infrastructure, but commercial businesses typically have different needs to the average domestic user.
It is important to consider your specific needs and the type and nature of your business when you're choosing a broadband package for your company.
Do I need business broadband?
If you're working from home temporarily or occasionally, in most cases your normal home broadband should be sufficient.
However, keep in mind that a home broadband package is designed for personal use. It often comes with a number of restrictions that businesses may find disadvantageous.
If you are a small business, a start-up or a sole trader, and you are working from home more permanently, a home broadband package would only be a suitable option if:
- you don't use the internet frequently and at very specific times
- internet access is not vital to your business operations
- any 'downtime' or 'slowdown' would not significantly affect the survival or profitability of your business
- you don't need large data transfers (eg uploading or downloading of large files) to conduct their business operations
If you are a larger business, or a small business relying on a dependable, secure internet connection, then business broadband might be a better option for you.
Key reasons for getting business broadband
Business packages generally offer faster connection speeds, greater data transfer allowances, static IP addresses and usually more service reliability with better service level targets.
These features may come at a greater price, but they may help you run your business more efficiently. Read more on the advantages of business broadband.
Claiming business expenses if you're using home broadband
If you use home broadband for your business, you may be able to reclaim some cost if:
- you use it for business purposes
- the broadband contract is undertaken in the name of your company
- the service is provided at home but paid for directly by the company
However, you are unlikely to be able to seek reimbursement if:
- you already have a broadband account in your personal name
- you are already paying for the connection
- you cannot split the business and personal use each month
Find out more about reimbursing broadband internet charges.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/using-home-broadband-business
Links
Broadband security and your business
An overview of the threats to your broadband, and the steps you can take to reduce the risks to your business.
Broadband provides an 'always-on' connection. This increases the security risks that your business network or equipment could become exposed to, such as viruses or hackers.
These risks could potentially be disastrous for your business. They could compromise your critical data, and lead to loss or theft of valuable information.
Is business broadband more secure than home broadband?
Business broadband packages most often come with better security options and more proactive measures than home broadband, to ensure that your data and network remain secure. Your internet service provider (ISP) can include, as an integral part of their offering, a range of security systems such as:
- network-wide email screening service
- anti-virus / anti-malware software and hardware firewall to intercept malicious attacks
- off-site data backup solution
Find out more about common network security issues.
How to secure your broadband connection
You can take some basic steps to reduce the risks to your broadband. For example, you can:
- install additional security software or an enhanced hardware firewall to your system
- keep your operating system, firewall, virus protection and other software up to date
- draw up and enforce policies for employee email/internet use
You should check which security options are available to you as part of your package, or at additional cost, from your ISP. Alternatively, you can consult an independent security expert.
You can also read more about securing your wireless network and find out how to protect your business online.
ActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/broadband-security-and-your-business
Links
Types of broadband connections
What is broadband?
An introduction to broadband internet technologies, and how they work to enable online connectivity.
Broadband is a general term for a permanent, high-speed connection to the internet. It describes any telecommunications technology that allows for a transfer of large amounts of data using either:
- fixed telephone lines, eg DSL (digital subscriber line), cable and fibre optic technologies
- wireless access, eg Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Max, mobile and satellite technologies
Is broadband Wi-Fi?
No. Broadband is a term for a fast connection to the internet. Broadband can use wired or wireless technology.
Wi-Fi is simply a means of getting broadband without having to connect through wires. It uses radio wave technology as an alternative to network cables to provide connectivity.
How does broadband work?
A broadband connection, like a telephone line, is 'always on'. This means that, once you have switched on your computer or mobile device, you are connected and you can access the internet at any time.
Unlike the traditional 'dial-up' method, which has become largely redundant, broadband doesn't affect the phone line. This means that you are free to receive and make calls while online.
Most commonly, broadband is provided over your phone line, via cable or via satellite. You can also have broadband access via mobile networks. Read about the different types of broadband connections.
How much does broadband cost?
Broadband packages vary greatly, depending on the provider, the location of your premises and the services you need.
Normally, you pay a standard monthly fee to your provider for unlimited internet access, although certain broadband products may offer pay-as-you-go access.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/what-broadband
Links
Types of broadband connections
An overview of the most common types of broadband connections, and the options available to your business.
There are several types of broadband connections available. The location of your business may determine the type of connection you can access.
ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line)
ADSL is a common broadband technology available in the UK but, where available, it is being replaced with faster Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the premises (FTTP) internet connections. ADSL uses existing analogue telephone lines and can deliver download speeds from 0.5 Mbps up to 24 Mbps. Maximum upload speeds generally range from 0.25Mbps up to 1Mbps.
The exact speed of ADSL connection will depend on:
- length and quality of the phone line between your premises and the telephone exchange
- if the exchange has been upgraded to offer newer, faster services
If you are a small office or sole trader, a basic business ADSL line may be enough to meet your needs. Growing businesses or those relying on, for example, online sales or cloud storage, may want to consider faster connections such as fibre broadband for business.
Cable broadband
Broadband services are often available via cable TV operators using high-speed fibre optic networks. Most cable companies offer bundled packages that include telephone, broadband connection and TV channels.
Wireless access
In areas where broadband is not possible via telephone or cable, it may be available using wireless technology. Local Wi-Fi hotspots are common in airports, hotels, cafes, pubs and motorway service stations. Some operators also offer mobile phone style 'roaming' facilities.
Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-max) is a fast-emerging alternative to Wi-Fi and makes it possible to provide broadband to areas where other technology is unsuitable.
Satellite broadband
Businesses in remote areas where ADSL, cable or wireless are not possible can access the internet by satellite. Download and upload speeds may vary, but faster speeds and more competitive deals are increasingly becoming available. There are also new satellite internet services using clusters of low earth orbiting satellites offering fast speeds and low latency.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband enables you to wirelessly connect a portable computer to the internet using the 3G, 4G or 5G mobile phone network. Mobile broadband can be useful for those working on the move. However, download speeds can be slow and coverage is not universal, especially in rural areas.
Leased lines
Larger businesses or those with specialist data needs may want to think about a dedicated 'point-to-point' leased line connection. This can provide higher bandwidths for both uploading and downloading, and better security and privacy over a line used exclusively by the purchasing business.
Each type of connection has its advantages and disadvantages. You should consider your options carefully and think about:
- your location, as not all broadband deals will be available in your area
- your current and future usage needs, including bandwidth and speed
- your budget, including setup fees, monthly line rental and contract terms and fees
Read about the advantages of business broadband.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/types-broadband-connections
Links
Advantages of business broadband
What are the benefits of business broadband, and how can the right broadband package improve the running of your business.
If you are running a small business or working from home, you may be using your home broadband connection to get on the internet. Business packages are often more reliable and may offer more security if internet access is critical to your business.
Business broadband vs home broadband
Business broadband often offers:
- better data transfer capabilities - eg more generous or unlimited upload and download allowances, and higher upload speeds than home broadband
- faster connection speeds - some packages offer priority to business users over the network at peak times
- lower contention ratio - ie the number of other internet users sharing a server with you is generally lower allowing for greater connection speeds
- greater efficiency - eg streamlining and automating online tasks, such as linking your online shop with the stock control system, transaction processing, order tracking and stock reordering
- static IP addresses - needed for businesses looking to host their own servers, eg for emails, CCTV systems, website hosting or remote connections via the internet
- tech support - eg service level agreements guaranteeing fix time and priority engineer support
- additional services - tailored to specific needs of your business, eg email services, data management, upgrades, backup plans, recovery, cloud services, etc
Other benefits of business broadband
Business broadband usually costs more than home packages. However, it is worth weighing the cost against the advantages. A reliable, robust connection can:
- get you closer to your customers and suppliers, with round-the-clock access to account information, order status and project details
- enable you to respond to customers' email queries or website orders within minutes
- ensure that communications channels, such as email and video conferencing systems, remain open between you and your staff
A broadband connection that suits the particular needs of your business can help you become more flexible and more able to adapt to your staff, customer and supplier needs.
If you're not sure which internet access technology would be best suited to your business, read about the different types of broadband connections.
If you think you may not require a specialised business broadband connection, an alternative may be using home broadband for business.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/advantages-business-broadband
Links
Fibre broadband for business
What is fibre optic broadband, and what types of fibre broadband connections are available to your business.
Fibre broadband uses the latest fibre optic technology to provide faster speeds and more reliable internet service.
Types of fibre broadband connections
There are generally two types of fibre broadband connections:
Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) speed
FTTC uses fibre optic cable to connect the telephone exchange or distribution point to your phone line in the street cabinet that serves your premises. From the cabinet, your signal travels to your premises via traditional copper lines.
FTTC can typically achieve maximum 80Mbps download speeds, and 20Mbps upload speeds, although the actual maximum speed of your connection will depend on the length of your phone line to the street cabinet.
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) speed
FTTP connections provide end-to-end fibre optic connection from the exchange or the service provider's fibre network to your premises. They can deliver the fastest speeds, reaching download speeds of 1000Mbps and upload speeds of 300Mbps or more. They are usually limited to premises near the telephone exchange or fibre network. The main telecom operators in NI have plans to significantly increase availability of FTTP across NI so it is always worth checking availability.
G.Fast
At present, only a small number of providers offer packages using the hybrid G.Fast technology as it is only available to a limited number of FTTC subscribers around the UK.
G.Fast uses fibre optic cables from the exchange to the street cabinets, where a device is fitted that increases the maximum broadband speed users can get via their existing copper cables to be greater speeds than standard FTTC technology.
G.Fast can deliver speeds of up to 330Mbps download and 50Mbps upload, depending on the length and quality of the phone line between the premises at the street cabinet. It operates best over a short run of copper cable, ideally less than 350 meters from the cabinet.
Benefits of fibre broadband to business
With faster speeds and increased reliability, fibre broadband connections can make your business run more efficiently and be more profitable. It can help you:
- Get more done. Faster speeds mean you and your staff can do more bandwidth-heavy tasks simultaneously (eg send and receive large files, images and video) without experiencing slowdowns.
- Reach new markets. Fast, reliable speeds make online marketing easier and enable you to instantly communicate with customers in your area and across the world using social media, email marketing or via an online shop hosted on your website.
- Stay in touch with people who matter. Connect with customers and suppliers quicker and in new ways, eg through VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony and video conferencing.
- Make use of cloud computing. Take advantage of hosted applications, such as instant data backups, to reduce equipment, software and licensing costs. Pay only for what you use.
- Work remotely. Work from home or on the go, with the same efficiency as if you were working from the office.
- Cut costs. Online data storage can save you space and money on physical storage systems
Find superfast fibre broadband providers in Northern Ireland.
Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme
The government is providing voucher funding to help eligible businesses experiencing slow broadband speeds in rural areas. The vouchers are worth up to £4,500 to help cover the costs of installing gigabit broadband. Read more about the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/fibre-broadband-business
Links
Using home broadband for business
Difference between business broadband and home broadband, and advantages of using home broadband for your business.
Not every business requires a specialised business broadband connection. Some may be able to use their home broadband service, especially if their requirements are limited.
Broadband products are generally similar for domestic and corporate users. They rely on the same technology and infrastructure, but commercial businesses typically have different needs to the average domestic user.
It is important to consider your specific needs and the type and nature of your business when you're choosing a broadband package for your company.
Do I need business broadband?
If you're working from home temporarily or occasionally, in most cases your normal home broadband should be sufficient.
However, keep in mind that a home broadband package is designed for personal use. It often comes with a number of restrictions that businesses may find disadvantageous.
If you are a small business, a start-up or a sole trader, and you are working from home more permanently, a home broadband package would only be a suitable option if:
- you don't use the internet frequently and at very specific times
- internet access is not vital to your business operations
- any 'downtime' or 'slowdown' would not significantly affect the survival or profitability of your business
- you don't need large data transfers (eg uploading or downloading of large files) to conduct their business operations
If you are a larger business, or a small business relying on a dependable, secure internet connection, then business broadband might be a better option for you.
Key reasons for getting business broadband
Business packages generally offer faster connection speeds, greater data transfer allowances, static IP addresses and usually more service reliability with better service level targets.
These features may come at a greater price, but they may help you run your business more efficiently. Read more on the advantages of business broadband.
Claiming business expenses if you're using home broadband
If you use home broadband for your business, you may be able to reclaim some cost if:
- you use it for business purposes
- the broadband contract is undertaken in the name of your company
- the service is provided at home but paid for directly by the company
However, you are unlikely to be able to seek reimbursement if:
- you already have a broadband account in your personal name
- you are already paying for the connection
- you cannot split the business and personal use each month
Find out more about reimbursing broadband internet charges.
Also on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/using-home-broadband-business
Links
Broadband security and your business
An overview of the threats to your broadband, and the steps you can take to reduce the risks to your business.
Broadband provides an 'always-on' connection. This increases the security risks that your business network or equipment could become exposed to, such as viruses or hackers.
These risks could potentially be disastrous for your business. They could compromise your critical data, and lead to loss or theft of valuable information.
Is business broadband more secure than home broadband?
Business broadband packages most often come with better security options and more proactive measures than home broadband, to ensure that your data and network remain secure. Your internet service provider (ISP) can include, as an integral part of their offering, a range of security systems such as:
- network-wide email screening service
- anti-virus / anti-malware software and hardware firewall to intercept malicious attacks
- off-site data backup solution
Find out more about common network security issues.
How to secure your broadband connection
You can take some basic steps to reduce the risks to your broadband. For example, you can:
- install additional security software or an enhanced hardware firewall to your system
- keep your operating system, firewall, virus protection and other software up to date
- draw up and enforce policies for employee email/internet use
You should check which security options are available to you as part of your package, or at additional cost, from your ISP. Alternatively, you can consult an independent security expert.
You can also read more about securing your wireless network and find out how to protect your business online.
ActionsAlso on this siteContent category
Source URL
/content/broadband-security-and-your-business
Links