Continued from Part 1, this article append below some simplified procedures to implement a web-based accounting system that will leverage current IT tools to improve profitability and efficiency:-

• Set up a system network.

This is in relation to the connection of the local and remote computers for sharing information and resources, Ethernet networking is a good choice for small business local area networks (LAN) because it is inexpensive and reliable. Ethernet networking strikes a good balance between cost and speed, is built into most newer PCs, and can support nearly all popular network protocols. For older computers, installing a network interface card (NIC) is easy, and all major networking manufacturers (e.g., D-Link, Linksys, and Netgear) offer reliable and inexpensive NICs. Fast Ethernet is based on the same protocol as traditional Ethernet, and businesses can realize significant network performance boosts affordably. Ethernet networks have practical limits, however. A primary concern is the length of the shared cable. Data can travel on the cable quickly, but signals weaken as they travel. In addition, electrical interference from the surrounding devices may interfere with the signals. This issue places a limitation on the maximum distance between two devices on an Ethernet network.

Although distance is seldom an issue for business networks, if a company has several branch offices with some distance between them, one option is to set up a virtual private network (VPN). Furthermore, if the structure of the office makes it economically unfeasible to run Ethernet cables, a company may prefer to set up a wireless network.

Businesses with 50 employees or less can use Microsoft Small Business Server or Windows XP Professional to function as either a dedicated or a nondedicated server. With Windows XP, the network administrator can manage the access to data, files, printers, and other resources on a small network. If the business lacks qualified IT staff or wants to set up more complicated networks, another option is to hire a consultant or value-added reseller (VAR) to do the wiring and system configuration.

The business must also have the bandwidth capacity that broadband Internet access provides in order to use web-based accounting packages effectively. The process of choosing the right ISP can be complicated, and a company must consider several factors, including price, performance, access numbers (for alternate dial-up service), and technical support/services.

• Select and subscribe to software

We should make sure that the provider offers all the required features before subscribing to the service. (refer to Part 3) We should select a web-based accounting package based on the company’s information needs and the features offered by the software.

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