Setting up consumer-grade hardware in a business can be tempting, especially when you see the low prices at your local electronics or big box store. However, this easy solution can quickly become a nightmare for your network. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the potential issues that may arise from using consumer-grade hardware in your business and how to avoid them.
What makes consumer-grade hardware unfit for business?
Poorly tested – Consumer-grade hardware is typically designed for home users who are not as concerned with reliability and uptime as businesses are. This means that the hardware has not been put through the same rigorous testing that commercial-grade hardware has, and it is more likely to fail or have compatibility issues.
Cheap components – In order to keep costs down, consumer-grade hardware is often made with cheaper components. This can lead to lower quality and less reliability.
Inadequate support – When something goes wrong with consumer-grade hardware, you are often on your own in terms of finding a solution. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are not technically savvy. In contrast, commercial-grade hardware comes with support from the manufacturer, so you can rest assured that someone will be there to help you if something goes wrong.
Planned obsolescence – One of the downsides of consumer-grade hardware is that it is often designed with planned obsolescence in mind. This means that the hardware is not built to last, and you will likely have to replace it much sooner than you would commercial-grade hardware.
Security risks – Consumer-grade hardware is not designed with security in mind, and as such, it may introduce vulnerabilities into your network. This is a serious concern for businesses, as an insecure network can lead to data breaches and other cyber security threats.
How can you avoid these problems?
The best way to avoid the problems associated with consumer-grade hardware is to use commercial-grade hardware instead. This may cost more upfront, but it will be worth it in the long run in terms of reliability, support, and security.
What makes commercial-grade hardware better?
Better support – When you use commercial-grade hardware, you can expect better support from the manufacturer. This means that replacement hardware or direct vendor support will be available if something goes wrong, which can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Better security – Commercial-grade hardware is designed with security in mind, so you can rest assured that your network is safe from potential threats.
Better reliability – Commercial-grade hardware is designed to be more reliable and last longer than consumer-grade hardware, so you can expect it to last longer and have fewer compatibility issues.
Overall, using commercial-grade hardware is the best way to avoid the problems associated with consumer-grade hardware. Though it may cost more upfront, it will be worth it in the long run in terms of reliability, support, and security. So, if you’re looking to set up a business network, be sure to use commercial-grade hardware to avoid any potential headaches down the road.
Do you have consumer-grade hardware slowing you down? Simply submit your name and email address below and we’ll be in touch to talk about how we can help improve your network, your productivity, and your security!
