1. Planning to move into a new location
2. Finding a phone or computer vendor
3. Wireless security
4. Surveillance

General Questions

Q: Is wireless networking secure?

A: Nothing is completely hack-proof; however with current technology, a properly configured, hard-wired network is still the most secure method of setting up a network. If you are not concerned about your data, wireless networking may provide a less expensive solution for you. We do not recommend wireless networking for commercial applications at this time.

Q: What about businesses who advertise they use wireless networking?

A: Businesses, such as Starbucks, advertise wireless networking in their facilities so their patrons can access the Internet via wireless network cards in their notebook or laptop computers. These businesses have separate, hard-wired networks for their commercial applications. Their business related systems & point-of-sale systems, being on this separate, hard-wired network protects their critical data.

Q: What do I need to plan for in regards to telephone and data services when I am moving into a new location?

Q: What questions should I ask when looking for a phone or computer vendor?

1. Ask for references.
2. Ask them WHY you should use them.
3. How long have they been serving Las Vegas.
4. Are they licensed properly?
1. a. Do they have general liability insurance?
2. b. Do they have a contractor's license for cabling?
3. c. Do they have Worker's Comp?
4. d. Do they have the proper Entity license?
5. Are they asking you a lot of questions on how you answer and handle calls to operate your business?
6. Are their phone systems; computers / products that they offer a good product?
7. When receiving a bid, do they cover all your needs?
1. a. Does the bid include all the labor?
2. b. Compare their bids with an apples to apples bid to make sure you are receiving all the parts and pieces you need to accomplish your desires.

There are systems that you can purchase from Costco or other stores and there are professionally installed systems you can purchase.

The store bought systems are usually a plug and play. The concerns with this are usually with the installation and the cable needs. If you are in a commercial building, all cabling in Las Vegas must be in conduit to meet code. It is very difficult to install the plug and play cabling into conduit, depending on the length and number of bends.

If you are in a commercial building, I would suggest you go with a professionally installed system. There are low end DVRs and Cameras to very high end. When purchasing, ask the vendor what range of DVRs and Cameras they have. Be sure they are asking you the right questions. Such as: How important is real time viewing and recording? How much recording time you need? Do you need any PTZ cameras; Hidden Cameras, etc? How clear do you want the picture to be? Are you using mostly remotely or internally?

Many companies can get by with the lower end equipment, whereas others may want and need the higher end equipment.

1. Longevity- Make sure you purchase your surveillance system from an established company. I would suggest a company that has been in business at least 5 years. If a company has made it 5 years, it means it has been servicing it's products if there was a problem and that most of the issues are worked out.
   
   
2. Technical Support- Make sure that the company has technical expertise! This is where most people make their mistake! They see the lowest price and pull out the credit card without calling the company. Who do I call if I need technical support? If there is a problem do you fix it, or does it have to get shipped somewhere else? You want a company that can answer your technical questions.
   
   
3. Training- If you are having the system professionally installed will they spend a couple of hours to train you? If the company also does installations, it's a HUGE benefit because they can give you additional advice.
   
   
4. Pricing- The most critical question! For a professionally installed PC based Surveillance System you should expect to pay $500-$1,000 per camera installed. This price varies depending on the type of cameras you select and any other potential physical installation challenges. To better define complete system, a system should include your PC based DVR, Cameras, Power Supply, Wire, and Connectors.