The Disadvantages of Networking
Here are a few of the items that
balance against the advantages of networking.
- Network Hardware, Software and Setup Costs: Computers don't just magically network
themselves, of course. Setting up a network requires an investment in
hardware and software, as well as funds for planning, designing and
implementing the network. For a home with a small network of two or three
PCs, this is relatively inexpensive, possibly amounting to less than a
hundred dollars with today's low prices for network hardware, and
operating systems already designed for networks. For a large company, cost
can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars—or more.
- Hardware and Software Management and
Administration Costs: In
all but the smallest of implementations, ongoing maintenance and
management of the network requires the care and attention of an IT
professional. In a smaller organization that already has a system
administrator, a network may fall within this person's job
responsibilities, but it will take time away from other tasks. In more
substantial organizations, a network administrator may need to be hired,
and in large companies an entire department may be necessary.
- Undesirable Sharing: With the good comes the bad; while networking
allows the easy sharing of useful information, it also allows the sharing
of undesirable data. One significant “sharing problem” in this regard has
to do with viruses, which are easily spread over networks and the
Internet. Mitigating these effects costs more time, money and
administrative effort.
- Illegal or Undesirable Behavior: Similar to the point above, networking
facilitates useful connectivity and communication, but also brings
difficulties with it. Typical problems include abuse of company resources,
distractions that reduce productivity, downloading of illegal or illicit
materials, and even software piracy. In larger organizations, these issues
must be managed through explicit policies and monitoring, which again,
further increases management costs.
- Data Security Concerns: If a network is implemented properly, it is
possible to greatly improve the security of important data. In contrast, a
poorly-secured network puts critical data at risk, exposing it to the
potential problems associated with hackers, unauthorized access and even
sabotage.
