Across Iowa, Network Infrastructure is Key for Small Businesses

High-speed internet is just one component of critical business communications solutions.

Articles published July 17, 2019 by Bob Bally

For small businesses, a few things are critical to driving success. Network infrastructure for communications and internet services has been rated as a key priority for successful operations.

The Small Business Index for Q1 2019 reports that 64 percent of small business owners surveyed say high-speed internet is “very important” to their success. The service industry, in particular, relies heavily on quality internet service, with 85 percent of respondents rating high-speed internet as the most important small business infrastructure.

Network Infrastructure in Iowa

Since 1986, when we were Iowa Network Services, Aureon has continued to grow, simplify, and optimize our network, with more than 4,460+ miles of fiber that delivers industry-leading performance to local small businesses. Across Iowa and the Midwest, the Aureon Fiber Optic Network provides premier high-speed internet service and scalability and delivers reliability through multiple access points across the state. 

To ensure the next generation of internet and cloud-based services are available to small businesses across Iowa, we’ve taken strategic steps to make our network stronger, more secure, and resilient. This includes a $60 million investment in infrastructure, fiber, and network equipment, making it the largest fiber installation in Iowa. Additionally, our national partnerships allow us to reach across the county, with currently more than 400,000 fiber miles of high-speed internet access.

Want to know if your location qualifies for Aureon Fiber Optic Internet?

Benefits Beyond Bandwidth

While 57 percent of small businesses surveyed put the priority on improving internet speeds, other key infrastructure components to consider are firewalls and internet security. Simply protecting business assets with an internet firewall may not be enough. A managed firewall solution takes a unified threat management approach to secure networks and servers, allowing for security across the internet, your network, and email.

For businesses with multiple branches or locations, a Virtual Private Network can securely connect those locations with a safe and protected firewall and wireless security.

Choosing a provider that not only owns the network but also offers ever-evolving solutions for security can keep your business running when it matters most. Aureon offers an Iowa-based customer service center with a designated point of contact for all your needs, and 24/7 local internet support that can be there fast. 

Cloud Solutions Help Small Businesses

Hardware and other key IT components can be costly and take up valuable office space, something many small businesses can’t afford to lose. Rather than purchasing the necessary hardware and software, businesses have another option — cloud technology. Moving to a hosted model, like Aureon’s Cloud WAN (SD-WAN), allows businesses to avoid significant upfront costs and eliminate on-site servers and associated expenses.

For businesses with multiple locations or branches, cloud solutions can improve remote access and limit downtime. With an SD-WAN network, traffic can go straight to your cloud applications and corporate data without routing through a primary server first, which means employees in various locations access the information they need faster and more securely. Choosing a WAN (wide area network) solution allows you to simplify IT and network operations, leaving you to work on priority projects and improve your business.

How could improved infrastructure benefit your small business?