DataDevil has a broad understanding of the types of IT systems small businesses can benefit from. The sections below represent some major areas that businesses often find important, but we are always guided by our client's needs, and if these don't fit neatly into categories, that's fine. We can help with most small business IT requirements.

DataDevil can install and provide support for all your networking needs including connection to the Internet. We are also able to help you adapt your existing network as your business grows.

We have experience of configuring secure wireless networks as well as wiring traditional networks. Whilst wireless networks tend to be quicker to setup, and wiring a building is not always possible, they can be slightly slower for transferring data. We will gladly recommend which approach would be best for your business, and discuss the pros and cons.

For file and printer sharing, many small businesses are happy to pay for Microsoft's server products, but there can be advantages in considering using a Linux server in conjunction with Windows desktops for your employees. Either way, we can quickly provide a solution to meet your business needs.

We can discuss how incorporating a Linux server might benefit your business. Two of the main benefits are in stability and reduced cost. Whilst Windows server products may go a few weeks without crashing, it is not uncommon for our Linux servers to go for many months before even needing a restart. Whilst we would generally recommend using the Windows operating system on your employees desktop computers, for some businesses having a Linux server would provide a more cost effective way of sharing files and data across a network.

'Off-the-shelf' software and hardware rarely provides for all the needs of small businesses, which would often benefit from the development of specialised systems to meet their requirements more exactly.

We have considerable experience in analysing information flows within an organisation and quickly developing prototype software to improve efficiency. This basic software can then be used to help refine the specification of a final solution, which may in some cases also involve customised or purpose built hardware.

We usually find that by combining products such as Microsoft Office with our custom software provides the best value for money for our clients. Most are already using Office, so there are no additional costs involved.

We use the .NET platform from Microsoft as the basis for new Microsoft Windows based development, and use Access, SQL Server and PostgreSQL databases. Each of these has benefits and drawbacks which we would be happy to discuss in any consultation.

We are also increasingly developing web based solutions for our clients, using Django in conjunction with Linux and open source databases.

Because we use code generation tools, the development time for many projects can be less than many people expect, and we are used to working to strict deadlines.

In addition to providing on-site and telephone support, we can also provide remote desktop assistance. This allows us to diagnose and resolve many problems from our office using the Internet and no call-out costs will apply. It can also be an effective method of training, as we can share your employee's desktop and guide them through processes they are not familiar with.

We can help with Microsoft Office applications, and with any of our bespoke implementations.

A recent development in the provision of small office services, these plug computers are surprisingly inexpensive, and can be configured to provide various facilities such as Intranets, plug and play databases, file sharing, daily backups, email, Internet content filtering and much more.

They have no moving parts, and are therefore very energy efficient, typically consuming about 10 watts.

Other less conventional uses for these plug computers may be in security applications, with attached webcams/microphones, or in the home as music devices which can be controlled through your mobile phone.

If you think your business may benefit from a novel use of this technology, we'd like to hear from you.