Guides
Guides for business internet, networks and phones
Straight answers to the questions buyers ask most, so you can choose the right setup with confidence.
UCaaS vs hosted PBX: which cloud phone system fits?
A hosted PBX is a cloud phone system. UCaaS adds meetings, messaging and presence on one platform. Here's how they differ, how they work with Zoom and Teams, and which fits your business.
What is an SLA?
A service level agreement (SLA) sets out what a provider commits to and what you get if it falls short. Learn what an SLA covers, how service credits work and what to check before you sign.
What is five nines availability?
What five nines (99.999%) availability means in minutes of downtime, how it compares with three and four nines, and what it takes to keep an office online.
Disaster recovery plan vs business continuity plan
A business continuity plan keeps the business running through a disruption; a disaster recovery plan restores IT systems and data. Learn the difference and what each plan should include.
Vulnerability assessment vs penetration testing
A vulnerability assessment finds and ranks weaknesses. A penetration test tries to use them the way an attacker would. Learn the difference, what each one tells you and when you need both.
What is zero trust network access (ZTNA)?
Zero trust network access (ZTNA) checks each person and device before granting access to a specific app, instead of opening the whole network. Learn how it works and how it compares with a VPN.
What is MDR (managed detection and response)?
Managed detection and response (MDR) pairs security tools with people who watch for threats around the clock and act on them. Learn how MDR works, how it differs from EDR and what to ask a provider.
What is MFA (multifactor authentication)?
MFA (multifactor authentication) asks for a second proof of identity on top of a password, so a stolen password alone is not enough. Learn how it works, which methods are strongest and why business password managers pair with it.
How to choose a business internet provider
Comparing business internet providers? Check connection type, dedicated vs shared bandwidth, the SLA, install time, backup options and support before you sign.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN links your offices and internet connections into one network and sends traffic over the best path. Learn how it works, what it replaces and when a business needs it.
What is SASE?
SASE combines SD-WAN networking with cloud-delivered security, so staff get the same protections in the office, at home or on the road. Learn how it works and who needs it.
SD-WAN vs SASE: what's the difference?
SD-WAN links your locations and sends traffic over the best path. SASE adds cloud-delivered security so the same protections follow staff anywhere. Here's how to choose.
SD-WAN vs MPLS: which is right for your locations?
MPLS links your sites over private carrier circuits on fixed paths. SD-WAN links them over any mix of connections and picks the best path. Compare cost, cloud and failover.
What is dedicated internet access?
Dedicated internet access is a business connection that isn't shared with other users. Learn how it differs from broadband, when you need it and what an SLA covers.
Fixed wireless vs fiber for business internet
Fixed wireless vs fiber: how each business internet connection works, how installation and reliability compare, and when to use one, the other or both.
What is a managed service provider?
A managed service provider (MSP) runs part or all of a company's IT for an ongoing fee. Learn what MSPs manage, how they compare with break-fix and in-house IT, and how to choose one.
VoIP vs landline: which is better for business?
A landline carries calls over copper phone lines. VoIP carries them over your internet connection, with more features and the same numbers. Here's how to choose.
SIP trunking vs VoIP: what's the difference?
SIP trunking connects the phone system you own to a voice provider. Hosted VoIP replaces the phone system too. Here's how they differ and which fits your business.
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