Solutions

All businesses have a focus on managing their costs, and while computer hardware has become a commodity product, software can still be a costly item. Our preferred solutions for network servers and the services they host are based on Open Source software.

What is Open Source Software?

While Windows, and to a lesser extent the Macintosh, are the main operating system players on the desktop, there are more choices in the file server arena. Applications and operating systems such as Linux, Apache (the leading Web server software in use today) and Python (a scripting language used in many Web sites, including this one) are taking a bigger share of the marketplace. These pieces of software use what is called an Open Source licence.

Why Open Source?

First, most of it is free! The concept behind Open Source is that providing access to source code means that many independent programmers can view the code, find bugs quickly, and extend the development of the application. The majority of applications, including the Linux operating system and the Apache Web server, are free to download and use. Some companies who produce such applications derive their revenue from services; for example, remote technical support and software upgrade services.

Furthermore, Open Source software has developed a deserved reputation for stability, reliability and its low cost of maintenance. There are many Linux servers out there, for example, whose up-time (i.e. time between re-boots) can be measured in months and, in some cases, years. Compare this to the desktop operating system you use and its propensity to crash regularly.

Commercial Software and Hardware

Commercial software (sometimes known as "shrink-wrap" software) still has a significant place to play, of course - the vast majority of PCs run Microsoft Windows, for example. Dougan Consulting Group has reseller status and can acquire commercial software and hardware on your behalf, directly from the manufacturer's reseller.

Anti-Virus Software

One very critical area of business protection is in the area of anti-virus software. We are a reseller of the leading business-focused anti-virus software suite, Sophos Anti-Virus. Sophos is a UK company which focuses on the business market, providing anti-virus and anti-spam solutions for enterprises of all sizes around the world. Its 24 x 7 technical support offering is unsurpassed in the industry. Sophos's North American headquarters are in Vancouver. Please contact our information service to discuss how Dougan Consulting Group and Sophos Inc. can help protect your valuable business assets.