FM Janse Van Rensburg wrote:
my wife and I have decided to take the plunge and start our own practice again.
Our previous practice that we left in 2003 was an established one but this time
we are setting up a brand new business in a new building.
I have basic IT knowledge and have not been following the recent VOIP thread so
I may be duplicating recent discussions.
It will initially be 1 receptionist an 1 doctor at a time. This will go up to 2
staff and 2 docs over time.
My queries are regarding:
1. IT - I plan on running a 2003 server with 3 XP pro workstations via as fast
as possible LAN connections. I wil be putting an ADSL connection onto the
network (on server?). I'll need to have pathology downloads so I'll have to
have a modem (or somehow use the ADSL or VOIP).
I also want the ability to access the work data from my home network -this is
an Ozemail ADSL/VOIP connection. What is the best way to do this?
2. Phones: I'll need at least two incoming voice lines, Eftpos/fax line an a
phone connection to server. What is the best way to do this using minimal line
rental and possibly VOIP? Factor in access from pathology and the home network
after hours and possibly the need for the alarm system to use a line What
about phone hardware?
Any advice on these issues (on a shoestring budget) would be appreciated
Thinus
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Thinus,
I'd skip 2003 server and just use XP Pro on your server with RAID 1 -
mirrored drives and automated backup to DVD+RW disks. I'd recommend a
UPS on it. 2003 Server isn't needed in small practices that will never
have more than 10 PCs and doing without it will save you a bundle.
Most current hardware has onboard gigabit NICs and a 5-port D-Link
DGS-1005D gigabit switch provides a genuine 55MBps network speed.
For ADSL Internet connectivity and VPN access from home I'd recommend a
D-Link DSL-704T modem in bridge mode and a D-Link DI-804HV VPN router at
home and at the practice for an easy to set up and very secure VPN
connection. The technical support person you'll need anyway should cope
OK with this.
I have practices using this setup happily on B4H 1500/256 connection at
the practice and a consumer 512/128 connection at home. Best to use
another DSL-704T and DI-804HV at home. With this we are talking $99 and
$220 respectively if you buy from competitive retailers. Citysoftware,
ComputerWorld, many small vendors, not Harvey Norman, OfficeWorks, etc.
ADSL will allow you to share the fax line with your ADSL connection.
Broadband for health will pay for your ADSL connection for a year, at
least, if you jump through the hoops for the security audit, which
yields another $1000 and will pay for some of you new hardware.
Internode and Pacific Internet seem the most switched on B4H providers.
Avoid Optus or Telstra.
I'd leave VOIP alone for such a small practice until it becomes
turn-key. I have no experience with both VOIP and VPN, so maybe others
can advise you on that one.
Greg
--
Greg Twyford
Information Management & Technology Program Officer
Canterbury Division of General Practice
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Ph.: 02 9787 9033
Fax: 02 9787 9200
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