BY
PETER FISHER,
NETLINK CORP
More and more developers, owners and property managers are seeking faster, more efficient, high-tech telecommunications, particularly in their older commercial buildings as a way of staying competitive in the race to rent space to the new breed of tenants, such as the small and midsize dot com companies. Indeed, tenant demand for services such as high-speed Internet access and bundled voice, data and cable/video is becoming increasingly common. There is a vast array of telecommunications companies and Internet Service Providers today who make these amenities available to landlords, can add value to your properties and give you a significant service advantage in a competitive, evolving market. Many only require a small, secure, closet-like space for the data lines and equipment and can make the entire installation process flawless, non-intrusive and economical.
However, with so many telecom vendors knocking at the door, the selection process can be daunting. Property owners and managers need to do their homework and formulate a successful telecommunications strategy before starting their search. Finding out the answers to certain questions can make the process that much easier.
For example, they should know what type of tenants are or will be occupying the premises to determine the kinds of services required. In other words, are they high-tech or merely in need of an affordable upgrade package?
Another important consideration is the delivery model. There are various ways of delivering voice and data services, including existing copper wire, fiber optics, digital subscriber lines (DSL, a line that goes from the central office to the subscriber) and rooftop satellites, each with its own benefits, depending upon your particular needs. For example, is the convenience of bundled services or the level of technology most important in meeting your present and future occupancy needs? Which is more critical for your users — one-stop shopping or having future caliber bandwidth?
The following are other criteria and services property managers and building owners should consider and expect when choosing and evaluating a telecom/internet service provider to handle their growing information technology needs:
Netlink Corp. is a leading New York-based ISP that has been creating intelligent office
and residential buildings with cost-effective, user-friendly computerized networks. You can contact the author at 212.354-4290 or email peter@prf.net.