Released on: December 13, 2007, 9:20 am

Press Release Author: Wildfire PR / Wadsworth

Industry: Computers

Press Release Summary: Wadsworth urges IT managers to use downtime over the
Christmas period for essential maintenance and upgrades.

Press Release Body: London, 13th December 2007: Wadsworth, one of the UK's leading
distributors of networking and cabling products, is urging IT managers to maximise
network downtime this Christmas. By carrying out essential network maintenance,
testing existing systems and installing infrastructure upgrades, IT managers can
take advantage of large numbers of users being off line over the festive season.
This will enable them to plan ahead and ensure that their network is readied for
continued use throughout 2008.
With more than 57 million people celebrating Christmas across the country and the
majority of offices closing between Christmas and New Year, most networks will
experience very little traffic as users open presents and dig into turkey at home.
To help IT managers make the most of this quiet period, Wadsworth has suggested the
following four tips:
1. Carry out Annual Network Maintenance
To keep your network in tip top form, it is essential to carry out regular
maintenance work. Many maintenance solutions can only be carried out when the
network is down, making the Christmas period an ideal time to do vital network
checks and upkeep. Always remember to check cabling to identify and fix any
potential bandwidth data bottlenecks.
2. Consider network development and enhancements
Network downtime is the ideal time to install upgrades and new technology to the
infrastructure. IT Managers need to ensure that their network can handle the latest
technologies that are set to take off in 2008, making the Christmas period the ideal
time to audit your existing network infrastructure and start planning your future
needs. IT Managers should consider gigabit upgrades, Voice over IP and Power over
Ethernet as well as 10gig Ethernet for next year.

3. Annual Tool Maintenance
Most network testing tools require an annual calibration, but this process can often
take several weeks to complete and involves sending the tool back to the
manufacturer. So a quiet network and user downtime is the ideal time to arrange
calibration for your key testing tools which will ensure that they are up-to-date,
maintained and running the latest software, which will enable you to achieve the
best results in 2008.
4. Ensure your tools can handle the latest test requirements
When doing your annual network audit over this Christmas period it's always a good
idea to ensure that you have the right tools for the right jobs in 2008. Always
ensure that they can handle the latest cabling infrastructures and test requirements
and if they don't consider upgrading.
For more information please contact Wadsworth Electronics directly on 0844 844 4444.
The company is open at the following times over the Christmas period 8:30am to
1:00pm on 24th, 27th, 28th and 31st December.

Notes to Editors
About Wadsworth
Wadsworth Electronics is one of the UK's leading distributors of networking and
cabling products, committed to delivering great service to data network installers
and end-users in the UK and beyond. Established in 1949 Wadsworth still prides
itself on its product support, extensive inventory and rapid response.

For more information, please contact:
Sarah-Anne Bray / Kate Solomon
Wildfire PR
0208 339 4420
kates@wildfirepr.co.uk


Web Site: http://www.wadsworth.co.uk

Contact Details: Sarah-Anne Bray / Kate Solomon
Wildfire PR
0208 339 4420
kates@wildfirepr.co.uk