Bridging the 'Professionalism Gap'
Many small businesses in Kent operate with "good enough" IT—independent PCs, shared passwords, and flat networks. But as you grow toward 20 employees and beyond, "good enough" becomes a liability.
At Kent-ITS, we bring SME-grade infrastructure to the SMB market. We implement the structured management usually reserved for large corporations, ensuring your business is secure, compliant, and efficient.
The Power of Samba Active Directory
You don't need expensive per-user Microsoft licensing to have professional domain control. We specialize in Samba Active Directory (AD)—a high-performance, open-source alternative that provides full Windows-compatible domain services.
- Centralized Identity: One username and password for every resource—PCs, file shares, and VPNs.
- Cost-Effective Scaling: No "Client Access Licenses" (CALs) means your IT costs don't balloon every time you hire a new staff member.
- Seamless Interoperability: Your Windows 10/11 Pro workstations won't know the difference; they get the same professional login experience as a Fortune 500 company.
GPOs: Security Done Correctly
Most SMBs have "Domain Controllers" that are poorly configured, leaving the back door open to ransomware. We use Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce a "Zero Trust" environment:
- Automated Hardening: We push policies that disable vulnerable protocols, enforce complex passwords, and block unauthorized software from running.
- Resource Mapping: No more manual setup. When a user logs in, their department’s printers and Samba file shares appear automatically based on their job role.
- Standardized Workstations: We ensure every PC in your office looks and behaves exactly the same, reducing "How do I do this?" support calls.
Smart Networking: PoE+ & VLAN Isolation
We build networks that can handle the modern "All-IP" world. Using Ubiquiti UniFi Managed Switches, we create a high-performance foundation:
- PoE+ (Power over Ethernet): We use high-budget PoE switches to power your VoIP phones, Paxton door controllers, and WiFi points through a single data cable. No messy power bricks, and all devices can be backed up by a single central UPS.
- VLAN Segmentation: We logically separate your office traffic. Your Samba Server stays on one "lane," your Guest WiFi on another, and your Security/Alarms on a third. This prevents a compromised guest phone from ever seeing your company’s financial data.
Secure Connectivity: VPN & Remote Work
Opening your office to remote staff shouldn't mean opening it to hackers.
- Encrypted VPNs: We deploy secure, "Always-On" VPNs so your staff can access the office Samba shares as if they were sitting at their desks, without the risks associated with cloud-only storage or open ports.
Why Choose Kent-ITS?
- The 'SME' Standard: We provide the GPO and Active Directory logic that 90% of SMBs are missing.
- PSTN 2027 Ready: We ensure your network and VoIP systems are ready for the final copper switch-off in January 2027.
- Local Accountability: Based in Kent, supporting your growth since 2003.
