While standard broadband may be more than adequate for home use, we all know that businesses require something more. In order to compete in the Information Age a successful business requires a reliable, versatile high-speed solution to their broadband needs. For this reason, many ISPs offer business broadband - Internet packages tailored to provide support for businesses ranging in size all the way from the sole trader to the multinational organization.

The question is, how does business broadband differ from home broadband? How does it provide an edge to allow businesses to best utilize the opportunities presented by the Internet?

An unfortunate reality of home ADSL is the fact that upload speeds can never compete with download speeds. While this won't cause problems on a home computer it can stifle communication speed in a business environment, both between computers in a network and between the network and the outside world.

Business broadband, therefore, utilises technology that can provide high speed uploads and downloads - from basic SDSL (Symmetric DSL) for small businesses all the way up to Optical Carrier lines that can transmit data at speeds in excess of 600Mbps - though such lines are usually used only by ISPs and similar organisations.

Business broadband users typically require a broadband connection that can be shared between many computers while maintaining high data transfer speeds. Fortunately there are business broadband options available to suit every company, no matter how many computers they have on their network. BT, for instance, offer four business broadband packages to suit everything from single computer businesses to companies with network of up to 100 computers. To simplify the network and allow greater mobility in the office, most ISPs now offer wireless business broadband at very reasonable prices.

Every business relies on security - whether that be security of physical property (computer hardware) or data, business broadband providers must move with the times and ensure that their service protects the user against all form of malicious attacks.

Business broadband providers make security a priority, offering business grade firewall software and 24/7 customer care. Since time really is money, business broadband providers understand the importance of keeping the user online all the time.

Quite simply, this depends entirely on your requirements. No two businesses are the same, and there are many factors that should influence your choice.

One tip, however, is this: when it comes to business broadband, there just isn't any benefit in cutting corners. While you may save a little money up front by choosing the most basic package, you'll be sure to regret it when your service cannot support your growing business. If in doubt, buy a little more than you need. A little more bandwidth; a little more networking capacity; a lot more security. Business broadband is definitely not an area in which you can afford to pinch pennies.