Whats in a Name?
Protocol Six Consulting is named after the IANA registry number for the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), which is a fundamental communication mechanism on the Internet.

How do we work?
Our overall goal is to deliver solid technology solutions and services. We always like to start with a candid conversation about what the prospective client hopes to accomplish. Then depending on the nature of the work, we collaborate to draft either a project specification or a support contract, complete with a formal goal statement and definition of scope. These planning activities don't have to be long and drawn out, but should result in a clear statement of work.

When designing IT infrastructures or processes, or when recommending third-party solutions, we aim to keep configuration details as simple as possible because that usually results in a system thats reliable, secure and maintainable.

Finally, we see to it that all our work is well documented and we share information freely and proactively so that are no mysteries. Communicate early and communicate often!

We like Opensource software.
Windows and Macintosh systems are ubiquitous in business, and we support them fully! Additionally, we have a lot of expertise in integrating commercial technologies with Opensource operating systems and applications. In fact, because of the proven success of Opensource tools in the marketplace the approach of assembling a technology solution from the most appropriate components is more viable than ever.

In our work we often implement on top of the pro-actively secure OpenBSD operating system, as well as Linux, because with these platforms our clients never have to think about purchasing or (re)licensing costs, and they only have to worry about maintaining secure business practices and not about fundamental security flaws in their computers.

Why is this website so plain?
We ocassionally get asked this question, so here is the answer.
In general we value function and correctness over form. This site is designed to be fast-loading, browser-agnostic and accessible to people with disabilities (or to folks who prefer text-only browsers). Most importantly, visiting this site is not a good substitute for talking with us directly. We hope that prospective clients will take a few moments to get to know us, and to give us the opportunity to know them and their IT needs.

What else is there to know?
Our consultants have about 30 years of combined professional experience in IT.
We like people, and treat everyone with courtesy and respect.
The best relationships are those that are candid, straightforward and where everyone wins!