Network for Success
Network For Success
By adding a server to your IT infrastructure you can share files and improve your firm’s productivity overnight
Businesses, particularly fast growing, successful ones, eventually find that they need a server to help manage their day to day operations effectively.
A basic file and print server lets you share files and set up email and internet. However with the right software, you can actually improve your productivity and enhance security, enable users to work remotely and solve all of your back-up problems.
Even if you already have a server that has this functionality, it’s still worth investigating the new technology. New servers now combine faster drives, processors, chipsets and motherboards. They’re more reliable and, because the processors use less energy, they’re both quieter and cheaper to run.
The biggest advance is the new generation of processors. Intel’s dual-core processors are capable of doing twice the work of a conventional processor. With dual-core you also get power savings and a cooler and quieter system.
Another key area that’s changed in recent years is the use of Gigabit Ethernet in servers. With a Gigabit Ethernet connection you can pass information at up to ten times the previous speeds and, while it’s probably still some time before everything on your network is connected at gigabit speeds, it makes sense to have all of your servers and server back-up devices linked through Gigabit Ethernet.
However, the server is only really half of the story. With the advent of client server systems, you only need to share files between a workgroup and you’re better off with a Network Attached Storage (NAS). Modern NAS devices are plug-and-play equivalents of the old file and print servers. If you want more, try the Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS 2003 R2).
According to an American study conducted by Forbes magazine, businesses using SBS 2003 experienced an average 946 percent return on investment, with benefits such as improved customer response and enhanced productivity.
Collaboration is a key feature of SBS 2003 R2. The built-in SharePoint services let you keep documents in one location and notifies you when a group of documents or lists has been changed. It includes a calendar that lets your staff book holidays and see who else has already booked time off. Additionally, if all you want is a simple list that everyone can update and view, SharePoint's list function facilitates this need.
Exchange Server 2003 also provides new email tools. The junk mail filter can be applied in either Exchange or Outlook and the group calendar helps you to see when employees are on holiday. You can even book meetings with your colleagues by checking their live diaries.
SBS 2003 R2 comes with the Remote Web Workplace, enabling remote users to access email and their office computer desktops. In addition you also have the power to compress all of the capabilities to a handheld device, such as a smartphone. Exchange 2003 allows you to synchronise your data by connecting directly to the server from any Windows Mobile device. This means you can update or access emails, contacts and calendar requests on the smartphone in real time.
Finally, SBS 2003 R2 helps you with your security. The Backup Wizard guides you through the creation of a backup strategy, and the ability to add-in external anti-virus software means your email and files systems will always be safe.
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PC World Business RITM service
PC World Business’ Remote IT Management (RITM) is a ‘fit and forget’ service. It could save you and your company valuable time and money by taking care of your network management remotely for a fixed monthly fee.
The RITM service provides full PC network support including 24-7 monitoring of your PC network, alerting us to potential problems before they actually happen.
Our remote network access enables us to respond immediately with 95 percent of network problems rectified within an hour of logging a call.
RITM also gives you the security of fulltime PC network support from a team of expert engineers available to give advice, troubleshoot, remedy PC network problems and minimise downtime. Along with a daily anti-virus protection check, and unlimited telephone support.
Email expand@pcwb.com to find out more.
Client Access License (CAL)
With Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 a Client Access License (CAL) is required for each user or device that accesses or uses the server software. There are two types of CALs to choose from: device-based or user-based
User CALs are based on individuals who are given named access to your server, and they can access the server from any device. So if your users access the server from home, work or on the road, then it makes sense to go for User CALs.
With a Device CALs the licence is based on the actual hardware, such as notebooks, desktop and smartphones, that need access. Any user can access the server on the licensed device and you can reallocate that CAL if you retire a device. Device CALs are ideal for businesses that have users who share devices, such as shift workers.
This article originally appeared in the July 2007 edition of Expand.