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We support Microsoft products that support Small Business and for many
small businesses having a server is essential:
A network server offers companies
security, reliability, continuity, and compliance.
Home users or a home office with a single computer usually don't need a
server. Microsoft now has a Home Server for clients with multiple
computers but don't need all the functionality of the business server.
But for the Small Business that tracks customers, company history, uses
an multi-user accounting program to manage their finances or uses email
in its day-to-day operations; a server is essential.
What is a business server?
A server is simply a stronger computer that acts
as the central control and storage location for files and data.
All users on a system would use the server to store documents
and data rather than a local workstation. This means that any
user, whether he or she works in the office or from a remote location,
can gain access to the company’s files and data through the network and
also the Internet. While adding a server introduces a higher level
of complexity to the system, the gains in reliability,
recoverability, and regulation compliance usually more than make up for it.
Why do you need a server?
1. Security - When an employee
logs into the network, thus logging into the server, a script file runs
that ensures that the workstation or remote location through the
Internet connects properly,
uses proper security, has an up-to-date working antivirus program installed, and
complies with any other company
standards that are in effect. That’s security. After
validating the user's access it limits access to data, customer lists
and other proprietary information to users that are specifically
authorized to do so. It will provide a 'firewall' between the
system and the Internet, but a hardware firewall may be needed to assure
proper protection. It is also the defense against spyware and
other malicious software. It provides the first line of defense
which may be augmented by other software or hardware.
2. Reliability (Backup)
- What would happen if critical files were lost? The adverse
effects to the business could be devastating. Without a server, every
computer would need to be backed up separately everyday. With only one or two
computers, it’s not that tough – but all individuals would need to do it, each and every day.
And if there are more than one or two computers, depending on more
individuals to do it. With a server, all files can be backed up
automatically, reliably and efficiently to a central location with no
user intervention. Whether by disk failure or a user inadvertently
deleting an important document; whether backup media is tape, optical,
internet or external disk the backup can provide a method of restoring
some or all files to their condition at the time of the last backup.
3. Continuity (Updating Software) -
A server will also ensure that all employees use the same (latest)
version of the programs used by the company. No workstation should
be running outdated software. With a server, updates can be applied
automatically to every work station at the time of log on or as they access
files or programs on the network.
4. Compliance - New stricter
government regulations may be the most important reason for having a
server. The server can contain the company’s email system and
the company must require all employees to use the its email system rather than a
personal email account for business emails. Government
regulations require retaining business documents and emails for various
periods of time, depending on the industry. And the cost of this
retention is affecting all industries.
Microsoft Small Business Server
will solve all of the above problems and more for most small businesses.
Which server should you get?
Larger businesses and some small
businesses need more than one server to accommodate special needs or
larger data stores. Only a competent IT Professional can analyze
the needs of your business. Very large companies often have
servers in multiple 'banks' with different departments using servers of
different sizes and configurations. Picking the most efficient server depends on
your specific needs and requirements. To decide on the right one, have your
computer consultant do a business systems assessment.
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