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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-Server technology is no longer a luxury enjoyed by large companies with IT budgets to match. Small-business owners in search of new ways to get organized, work together and secure and grow their business can achieve tremendous benefits by understanding and taking advantage of the latest server technology. In fact, analysts project that 46 percent of small businesses will buy or upgrade to a new server this year.
But what about the other 54 percent? Some small-business owners may worry about the cost of putting a network together. Others may not understand the value of a server or its components.
A server is a computer that delivers information and software to other computers linked by a network. Think of a server as a brain, or central storage area, for all data, e-mail messages and services. The other computers in the network are the arms and legs; they request information from the brain to carry out functions such as file transfers. There are several benefits to consider when shopping for a server. For instance, Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 can provide the following advantages:
• Help protect your business data
• Improve efficiency so that you can get more done every day
• Help you reach more customers and serve them better
• Enable the opportunity to have a remote work force
• Save time and money
There are three main points to consider when investing in a server: getting the right server hardware; choosing an operating system, such as Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003; and seeking the help of a technology consultant. Just as you would hire a lawyer or an accountant, as a small-business owner you should consider working with a technology expert who can help you use and understand the unique tools and features of a server and how they can maximize your server investment.
For instance, if you're feeling bogged down in paperwork or e-mail, a technology consultant can introduce you to features that can help you get organized. A server provides one central place to store company files, business information, e-mail messages, calendars and mailing lists. A server can also help filter out junk e-mail, which means you spend more time managing important messages than dealing with annoying spam.
Technology consultants say they're getting increasing requests from small businesses for technology solutions that can help employees work together more collaboratively in a remote work environment. Unifying PCs onto a network or server allows employees to easily access documents by using any Internet connection from home or on the road.
Computer security is a big concern for many small businesses. An employee who unknowingly opens an infected e-mail attachment could easily infect every computer on a network. A server allows you to host your own e-mail, so you can put tools in place to help ensure that the good stuff comes in and most of the bad stays out. Small businesses can also gain a higher level of security by requiring computer users to log in and authenticate their identity on a domain, and a server can dictate who has access to what.
Microsoft Corp. regularly offers free seminars for small businesses, called Microsoft Across America, which include demonstrations of Windows Small Business Server 2003. For a complete schedule of Microsoft Across America events, and more easy tips and advice on servers, visit www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness.
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