:: Benefits of Small Business Servers for your Business

 

Reduced IT spending: Purchasing server hardware and software will have a financial impact, but over time it can save you from spending even more for hardware additions and technology consultants to keep your current computer setup running and secure. Moreover, the server software made for small business today allows you to avoid extra IT consulting expenses. It's designed to be easy to install and managed by in-house employees without advanced technical skills.

For instance, Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 uses automated "wizards" to do many of the installation and set up tasks. Wizards quickly configure security settings and firewall set up, and help you manage employee access to the network. The enhanced stability of Small Business Server 2003 R2 further reduces the need for outside technical assistance.

Reduce office space requirements: Office space is a high overhead item when you're running a business. There are lease payments, utility costs and various other expenses to absorb. With a server-based office network, you have the option of shrinking your office space needs. You can enable both contract workers and fulltime employees to work from a home office or any offsite location using the "remote" connection capabilities of a server. With Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2, remote workers are able to connect to your business network to send and receive e-mail, work with files and access the company intranet site. And, while it's a good idea to schedule regular face-to face meetings with offsite workers, you won't need to provide them with desks and other onsite accessories.

Reduce travel and delivery expenses: As discussed earlier, adding a small business server to your business allows you to create intranet sites that help employees easily find information and collaborate on projects. However, you can also share these sites with select partners, customers and clients, extending your online collaboration capabilities. You can conveniently share documents, photos and other important materials with business associates — reducing the number of meetings and associated travel required. You can also cut back use of delivery services to move paper documents to partners and customers. Clients using your extranet can view and print documents straight from the site.

As a side note, with Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 you can also send and receive faxes directly from your desktop.

Preventing Costly Mishaps
Adding a server to your business provides an opportunity to reduce costs, but is also a powerful tool in holding down expenditures. A server offers more sophisticated tools for protecting your business data, securing it from internet attacks and recovering it if lost. Here's how:

Firewalls: A firewall helps prevent intruders from gaining access to your business network and important files. Damage caused by attacks from intruders can be costly to repair, or even put you out of business. Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 includes a powerful internal firewall that you easily configure using a built-in wizard. It also supports external firewalls.

File back-ups: Keeping a back-up copy of all your data is critical when running a business. Equipment failure, viruses, power surges and other disasters can wipe out vital customer and account information stored on your computer system. Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 includes the Backup Configuration Wizard to guide you through creating and implementing a successful data backup strategy so that you can recover your data.

Can a server save you money? The cost-cutting opportunities and disaster prevention capabilities alone would indicate so. And when you add in a server's ability to streamline operations and enable employees to focus on revenue-producing work, investing in a server looks like one of the strongest technology investments a small business can make.

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GOBI IT Solutions | Offer Server Installation and Microsoft Consulting in New York - Connecticut