Part 1: Is a Server Right for My Small Business?
Posted by Tony Fernandez on Thu, Sep 10, 2009
This article is Part 1 of a series of articles Tony will be writing on servers.
Q: Do you consider your business too small to implement a server?
A: "Most small businesses that don't have an IT director on payroll typically wait way too long to invest in their first dedicated server," says Joshua Feinberg, co-founder of Computer Consulting 101, a West Palm Beach, Fla., company that works with many small businesses.
Whether you are aware or not, the moment you add a second computer to the original one you used to start your business, you have taken the first step toward networking and collaboration. Unfortunately, this type of network allows for repeat computing functions, data duplication, and makes sharing resources and user collaboration hard to manage.
It doesn't matter if you have 2 or 75 users, a server will be the master administrator and router for all your computing needs within your organization. Its operation requires specific software - one option being Microsoft's Small Business Server. This software is often pre-installed on any well-known brand server - making the implementation almost a turnkey solution.
Company data can be updated by anyone, and you can rest assured that your team is working off the latest version of the document. Staff members can share and work with PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets or QuickBooks data from a centralized location without even noticing.
Q: Need to print to that fancy printer but it is not attached to your PC?
A: A server will be able to intelligently share printers, scanners, or even allow electronic faxing so that your staff members can have access to all your company's resources no matter where they are connecting from.
Nowadays, the ability to work remotely is a must to increase productivity while traveling or even just to avoid commuting to the office on a rainy day. A Small Business Server infrastructure can safely and securely provide this connectivity.
Don't be afraid to ask for trusted advice! I strongly recommend that you find a Microsoft Small Business Specialist in your area, and request a Microsoft business and technology assessment of your organization's needs. This will identify which "flavor" of Microsoft's Small Business Server software will be right for you.
To find a IT Specialist in your area, visit Microsoft's Small Business Center.