Eight Reasons You Need A Server
Based on feedback from analysts and users nationwide, here are eight reasons to buy a server for your small business:
1. Create order from chaos. By centralizing data on a server, you can better manage business-critical information. Sharing files and other data across PCs becomes much easier, as does migrating data from one PC to another. And older PCs can get new life if their files and data are off-loaded onto a server.
2. Protect your data
by making backups easier. Two features of Windows Small Business Server 2003,
for example, enable users to better protect their data assets by simplifying
backups and the restoration of critical data.
3. Collaborate better as a business. Not only is data sharing easier with a server-based network, but SBS 2003 comes with Windows SharePoint Services, which enables your employees and other team members to collaborate via the Web. With SharePoint, you get a company intranet portal with a user-friendly interface to organize and share information. It comes pre-populated with help documents and resources. Additionally, a server is a must if you want to run line-of-business applications such as accounting software on multiple PCs.
4. Accommodate a mobile work force. Servers enable out-of-office workers to remotely access your network, enabling data-sharing among those who travel, telecommute, or work off-site. Through Remote Web Workplace, SBS 2003 users can access server data via the Internet. Out-of-office workers also can connect to SharePoint.
5. Share high-speed broadband access. "A real catalyst to server sales among small businesses is in providing high-speed Internet access across a network," says International Data Corporation's Raymond Boggs, Vice President of Small/Medium Business and Home Office Research. "If I'm running a business that has three or more dial-up or DSL accounts, it's time to get a server and go broadband." The return on investment will come quickly.
6. Set up new computers, add users, and deploy new applications quickly and easily. Expect to grow? By managing your data from a central location, you can better coordinate the addition of new PCs, software licenses and software applications. You can also better manage firewalls, monitor threats to your data, and deploy virus protection and security protocols.
7. Get more processing power. A server can supercharge your network, store large chunks of data, free up memory, and enable individual PCs to perform better. Small businesses today need that additional power to run services, manage websites, handle large volumes of e-mail, and deploy sophisticated tools and applications.
8. Look more professional and connect with your customers. Server software enables you to consolidate e-mail into a single, company-hosted account, enhancing your image to customers and partners. A server helps your business appear more professional and gives you the same working capacity as larger competitors.