What Servers Can Do for Your Business

Now that you have some background on the components of a client/ server network, you need to know what a server can do for your business and what benefits you gain from a client/server network.

Central Data Storage and Backup
Storing files on a server rather than on individual computer hard disk drives reduces the need for employees to create back up files on individual computers.
With a peer-to-peer network, if an employee's computer crashes and files are lost, it can take days to reconstruct the system and months to re-create the lost work.
Maintaining control of document versions can also be a cumbersome task resulting in wasted time and loss of credibility if the wrong version of a document is released. With a client/server network, servers can be configured for centralized data storage, which makes it much easier for coworkers to access documents and work together on projects.

Shared Printing, Fax, and Internet Connections
With server technology, you can reduce the number of printers and fax machines you need to efficiently run your business. Through the Microsoft Shared Fax Service in Windows Small Business Server 2003, the server can be configured to automatically route print jobs to your central printer, and incoming faxes can be digitized and delivered directly to each employee's computer. A single, shared Internet connection eliminates the need for various cable modems or DSL connections and multiple configurations that require support. Managing a single account is much simpler, and server monitoring features let you track and control employee Internet use. A server system can make sharing your business assets across your network quick and easy, and will ultimately help you save money.

Security
Servers can enhance security by letting you control the contact your employees and others have with the Internet. Firewall technology helps control Internet communication so that you can better protect your business from unauthorized users who try to access your company's computers through the Internet. Some server systems, such as Windows Small Business Server 2003 Premium Edition, have a built-in firewall. This Microsoft server software includes Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004, which provides a built-in firewall for enhanced security and offers tools for managing and monitoring employee Internet access. In addition, you can install software on your server that provides security settings to let you establish different access levels for different employees, vendors, or clients who access your network. You must ensure that the server in your business provides adequate protection for your network.

E-Mail and Calendars
While it is possible to outsource your e-mail to an Internet service provider (ISP), there are significant advantages to hosting your own e-mail system. Having an in-house e-mail system brings an element of professionalism and sophistication to your company communications while improving efficiency. Hosting your own system allows you to:

a. Create and remove addresses as needed. Personnel changes won't require a call to your ISP.
b. Create multiple, custom e-mail addresses such as sales@janakidas.com, which can be delivered to the appropriate person's e-mail inbox or distributed to a group of people.
c. Only a few servers  have an integrated, easy-to-use e-mail system that is reliable and will grow with your business. Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 technology, a streamlined e-mail system, is part of Windows Small Business Server 2003 and offers your employees a way to access their e-mail, manage and organize e-mail messages, schedules and contacts through Microsoft Office Outlook® Web Access.

Company Intranet
An intranet is a Web site that is accessible only to authorized users within a network. A company intranet typically contains shared business documents such as contracts, product and price lists, budgets, and marketing materials. Intranets can increase employee productivity by giving your colleagues and you the ability to store and easily access files, applications, or internal information. Intranets are a powerful way for employees to work together. Server software such as Windows Small Business Server 2003, comes with a built-in intranet.

Network Administration
Some server systems still require complex configuration to run smoothly; others can be simple and cost effective to administer. The use of an information technology (IT) consultant may be advisable for the initial setup, but with the right server system, routine tasks such as adding a new employee's computer or recovering lost documents are easy for you to perform on your own. With Windows Small Business Server 2003, you don't have to invest in an IT consultant to set up your system. It is easy to install, manage, and use. For additional cost savings, it can be configured to continually monitor itself. Some servers can even produce regular reports on the health of the network and system usage, with automatic e-mail alerts. Make sure your server system gives you the information you need to identify and solve problems quickly.

Upgrade as you grow
Server flexibility refers to how a system responds and performs as the number of users grows. Flexibility is one of the major strengths of the client/server network, because you can simply add another server when needed.
As you grow, upgrading to a more robust system may be in order, and a good first server makes upgrades smooth and easy. For example: Windows Small Business Server 2003 can keep pace with your changing demands. Because your data is managed from a central location, adding new computers and applications is a straightforward task. It's a good idea to chalk out a strategy for managing the growth of your business through the use of technology.