Many small and medium businesses today with 5-75 employees are considering the addition of a server to their network. There are many benefits, which will be highlighted, but first things first. You have to know your own business today and where you want to be tomorrow.

How does your business operate? How do your employees communicate internally and externally? How do you win new business? Why do you loose business? What are the critical Line of Business (LOB) operations and their roles and functions? What keeps you awake when thinking about your technology system? Most importantly, what is the primary driver in your decision to install a server?

The point made here is simple, buy a server to address specific business needs. Have an objective, or several objectives, when deciding to add this valuable component to your technology landscape. This will require some planning on your part before engaging a technology partner. Or better yet, involve a Small and Medium Sized Business (SMB) Consultant to assist and guide you in this discovery process and create a technology road map for your business.

A SERVER is a single computing device used to store and manage information in a central location. This computer is loaded with an operating system designed to manage the heavy lifting of running multiple programs and functions at the same time. Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 is a server operating system popular in this segment.

Many of the benefits of a server environment translate into features of the Microsoft Small Business Server 2003.

• The Server Network – share resources such as printers and faxes reducing the cost of printer hardware and operation. Faxes are digitized and sent directly to each employee desktop. Reduce printing cost and increase communication.
• Central Data Backup and Storage – rather than storing information on individual computer hard drives and backing up as many computers, a central server holds and protects valuable information. This eases disaster recovery and planning, secures critical information, and allows for access to those who need information now. Securely store information.
• Security – servers enhance security by letting you control the contact your employees have with others on the internet as well as blocking internal information from those not authorized. Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 Premium Addition has firewall capabilities for added security and helps manage and monitor employee’s activity on the internet. Lock down your network keeping intruders out and your information in.
• Email and Calendars – most SMBs outsource their email operations to their internet service provider. Having an in-house email system brings an element of professionalism while improving efficiency. Add and remove addresses, create and share company calendars for vacations, plant maintenance, etc. Increase information flow, communicate better, and share information.
• Network Administration – the Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 does not require extensive technical knowledge to mange after set up. Performing routine task like adding email addresses, calendars, adding information to the company internal web site can all be done easily. It is advised to have an IT professional perform the initial set up and maintain the health of the network and server following installation. Reduce your Total Cost of Ownership, increase benefit per user.

If you are considering the addition of a server to your technology landscape, do your homework and assess your current business operations. Have specific objectives to improve upon to help you determine your ROI. Engage an IT professional to perform the installation and to monitor the network afterwards. Most of all, be confident that a server in your network can streamline your business processes and either reduce your cost, or increase your profit margin.

About Concerto Networks

Concerto Networks, Inc., founded in July of 2002, is a national franchise business providing professional, consistent-quality business technology and computer solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), serving a critical function for this rapidly growing market. Concerto Networks goes beyond simple troubleshooting and repair, providing the same holistic approach to IT support and director level management enjoyed by large companies, while offering significant savings and value to SMBs.