A server computer, sometimes called an enterprise server, is a computer system that provides essential services across a network, to private users inside a large organisation or to public users on the internet. Many servers have dedicated functionality such as web servers, email servers, and database servers.
Today, server-based networks can be found in more than 20% of small businesses with more than one PC. Servers and networks have even moved into businesses with fewer than five PCs, as users see the efficiencies and better productivity of a Server. Here are our 8 top reasons to invest in a server:
1. You can create order from chaos. By centralising 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. Older PCs can get new life if their files and data are off-loaded onto a server.
2. You can protect your data by making backups easier. Windows Small Business Server 2003 & 2008 both enable users to protect their data by simplifying backups and the restoration of critical data.
3. You can collaborate better as a business. Not only is data sharing easier with a server-based network, but Windows Small Business Server 2003 & 2008 both come with Windows SharePoint Services, which is software that enables your employees and other team members to collaborate via the Web. With SharePoint, you get a company intranet with a user-friendly interface to organize and share information.
4. You can accommodate a mobile work force. Servers enable out-of-office workers to have remote access to your network, enabling data sharing among those who travel, telecommute or work off-site.
5. You can share high-speed broadband access. High-speed Internet access across a network from a single ISP account.
6. You can set up new computers, add users and deploy new applications more quickly and easily. Expect to grow? You can better co-ordinate the addition of new PCs and software. You can also better manage firewalls and monitor threats to your data, and more easily deploy virus protection.
7. You can get more processing power. A server can supercharge your network, storing chunks of data, freeing up memory and enabling PCs to perform better. Small businesses today need that additional processing power to manage Web sites, create e-mail newsletters, and use sophisticated software.
8. You can look more professional & connect better with your customers. Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 & 2008 both enable you to consolidate your e-mail accounts (AOL, Yahoo!, Hotmail, etc.) into a single e-mail account, enhancing your image to customers. A server can make a lot of businesses look bigger than they are.
If you would like to know more about buying, installing and maintaining a server for your business, please get in touch with us on 0800 011 2636 and we'll help you make the right choices for the future.
Written by R. G. L. Birkbeck
