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IT Solutions for Small and Medium Businesses
by Caroline Moncur
Up until the late 1990s, client/server networks were the domain of large businesses. Client/server networks are referring to environments whereby a server, a specialized computer, acts as the central hub within a network of workstations (or "clients"). As the workstations are connected to each other, users can be much more productive because they can share files, software and equipment such as printers. Most importantly, a client/server network also allows all company information to be centrally backed up and saved.
Many small and medium businesses, those with up to 75 staff, have been struggling with what is called "peer-to-peer networks" of workstations. This means that each individual has their own data and files on their own workstation and sharing data and files with colleagues has been cumbersome.
However, in the last few years, more and more small and medium businesses have been able to shift to client/server technology. One of the trends which have underpinned the change has been the dramatic decrease in the cost of server hardware; prices are as much as 20% below what they cost a few years ago.
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003
One of the solutions that have been behind the shift of small and medium businesses to client/server environments is Microsoft's Windows Small Business Server 2003. Small Business Server 2003 is suitable for businesses between 2 and 75 users. This solution is a very cost effective, scalable and multi-dimensional product that is designed to be the foundation of a company's operations as well as growth.
Small Business Server 2003 is available in two versions: Standard and Premium. Packaged with the Standard version are Windows Server 2003, Windows SharePoint Services v2, Exchange Server 2003 & Office Outlook 2003 and Shared Fax Service. In one server, you have the basis of operational efficiency: a secure and reliable operating system, file, print and application sharing, email, messaging and shared calendaring capabilities and the ability to develop business intranets.
Small Business Server 2003 Premium Edition, in addition to the above, also includes SQL Server 2000, Internet and Security Acceleration Server 2004 and Office FrontPage 2003 technologies. SQL Server 2000 provides a strong database to run business applications, ISA 2004 is a comprehensive firewall for security as well as tools to manage and monitor internal Internet access and Office FrontPage 2003 is a set of tools to develop websites.
Benefits
This solution can easily change the way a small or medium business operates. You have all the benefits of a solid network such as centrally stored information, protected data and minimal downtime. Once the network is in place, and your organization has absorbed the new technology, you can deploy some of the additional features such as mobile wireless access and SharePoint Services, the collaboration application platform, both features that are still the domain of larger companies.
Return-On-Investment
Studies have shown an exceptionally high Return-On-Investment by companies who have deployed Small Business Server 2003. In fact, a study that was completed in late 2003 showed that ROI averaged 947% and ranged from a low of 63% to a high of more than 2000%. This ROI has come from at least a 20% improvement in staff productivity, increased responsiveness to customer needs as well as from business managers having additional time to focus on core business issues, and not on disruptions caused by IT infrastructure failures.
Less quantifiable, however no less important, is the improved quality of life which many study respondents stated as one of the major benefits of Small Business Server 2003! They no longer had to suffer with frustrating and time consuming delays caused by a poor technology foundation. As well, they finally had the flexibility to do business securely from home or whilst traveling.
PC Magazine stated that "It is hard to beat the value and powerful out-of-the-box functionality of Small Business Server 2003". With all of the features incorporated within the one solution, it is definitely the technology solution for small and medium businesses.
To provide feedback on this column, please email makingITwork@providencetg.com
About the Author:
Ms Caroline Moncur is Manager, Business Development at Providence Technology Group. Ms Moncur has over ten year's business development experience, primarily within the Information Technology industry. Providence Technology Group is one of the Bahamas' leading IT firms, specializing in Networking Solutions, Consulting & Advisory Services and Software Solutions.
