"Why
does my business even need a server?" you may ask. There are many
reasons, and with server hardware and software being so relatively inexpensive
now, there are very few drawbacks to having a dedicated server.
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A dedicated file server functions as a central point of backup. You never have to worry whether your critical data is backed up. It is much easier to back up one server than to back up every workstation. |
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A dedicated server lets you share files and printers reliably. While you may be contemplating using one of your workstations as a file/print server, this often turns out to be a bad idea, because workstations are more likely to crash or become busy due to what the user may be doing. Moreover, with a server, it is much easier to customize security for users, so your employees will not be able to access data that they shouldn't have access to. |
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You can run an email/collaboration product like Exchange 2003, which not only receives mail for your organization (using your company's own domain name), but allows your users to share contact lists, calendars, mailboxes, and other data. The mail server can also filter viruses and junkmail for you, so your users will have cleaner mailboxes. Exchange 2003 comes bundled with Windows 2003 Small Business Server software suite, which retails for only $499 for a 5-user license. |
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You can take advantage of the Roaming Profiles feature in Windows XP/2000/NT. This means that your users can roam around the office, logging in to whichever machines they wish, and all their settings travel with them. Because the profiles are saved on the server, workstations become expendable - if one breaks and you need to replace it, it is very easy to recreate the user environment. The next time a user logs on, he or she will have all her settings back. |
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You can take advantage of another product that comes bundled with Windows 2003 SBS - the Fax Server. With this, your server can receive and send faxes for you. Incoming faxes can be automatically printed or saved as images in a shared folder location. You will never lose a fax again, and you will only print what you need, saving ink and paper. |
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The server can function as a remote access tool. Your entire Outlook mailbox, including mail, contacts and calendar will be securely available to you from any web browser, anywhere in the world. Using the Sharepoint Portal Server software that comes bundled with SBS 2003, you can also make your data files available via the web. |
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In addition to all of the above, the server can host your company's website! |