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Computer Networking and Servers

Networking Basics

Your company has many ongoing needs: to better organise and safeguard business information, to communicate effectively and professionally with customers and suppliers, and to make the most of your existing computers and office equipment.

Introducing the right technology into your business can help you accomplish these goals and save you time and money, keeping you focused on your business, not on technology. The foundation of an effective technology solution starts with a network.

What Does A Network Do?

A network is a group of interconnected computers that allows you to share information and resources (such as printers) from one computer to another. A network with the right software helps you increase employee productivity and reduce costs.

For example, in a network with Windows Small Business Server 2008 (SBS 2008), multiple employees can access the Internet or company email at the same time, or share the same fax machine or other office equipment. A network with SBS 2008 can help you save time and money, protect your business data, and increase efficiencies in your business.

Businesses that use networks find that the investment pays for itself quickly through increased productivity. Studies have shown increased employee productivity and reduced operating costs help pay for software and hardware, and installation and support costs.

Introduction to Networking

The two most common types of networks are peer-to-peer and client/server. Both networks serve the same purpose. They allow users to share information or resources.

Peer-to-Peer Networks

The most basic way to allow multiple users to share information or resources, such as printers and fax machines, is to connect multiple computers in a peer-to-peer network. A common method for setting up a peer-to-peer network is to connect computers running workgroup or client software, such as the Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system, to a hub or to use a wireless access point. While this is a simple, low-cost solution, peer-to-peer networks are limited in what they can do. For example, peer-to-peer networks have no centralised security safeguards.

Information and resources are shared from each computer, and if one computer shuts down, loses power, or loses data, it is impossible to access the information on that computer. Peer-to-peer networks also tend to slow down when more than a few computers are connected.

Client/Server Networks

In a client/server network, a single computer (the server) is used to store and manage information and resources in a central location. That computer is loaded with server software that is designed to perform specific tasks and provide specific services such as file sharing, print processing, Internet connectivity, and email for each of the network’s “client” computers. The clients in the client/server network can be individual computers, printers, or other remote devices (for example mobile phones).

Client/server networks provide tools and services that can help your business achieve dramatic time and cost savings, revolutionising the way you do your work. For example, with a client/server network you can use fewer printers and distribute faxes electronically, which results in lower hardware costs and increased productivity.

The server can back up information, which can save you time and prevent data loss. Also, because the server acts as a single access point, your Internet connection can be monitored and controlled, which enhances your network security.

The computers in your business may show improved performance in a client/server network because they don’t have to perform functions for other computers, such as storing large amounts of data or running heavy software applications; the server takes on all this heavy lifting.

With one centralised access point for information and resources, users are not dependent on information housed on each other’s computers, as they are in a peer-to-peer network. In addition, servers can enhance the security of your business data by providing controlled access to files and data such as financial information, documents, and business presentations.

Server Basics

Servers play a pivotal role in a network, providing significant time saving and cost saving benefits.

Server Operating Systems

Most server operating systems control security and allow you to decide the specific users, computers, or devices that can access server resources, as well as how they can use those resources.

Server operating systems also allow other server specific programs, or server applications, to run. For example, a server can run a line-of-business application such as accounting software that client computers can access.

Server Applications

Applications are the software instructions that execute a task or a specific set of tasks. Personal computer applications perform tasks for the user of the application. Server computer applications can perform volumes of tasks simultaneously for many users.

At one time, only large companies could afford servers because of the cost and complexity of buying, maintaining, and administering them. This is no longer the case. New technologies designed specifically for small businesses provide solutions at lower costs with simplified server administration and maintenance. This means that any business can take advantage of the benefits of servers and client/server networking.

Microsoft expressly designed Windows Small Business Server 2008 for businesses with two to 75 computers that are looking for an affordable and complete network solution. This Microsoft server software provides essential networking and Internet connection sharing capabilities so that you can efficiently share resources and information from a central place and across your business.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 also gives you more professional ways to connect with your customers from the office or a remote location, and the tools and infrastructure you need to keep your business up and running securely at a cost your business can afford.

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 & Backup

Storing files on a server rather than on individual computers reduces the need for employees to 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 challenging, cumbersome task that can result in wasted time and a hit to your company’s credibility if the wrong version of a document is released.

Improved Team Performance

With a client/server network, servers can be configured for centralised data storage, which makes it much easier for workers to access documents and work together on projects.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 includes technology to deliver a preconfigured internal Website, or “intranet,” where you and your employees can store, update, and share all your vital business information, such as customer contacts, financial records, and email, in one central location.

Finally, servers make it possible to use many server based business applications, such as accounting, business planning, and contact management software, which share a centralised database so that all employees can work from the same information.

Shared Printing, Fax & Internet Connections

With server technology, you can reduce the number of printers and fax machines you need to run your business efficiently.

Through the Microsoft Shared Fax Service in Windows Small Business Server 2008, the server can be configured to automatically route print jobs to your central printer, and incoming faxes can be digitised 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.

Security 

Servers can enhance security giving you peace of mind that your data is backed up and protected.

Some server systems, such as Windows Small Business Server 2008, have built-in data protection and disaster recovery capabilities, and anti-spam and anti-virus protection for enhanced security.

SBS 2008 has 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.

Email & Calendars

While it is possible to outsource your email to an Internet service provider (ISP), there are significant advantages to hosting your own e-mail system.

Having an in-house email system brings an element of professionalism and sophistication to your company communications while improving efficiency and organisation. Hosting your own system allows you to:

• Create and remove addresses as needed. Personnel changes won’t require a call to your ISP.

• Create multiple, customer focused mail addresses such as sales@yourbusinessname.com, which can be delivered to the appropriate person’s e-mail inbox or distributed to a group of people.

Only a few servers for businesses with two to 75 computers have an integrated, easy to use email system that is reliable and will grow with your business. Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 technology, a streamlined email system, is part of Windows Small Business Server 2008 and gives your business a professional email presence and offers your employees a way to access their email on the Web.

Internal Company Website

An intranet is a Web site that is accessible only to authorised 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 individuals the ability to store and easily access files, applications, or internal information.

Intranets are a powerful way for employees to work together. Some server software, such as Windows Small Business Server 2008, 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 IT consultant is advisable for initial setup and maintenance, but with the right server system, routine tasks such as recovering lost documents are easy for you to perform.

Designed with simplicity in mind Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 is easy to install, manage, and use. For additional cost savings, a server can be configured to continually monitor itself. Windows Small Business Server 2008 produces a daily email report on the health of the Microsoft software in your network.

And with remote monitoring capabilities, your IT consultant will be able to assist you without driving to your office, so a quick response and lower costs for support can be realised. Make sure your server system gives you the information you need to identify and solve problems quickly.

Growth

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.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 can grow with your business, keeping pace with your changing demands. Because your data is managed from a central location, adding new computers and applications is a straightforward task. SBS 2008 provides a “technology building block” so you can install additional servers as your needs change.

And if you outgrow the 75 user/ device parameters with Windows Small Business Server 2008, you can migrate easily to Windows Essential Business Server 2008 or full standalone Microsoft server products. This protects your initial investment. It’s a good idea to consider your strategy for managing the growth of your business and your technology needs. Make sure you have a system that can grow with your business needs.

Choosing the Right Server Solution

If you are choosing a network for your business or thinking of changing the type of network you already have, a client/server network can offer the security, collaboration, professionalism, and manageability that you are looking for.

One choice to consider is Windows Small Business Server 2008, which you can use to keep your business running and your data secure, to increase your efficiencies and cost savings, and to streamline your customer communications so you can run a successful business today and into the future.