Windows 2003 SBS v Peer Network
Many small businesses start life with a collection of computers
patched together in what is known as a peer network. In this
scenario there are typically no centralized resources and files are
shared from a standard XP, Windows 2000 or Windows NT workstation.
Each machine will typically be configured with a pop3 email account
which checks the ISP server on the internet every 5 minutes and
perhaps some virus protection software that also regularly checks
the internet for updates.
As most businesses will find this solution is
not very scaleable and once an organization starts to grow they
start to search for a better solution as they start to suffer from a
lack of performance, no centralized account management or backup
strategy.
Microsoft’s Windows 2003 Small Business Server
gives small businesses a chance to go to the next level at extremely
competitive pricing. The Windows 2003 Small Business Server comes
bundled with a mail server (Exchange 2003), centralized user
management (Active Directory) and an integrated backup solution.
On top of this a centralized virus protection
can be installed on the server for example the Trend Micro Client
Server Messaging, or Symantec End Point Protection which will mean
that the server checks every hour for updates and then updates each
of the clients with this update. This saves on performance issues as
individual clients are no longer using internet bandwidth to check
for updates.
Windows Server Update Service (WSUS) which is
a free application from Microsoft included in the Small Business
Server can be configured to be a centralized resource to update
clients with the regular security patches and updates released by
Microsoft. By using WSUS in combination with group policy (part of
Active Directory) the administrator can control which updates are
available to the clients on the network and also how they are
installed.
The major server vendors such as HP and Dell
package entry level servers with either the Standard or Premium
edition of Windows Small Business Server 2003 for extremely
competitive pricing.
It is possible to locate a Microsoft Small
Business Specialist on Microsoft’s Small Business portal. These
specialists have been certified by Microsoft in the implementation
and support of products of relevance to the small business. By using
a certified specialist you can be assured that the consultant will
have the skill set to supply you with the right solution for your
business.
About The Author:
Steven Ranson has worked in the
IT industry since 1995 for both large multinational organizations
and also in the SME sector. He is also one of the founders of
IT Smart Solutions a Microsoft Small Business Specialist based
in Sydney, Australia
(c) Copyright –
Steve Ranson – IT Smart Solutions . All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Microsoft, Windows, NT, Active Directory are registered trademarks
of the Microsoft Corportation. All other trademarks and registered
trademarks are acknowledged.
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