SBS 2008 Networking Guide

8/6/2019 SBS 2008 Networking Guide

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Nn BA guide for businesses

with up to 75 computers


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www.multiplyyourpower.com 1

Networking Basics ......................................................................1

What Does a Network Do .......................................................1

Introduction to Networking ..................................................2

Some More Server Basics ................................... ......................4

What Servers Can Do for Your Business .............................5

Choosing the Right Server Solution.....................................9

Learn More AboutWindows Small Business Server 2008 .............................. 10

NetworkiNg Basics

Your company has many ongoing needs: to better organize and safeguardbusiness information, to communicate effectively and professionally withcustomers and suppliers, and to make the most of your existing computersand ofce equipment.

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

what Does a Network Do?

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

For example, in a network with Windows Small Business Server 2008 (SBS 2008),multiple employees can access the Internet or company e-mail at the same time,or share the same fax machine or other ofce equipment. A network with SBS2008 can help you save time and money, protect your business data, and increaseefciencies in your business. Businesses that use networks nd that the investmentpays for itself quickly through increased productivity. Studies have shownincreased employee productivity and reduced operating costs help payfor software and hardware, and installation and support costs.

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Peer-to-Peer Networks

The most basic way to allow multipleusers to share information orresources, such as printers and faxmachines, is to connect multiplecomputers in a peer-to-peer network.A common method for setting up apeer-to-peer network is to connectcomputers running workgroup orclient software, such as the WindowsVista operating system, to a hub or touse a wireless access point.

While this is a simple, low-costsolution, peer-to-peer networks arelimited in what they can do. Forexample, peer-to-peer networks haveno centralized security safeguards.

Information and resources are

shared from each computer, and ifone computer shuts down, losespower, or loses data, it is impossibleto access the information on thatcomputer. Peer-to-peer networks alsotend to slow down when more thanve computers are connected.

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 informationor resources.

Client/Server Networks

In a client/server network, a singlecomputer (the server hardware) isused to store and manage informationand resources in a central location.That computer is loaded with serversoftware that is designed to performspecic tasks and provide specicservices such as le sharing, printprocessing, Internet connectivity,and e-mail for each of the networksclient computers. The clients in theclient/server network can be individualcomputers, printers, or other remotedevices (for example, WindowsMobile phones).

Client/server networks provide toolsand services that can help yourbusiness achieve dramatic time andcost savings, revolutionizing theway you do your work. For example,with a client/server network you canuse fewer printers and distributefaxes electronically, which results inlower hardware costs and increasedproductivity. The server can back upinformation, which can save you timeand prevent data loss.

Also, because the server acts as asingle access point, your Internetconnection can be monitored andcontrolled, which enhances yournetwork security.

The computers in your business mayshow markedly improved performancein a client/server network because theydont have to perform functions forother computers, such as storing largeamounts of data or running heavysoftware applications; the server takes

on all this heavy lifting.

With one centralized access point forinformation and resources, users arenot dependent on information housedon each others computers, as they arein a peer-to-peer network. In addition,servers can enhance the securityof your business data by providingcontrolled access to les and data suchas nancial information, documents,and business presentations.

Peer-to-peernetworks are themost basic typeof network.

With client/server networks, you can centralize fles andshare printers and an Internet connection, which can leadto greater productivity and cost savings.


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Server Operating Systems

Most server operating systems controlsecurity and allow you to decide thespecic users, computers, or devicesthat can access server resources,as well as how they can use thoseresources. Server operating systems

also allow other server-specicprograms, or server applications, torun. For example, a server can run aline-of-business applicationsuchas accounting softwarethat clientcomputers can access.

Server Applications

Applications are the softwareinstructions that execute a task or aspecic set of tasks. Personal computerapplications perform tasks for the userof the application. Server computerapplications can perform volumes oftasks simultaneously for many users.

At one time, only large companiescould afford servers because ofthe cost and complexity of buying,maintaining, and administeringthem. This is no longer the case. Newtechnologies designed specically forbusinesses like yours provide solutionsat lower costs with simplied serveradministration and maintenance. Thismeans that any business can takeadvantage of the benets of serversand client/server networking.

Microsoft expressly designedWindows Small Business Server2008 for businesses with two to 75computers that are looking for anaffordable and complete networksolution. This Microsoft serversoftware provides essential networking

and Internet connection-sharingcapabilities so that you can efcientlyshare resources and informationfrom a central place and across yourbusiness. Windows Small BusinessServer 2008 also gives you moreprofessional ways to connect withyour customers from the ofce or aremote location, and the tools andinfrastructure you need to keep yourbusiness up and running securelyat a cost your business can afford.

Central Data Storage and Backup

Storing les on a serverratherthan on individual computer harddisk drivesreduces the needfor employees to back up les onindividual computers. With a peer-to-peer network, if an employees

computer crashes and les are lost,it can take days to reconstruct thesystem and months to re-createthe lost work. Maintaining controlof document versions can also be achallenging, cumbersome task thatcan result in wasted time and a hit toyour companys credibility if the wrongversion of a document is released.

Improved Team Performance

With a client/server network, serverscan be congured for centralizeddata storage, which makes it mucheasier for coworkers to accessdocuments and work together on

projects. Windows Small BusinessServer 2008 includes technology todeliver a precongured internal Website, or intranet, where you andyour employees can store, update,and share all your vital business

information, such as customercontacts, nancial records, and e-mail,in one central location.

Finally, servers make it possible touse many server-based businessapplications, such as accounting,

business planning, and contactmanagement software, which sharea centralized database so that allemployees can work from the sameinformation. Windows Small BusinessServer 2008 Premium Edition comeswith a powerful, integrated datamanagement and reporting solutionthat easily supports your companysbusiness applications.

some more server Basics

Servers play a pivotal role in a network, providing signicant time-saving andcost-saving benets.

what servers caN Do for Your BusiNess

Now that you have some background on the components of a client/servernetwork, you need to know what a server can do for your businessand whatbenets you gain from a client/server network.


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Shared Printing, Fax, andInternet Connections

With server technology, you canreduce the number of printers andfax machines you need to run yourbusiness efciently.

Through the Microsoft Shared FaxService in Windows Small BusinessServer 2008, the server can becongured to automatically routeprint jobs to your central printer,and incoming faxes can be digitized

and delivered directly to eachemployees computer. A single, sharedInternet connection eliminates theneed for various cable modemsor DSL connections and multiplecongurations that require support.Managing a single account is muchsimpler, and server-monitoringfeatures let you track and controlemployee Internet use.

A server system can make sharing yourbusiness assets across your networkquick and easy, and will ultimatelyhelp you save money.

Security

Servers can enhance security givingyou peace of mind that your data isbacked up and protected.

Some server systems, such as WindowsSmall Business Server 2008, havebuilt-in data protection and disasterrecovery capabilities, and antispamand antivirus protection for enhancedsecurity. SBS 2008 has tools formanaging and monitoring employeeInternet access.

In addition, you can install softwareon your server that provides securitysettings to let you establish differentaccess levels for different employees,vendors, or clients who access yournetwork. You must ensure that theserver in your business providesadequate protection for your network.

E-Mail and Calendars

While it is possible to outsource youre-mail to an Internet service provider(ISP), there are signicant advantagesto hosting your own e-mail system.Having an in-house e-mail systembrings an element of professionalismand sophistication to your companycommunications while improvingefciency and organization. Hostingyour own system allows you to:

Create and remove addresses as

needed. Personnel changes wontrequire a call to your ISP.

Create multiple, customer-focusedmail addresses such as [email protected], which canbe delivered to the appropriatepersons e-mail inbox or distributedto a group of people.

Only a few servers for businesseswith two to 75 computers have anintegrated, easy-to-use e-mail systemthat is reliable and will grow withyour business. Microsoft ExchangeServer 2007 technology, a streamlinede-mail system, is part of WindowsSmall Business Server 2008 and givesyour business a professional e-mailpresence and offers your employees away to access their e-mail on the Web.

Internal Company Web Site

An intranet is a Web site that isaccessible only to authorized userswithin a network. A company intranettypically contains shared businessdocuments such as contracts, productand price lists, budgets, and marketingmaterials.

Intranets can increase employeeproductivity by giving individuals theability to store and easily access les,applications, or internal information.Intranets are a powerful way foremployees to work together. Someserver software, such as WindowsSmall Business Server 2008, comeswith a built-in intranet.


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Network Administration

Some server systems still requirecomplex conguration to runsmoothly; others can be simple andcost effective to administer.

The use of an information technology(IT) consultant is advisable for initialsetup and maintenance, but with theright server system, routine tasks suchas recovering lost documents are easyfor you to perform.

With Windows Small Business Server2008, you can select a MicrosoftSmall Business Specialist as your ITconsultant to set up your system.Designed with simplicity in mind, thisMicrosoft server software is easy toinstall, manage, and use.

For additional cost savings, a servercan be congured to continuallymonitor itself. Windows Small BusinessServer 2008 produces a daily e-mailreport on the health of the Microsoftsoftware in your network.

And with remote monitoringcapabilities, your IT consultant willbe able to assist you without drivingto your ofce, so a quick responseand lower costs for support can berealized. Make sure your server systemgives you the information you need toidentify and solve problems quickly.

Growth

Server exibility refers to how a systemresponds and performs as the numberof users grows. Flexibility is one of themajor strengths of the client/servernetwork, because you can simply addanother server when needed.

Experiencing dramatic growth?Upgrading to a more robust systemmay be in order, and a good rstserver makes upgrades smoothand easy.

Windows Small Business Server 2008can grow with your business, keepingpace with your changing demands.Because your data is managedfrom a central location, addingnew computers and applicationsis a straightforward task. SBS 2008provides a technology building blockso you can install additional servers asyour needs change.

And if you outgrow the 75 user/device parameters with WindowsSmall Business Server 2008, you canmigrate easily to Windows EssentialBusiness Server 2008 or full stand-alone Microsoft server products. This

protects your initial investment.

Its a good idea to consider your strategyfor managing the growth of yourbusiness and your technology needs.Make sure you have a system that cangrow with your business needs.

choosiNg the right server solutioN

If you are choosing a network for your business or thinking of changing thetype 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 useto keep your business running and your data secure, to increase your efcienciesand cost savings, and to streamline your customer communicationsso you canrun a successful business today and into the future.

is Your BusiNessreaDY for a server?

Learn more at

www.multiplyyourpower.com


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Part No. 098-110028

learN more aBout wiNDows small BusiNess server 2008

Windows Small Business Server 2008 is a complete, affordablenetwork solution for productivity and security that is designed with your businessneeds in mind.

Add this Microsoft server system to your business and get the peace of mind thatyour data is more secure, you are maximizing your employee productivity whilesaving money, and you are enhancing your customer communications.

To learn more, visit www.multiplyyourpower.com

A Microsoft Small Business Specialistin your area is available to guide youthrough the entire process with expertadvice, support, and service specic toyour business.

Documents

SBS 2008 Networking Guide