Installation & Configuration

Networks with no centralized control are called peer to peer networks. The design parameters of Microsoft Windows limit peer to peer networks to a practical size of 10 computers. If you want a larger network than that, then you need a client-server network. In a client-server network, one computer serves as the primary domain controller or PDC by  validating users who log on to the network. This provides greater security and more centralized control.  If you are approaching 10 or more computers in your network, then it's time to upgrade to Windows Small Business Server 2011!

1. Centralized Control. With SBS 2011, group policies can be set to control what users can and cannot do on a PC. Trusted and experienced employees can be extended greater privileges. If an employee leaves,  that employee's password can easily be changed  or user profile deleted.

2. Microsoft Exchange for email.

   Advantages of Exchange:

   • With Pop 3 email, if your computer hard drive crashes, you lose all of the email stored on that hard drive. But with Exchange, since your Outlook database is on the server , your email can quickly be restored in the case of hard drive failure.

   • You can synchronize your email between your desktop, your laptop, and your phone (depending on the type of phone)..

   • Access to email via web browsers

   • Group scheduling

   • Send out meeting requests, then track and update them

   • Shared calendars

   • Access to personal and shared address books

   • More secure connections

   • Server-side spam filtering

   • Put multicolored flags next to emails as a reminder to follow up.

   • Automatic out of office reply

   • Recall sent messages
      

3. Create pubic folders  to share files and information,

4. Use SharePoint Services: SharePoint allows you to create custom calendars, lists etc for online collaboration. With it, you can create an In-Out board for all employees, a group calendar, etc.

5. Use Remote Web Workplace. This allows you to connect to all of the computers (including virtual machines running QuickBooks) on your local network from an Internet Explorer Browser anywhere in the world. 

6. Connect via VPN. Connect to the server to access Sharepoint services and shared files from anywhere in the world. However, although it is possible, it is best not to connect to QuickBooks via a VPN because the packets transmitted are too large – you will get extremely slow performance, and this configuration is not supported by Quickbooks. We can set you up to use remote desktop for this instead.

7. Although it is possible to host your website on your Small Business Server, I do not recommend this because of security risks. The number one port that hackers attack is port 80 – the one used for websites.

Pricing: The recommended hardware and the labor cost will vary depending on the number of employees you have and the configuration you desire. On-site labor costs are $65 per hour. Call me at 770-485-5023 for a consultation.