2. NetworkiNg Basics
Your company has many ongoing needs: to better organize 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 e-mail 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
Networking Basics Networking Basics ......................................................................1
efficiencies in your business. Businesses that use networks find that the investment
What Does a Network Do .......................................................1 pays for itself quickly through increased productivity. Studies have shown
increased employee productivity and reduced operating costs help pay
Introduction to Networking ..................................................2 for software and hardware, and installation and support costs.
Some More Server Basics .........................................................4
What Servers Can Do for Your Business .............................5
Choosing the Right Server Solution.....................................9
Learn More About
Windows Small Business Server 2008 .............................. 10
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3. iNtroDuctioN to NetworkiNg Client/Server Networks Also, because the server acts as a
single access point, your Internet
In a client/server network, a single
The two most common types of networks are peer-to-peer and client/server. connection can be monitored and
computer (the server hardware) is
Both networks serve the same purpose. They allow users to share information controlled, which enhances your
used to store and manage information
or resources. network security.
and resources in a central location.
That computer is loaded with server The computers in your business may
Peer-to-Peer Networks While this is a simple, low-cost software that is designed to perform
solution, peer-to-peer networks are show markedly improved performance
The most basic way to allow multiple specific tasks and provide specific in a client/server network because they
limited in what they can do. For services such as file sharing, print
users to share information or don’t have to perform functions for
example, peer-to-peer networks have processing, Internet connectivity,
resources, such as printers and fax other computers, such as storing large
no centralized security safeguards. and e-mail for each of the network’s
machines, is to connect multiple amounts of data or running heavy
computers in a peer-to-peer network. “client” computers. The clients in the software applications; the server takes
Information and resources are
A common method for setting up a client/server network can be individual on all this heavy lifting.
shared from each computer, and if
peer-to-peer network is to connect computers, printers, or other remote
one computer shuts down, loses
computers running workgroup or devices (for example, Windows With one centralized access point for
power, or loses data, it is impossible
client software, such as the Windows Mobile® phones). information and resources, users are
to access the information on that
Vista® operating system, to a hub or to computer. Peer-to-peer networks also not dependent on information housed
use a wireless access point. Client/server networks provide tools on each other’s computers, as they are
tend to slow down when more than and services that can help your
five computers are connected. in a peer-to-peer network. In addition,
business achieve dramatic time and servers can enhance the security
cost savings, revolutionizing the of your business data by providing
way you do your work. For example, controlled access to files and data such
with a client/server network you can as financial information, documents,
use fewer printers and distribute and business presentations.
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.
Peer-to-peer
networks are the
most basic type
of network.
With client/server networks, you can centralize files and
share printers and an Internet connection, which can lead
to greater productivity and cost savings.
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4. some more server Basics what servers caN Do for Your BusiNess
Servers play a pivotal role in a network, providing significant time-saving and Now that you have some background on the components of a client/server
cost-saving benefits. network, you need to know what a server can do for your business—and what
benefits you gain from a client/server network.
Server Operating Systems Microsoft expressly designed Central Data Storage and Backup information, such as customer
Most server operating systems control Windows Small Business Server Storing files on a server—rather contacts, financial records, and e-mail,
security and allow you to decide the 2008 for businesses with two to 75 than on individual computer hard in one central location.
specific users, computers, or devices computers that are looking for an disk drives—reduces the need
that can access server resources, affordable and complete network for employees to back up files on Finally, servers make it possible to
as well as how they can use those solution. This Microsoft server individual computers. With a peer- use many server-based business
resources. Server operating systems software provides essential networking to-peer network, if an employee’s applications, such as accounting,
also allow other server-specific and Internet connection-sharing computer crashes and files are lost, business planning, and contact
programs, or server applications, to capabilities so that you can efficiently it can take days to reconstruct the management software, which share
run. For example, a server can run a share resources and information system and months to re-create a centralized database so that all
line-of-business application—such from a central place and across your the lost work. Maintaining control employees can work from the same
as accounting software—that client business. Windows Small Business of document versions can also be a information. Windows Small Business
computers can access. Server 2008 also gives you more challenging, cumbersome task that Server 2008 Premium Edition comes
professional ways to connect with can result in wasted time and a hit to with a powerful, integrated data
your customers from the office or a your company’s credibility if the wrong management and reporting solution
remote location, and the tools and version of a document is released. that easily supports your company’s
Server Applications infrastructure you need to keep your business applications.
Applications are the software business up and running securely—
instructions that execute a task or a at a cost your business can afford.
specific set of tasks. Personal computer Improved Team Performance
applications perform tasks for the user With a client/server network, servers
of the application. Server computer can be configured for centralized
applications can perform volumes of data storage, which makes it much
tasks simultaneously for many users. easier for coworkers to access
documents and work together on
At one time, only large companies projects. Windows Small Business
could afford servers because of Server 2008 includes technology to
the cost and complexity of buying, deliver a preconfigured internal Web
maintaining, and administering site, or “intranet,” where you and
them. This is no longer the case. New your employees can store, update,
technologies designed specifically for and share all your vital business
businesses like yours 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.
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5. Shared Printing, Fax, and Security E-Mail and Calendars Only a few servers for businesses
Internet Connections Servers can enhance security giving While it is possible to outsource your with two to 75 computers have an
With server technology, you can you peace of mind that your data is e-mail to an Internet service provider integrated, easy-to-use e-mail system
reduce the number of printers and backed up and protected. (ISP), there are significant advantages that is reliable and will grow with
fax machines you need to run your to hosting your own e-mail system. your business. Microsoft Exchange
business efficiently. Some server systems, such as Windows Having an in-house e-mail system Server 2007 technology, a streamlined
Small Business Server 2008, have brings an element of professionalism e-mail system, is part of Windows
Through the Microsoft® Shared Fax built-in data protection and disaster and sophistication to your company Small Business Server 2008 and gives
Service in Windows Small Business recovery capabilities, and antispam communications while improving your business a professional e-mail
Server 2008, the server can be and antivirus protection for enhanced efficiency and organization. Hosting presence and offers your employees a
configured to automatically route security. SBS 2008 has tools for your own system allows you to: way to access their e-mail on the Web.
print jobs to your central printer, managing and monitoring employee
and incoming faxes can be digitized Internet access. • Create and remove addresses as Internal Company Web Site
and delivered directly to each needed. Personnel changes won’t An intranet is a Web site that is
employee’s computer. A single, shared In addition, you can install software require a call to your ISP. accessible only to authorized users
Internet connection eliminates the on your server that provides security within a network. A company intranet
need for various cable modems settings to let you establish different • Create multiple, customer-focused typically contains shared business
or DSL connections and multiple access levels for different employees, mail addresses such as sales@ documents such as contracts, product
configurations that require support. vendors, or clients who access your yourbusinessname.com, which can and price lists, budgets, and marketing
Managing a single account is much network. You must ensure that the be delivered to the appropriate materials.
simpler, and server-monitoring server in your business provides person’s e-mail inbox or distributed
features let you track and control adequate protection for your network. to a group of people. Intranets can increase employee
employee Internet use. 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.
A server system can make sharing your
business assets across your network
quick and easy, and will ultimately
help you save money.
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6. Network Administration Growth choosiNg the right server solutioN
Some server systems still require Server flexibility refers to how a system
complex configuration to run responds and performs as the number If you are choosing a network for your business or thinking of changing the
smoothly; others can be simple and of users grows. Flexibility is one of the type of network you already have, a client/server network can offer the security,
cost effective to administer. major strengths of the client/server collaboration, professionalism, and manageability that you are looking for.
network, because you can simply add
The use of an information technology One choice to consider is Windows Small Business Server 2008, which you can use
another server when needed.
(IT) consultant is advisable for initial to keep your business running and your data secure, to increase your efficiencies
setup and maintenance, but with the Experiencing dramatic growth? and cost savings, and to streamline your customer communications—so you can
right server system, routine tasks such Upgrading to a more robust system run a successful business today and into the future.
as recovering lost documents are easy may be in order, and a good first
for you to perform. server makes upgrades smooth
and easy.
With Windows Small Business Server
2008, you can select a Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008
Small Business Specialist as your IT can grow with your business, keeping
consultant to set up your system. pace with your changing demands.
Designed with simplicity in mind, this Because your data is managed
Microsoft server software is easy to from a central location, adding
install, manage, and use. new computers and applications
is a straightforward task. SBS 2008
For additional cost savings, a server provides a “technology building block”
can be configured to continually so you can install additional servers as
monitor itself. Windows Small Business your needs change.
Server 2008 produces a daily e-mail
report on the health of the Microsoft And if you outgrow the 75 user/
software in your network. device parameters with Windows
Small Business Server 2008, you can
And with remote monitoring migrate easily to Windows Essential
capabilities, your IT consultant will Business Server 2008 or full stand-
be able to assist you without driving alone Microsoft server products. This
to your office, so a quick response protects your initial investment.
and lower costs for support can be
realized. Make sure your server system It’s a good idea to consider your strategy
gives you the information you need to for managing the growth of your
identify and solve problems quickly. business and your technology needs. is Your BusiNess
Make sure you have a system that can reaDY for a server?
grow with your business needs.
Learn more at
www.multiplyyourpower.com
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7. learN more aBout wiNDows small BusiNess server 2008
Windows Small Business Server 2008 is a complete, affordable
network solution for productivity and security that is designed with your business
needs in mind.
Add this Microsoft server system to your business and get the peace of mind that
your data is more secure, you are maximizing your employee productivity while
saving money, and you are enhancing your customer communications.
To learn more, visit www.multiplyyourpower.com
A Microsoft Small Business Specialist
in your area is available to guide you
through the entire process with expert
advice, support, and service specific to
your business.
Part No. 098-110028
