Services - Systems and Networks
Small and medium businesses don’t often have the huge IT budgets of the corporate world. That’s why it’s important to get your system implementation right first time – and keep it working that way.
Our "right first time" approach and attention to detail set us apart. We consult with you every step of the way, from concept through to implementation, so you know exactly what's happening and when. Any solution proposed is based on what you tell us - your business processes, communications, security and access control, and of course your aspirations. All are thoroughly reviewed and discussed. Microsoft has recognised our expertise by awarding us Small Business Specialist accreditation, the result of extensive training and experience.
Our SME solutions are predominantly built around award winning technology - HP Proliant servers and Microsoft Small Business Server 2003/2008. But how do you know if you need a Server at all?
Easy – just consider if any of the following statements describe you or your organisation?
"Our data is spread out among many PCs. It’s hard to keep track of where everything is! Plus, we have no central back-up.”
“For regular maintenance, I’d like to be able to have our IT vendor check in on our system, but to do so remotely, in order to save costs.”
“We want a better way to share information with our suppliers and customers.”
“I want to access my company e-mail and data, when I’m on the road, say, from my hotel room.”
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these, the chances are your business needs a Microsoft Small Business Server from Octree.
Some of the key features and how they could benefit your business are:
Centralisation of Data
Many small businesses find themselves with an IT infrastructure that has grown organically. This can result in data being scattered across the network, often without backup. Introducing Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 allows business critical data to be consolidated. The benefits of this are:
- Availability - the data is always available to your staff
- Access control - access restrictions can be placed on certain data
- Reliability - the server platform provides measures to protect your data in the event of hardware failure
- Comprehensive backup - once consolidated, running backups of all critical data becomes a simple, overnight task
Groupware Functionality
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 includes Microsoft Exchange, which provides a centralised store for all your company's e-mail, contacts and calendars. This has many benefits, including:
- Collaboration - access to this information can be shared, as required, throughout your organisation
- Shared calendars for individuals, groups and even resources such as a boardroom or pool vehicle
- Shared contacts - address book of sales contacts, employee details etc.
- Shared tasks - departmental to-do lists
- Shared mailboxes - e.g. sales@example.com, enquiries@example.com, tickets@example.com etc.
- Comprehensive backup - all Exchange data is backed up during regular backups
- Accountability - e-mails can be tracked and monitored on the server if required
- Real-time e-mail delivery possible to mobile devices with Microsoft Windows Mobile 5/6
Remote Working / Roaming
Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 provides out-of-the-box features that allow your staff to work remotely, with your permission.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) - effectively extends your company network into a home office allowing secure access to all your centralised information
- Webmail - access your company e-mail using a web browser on any PC with an Internet connection
- Direct Push technology - receive your e-mail on your mobile device
Not only can this solution make your business operation more efficient, it can bring you significant savings too.
However, as good as the Microsoft Small Business Server is, it is just a “box” at the end of the day. Key to successful implementation is to understand your business needs for today and tomorrow, which is why your first action should be to contact the Octree team today to see how we can help.
