The Microsoft Server 2008 family offers a great range of cost-effective and reliable servers. However there are many pitfalls as selecting the wrong ones may hold you back.

How big is your business?

A business with under 50 users should look at Microsoft Small Business Server 2008. This offers an all in one package of files storage, network management, email (Exchange) and document management (SharePoint). The entire suite runs on one standard office server and is very cost effective.

Mid-sized businesses with over 50 users should plan for server environment based on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Standard. This allows for great scalbility and most importantly two servers can be run side-by-side for extra resilience.

Understand your requirements

Besides the size of your company, some requirements will push you towards specific product scenarios.

• If you require remote deskop access then you need to go for Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premiurm or Windows Server 2008. This allows users to connect to the standalone server reserved for remote access.
• High volume Exchange (Email) or SQL Server (database) installations should consider Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premiurm or Windows Server 2008 Standard. The high volume applications can then be installed on a dedicated server for maximum performance and resilience.
• Unusual or older applications. We would recomend these go on a dedicated Windows Server - leaving your main server unhindered by any unexpected side affects.

Don't under invest in hardware

The best way to waste money on your server upgrade Windows network is to under invest in the hardware your key servers run on. Why spend your hard-earned money on a system improvement and then choke everything on a weak server platform three months down the line. Sadly experience shows that cutting corners is not typically apparent until 6 months later when the system starts to be fully utilitised. At that point an upgrade is very expensive.

Make sure the implementation is well-planned by competent engineers

A server consolidates all your key data and critical IT functions. For these reason you need to ensure that the implementation is carried out by experienced project managers and well-trained engineers.

The Windows Server family is a core part of the ITS business. We support hundreds of servers everyday so we are deeply involved with the product.

To get your server impemented correctly call ITS on 0844 358 2801.