: :
|
|
- Networking...
-
-
Peer to Peer and Client Server Networks
Networks of computers all of which are used as workstations are commonly known as "peer to peer" networks. In this set up, all machines on the network take equal responsibility for work and file storage. As these networks grow, management of data and backup duties becomes more difficult.
The solution to this problem is to install a server to allow centralised storage and add security to the network in the form of user authentication and access to specific files or areas of storage. A server network requires an additional dedicated server machine, usually running "server" software and will therefore add to the costs involved. When investigating groupware applications make sure to understand if a server and specific server software is required or if the application can run on a peer to peer network.
Although you can share files so that any computer on the Local Area Network can open the same file on the same drive there is a complication in that if more than one computer tries to open and change the same file simultaneously the changes from one person will be lost. Many applications, such as Microsoft Word will not open a file that is already open on someone else’s computer. Applications specifically designed for collaboration ("groupware" or "work group applications") avoid this problem.
Email is the ultimate "poor man’s" groupware application since you can accomplish many group functions such as adding to or modifying other people’s text, setting up meetings, sharing contacts lists etc. using email, especially if you have an email client such as Microsoft Outlook.
Another benefit of networking computers is the capability of sharing devices (for example, printers) between more than one user. In a stand alone computing environment, each machine will need to have it’s own dedicated printer, if the systems are networked then printers may be shared between more than one unit. This reduces costs and simplifies printing as all users are using a common standard.
Small Business Server 2000 - Product Description
Microsoft® Small Business Server 2000 is the 3rd generation release of the full-featured network solution designed to help businesses with up to 50 PCs take advantage of the Internet, strengthen customer relationships and improve employee productivity.
Delivering standard versions of the .NET enterprise servers to small business and providing the agility to compete in today’s new economy, Microsoft® Small Business Server 2000 delivers the highly reliable and manageable Microsoft® Windows 2000 Server network operating system, plus Windows 2000 server-based solutions for email, fax, database, and secure, shared Internet access all in one solution for an exceptional value.
All of this powerful technology is integrated to enable a single, unified set-up and centralised management across all of the component applications.
Small Business Server 2000 - Components
Windows 2000 Server. Network operating system providing file, print, Web, application and management services.
Exchange 2000 Server. Messaging and collaboration server delivers anytime, anywhere access to the people and information you want.
Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000. Extensible firewall with Web cache server and policy-based security, acceleration and management of shared Internet connections.
SQL Server 2000. Fast, reliable relational database management server and engine for running a multitude of business software solutions.
Shared Fax Service. Sends and receives faxes and provides support for fax boards and ISDN cards, fax-over-IP and broadcast fax support.
Shared Modem Service. Enables client machines to use modems shared on Small Business Server to connect to external information services.
Outlook® 2000. The Microsoft Office e-mail and personal information manager.
-
Small Business Server provides businesses with access to Microsoft's premier office operating system and ancillary applications. These features are offered at a considerable saving in cost to the end user, over the price of installing the relevant individual applications.
The importance of the initial set up and ongoing maintenance of the SBS system cannot be over emphasised. To this end, the SBS methodology consists of several phases.
Pre-Project Planning
What is required?
How many users?
External requirements?
Server Build
Hardware requirements
Connectivity
Workstation Build
Desktop applications
Web and email needs
Individual feature sets
Faxing
Email
Remote access
Further detailed documentation about Microsoft Small Business Server systems can be submitted to your company along with suggestions for relevant hardware and software if this is required.
Linux Based Server Solution
We also offer various options as to the provision of a Linux based (General Public License) network server at your business. This can be seen as a lower cost alternative to the Microsoft Small Business Server suite we have previously discussed. This software (being Linux based) has lower hardware requirements than the Small Business Server suite and so reduces initial outlay on equipment. The software is also distributed under GPL (General Public License). The major costs involved are purely the set up time element which should be less than the set up of the SBS system. Bear in mind that this software, being free, carries no manufacturers warranties but from testing is both robust and efficient in delivering the services below for your business, including:
Routing and security
SMTP, IMAP4 and POP3 mail servers
Apache web server
i-bays - a powerful new feature for information sharing and collaboration
User file directories
Automated company directory
DHCP service to local network
DHCP support on external interface (for dynamic IP)
Dynamic DNS service support
ProFTPD ftp server
Squid Internet Object Cache (proxy server)
DNS server
Simple user interface
Optional server-only mode
If the client would like to explore the possibilities of this solution, we suggest that a meeting be arranged to discuss exact requirements. Please contact us for further information.
-
-
-
Internet Connectivity
-
Internet Service Providers generally provide a single Internet Protocol (IP) address to their low-cost dial-up customers. This IP address is usually assigned dynamically at logon time so that it can be reassigned to someone else when you log off. ISPs also usually only allow one person to log on at a time under a single account so even if you have multiple phone lines and modems you would need multiple ISP accounts to allow two or more people simultaneous internet access. Software products (such as MS ISA Server included as part of the Small Business Server suite) allow multiple computers on a Local Area Network to use a single ISP account simultaneously. These programs use Network Address Translation to make multiple users look like a single user to your ISP. The connectivity product can be set to automatically dial and connect to the ISP whenever anyone tries to access any Internet service outside your LAN and disconnect after a predetermined time elapses with no access. The "connectivity computer" would need to be left on whenever anyone might need access. Alternately a stand-alone "router" can be used to connect between your LAN and the Internet via dial-up modem or ISDN line.
ADSL
-
Digital Subscriber Line service is a high-speed data service that works over copper telephone lines and is typically offered by telephone companies. The real beauty of DSL technology is that it works on existing POTS
lines --Plain Old Telephone Service-- which allows the phone companies to provide this service without costly installation of higher-grade cable.
DSL uses a different part of the frequency spectrum then analogue voice signals, so it can work in conjunction with your standard analogue POTS service, sharing the same pair of wires.
This may seem counterintuitive, but that is one of the real strengths of this technology--it can piggy-back right on top of your existing phone line, without even disturbing that service. You can even use your analogue portion of the phone line as a modem or fax line, while simultaneously using the data portion for your DSL access.
|
|
|
: :
|
|
|
|
