 Mercury Is In Retrograde…
But what
does that have to do with your computers? Mercury in retrograde is purported
to have adverse effects on transportation, computers and communication
(email) amongst other things. Mercury went into retrograde on July 4th
and will be in retrograde until approximately July 28th. During
that time, astrologists say, things go wrong. Your computers crash, emails
get lost, the trains run late and things with moving parts break down. Has
it been a tough summer for you “technology-wise”? Maybe Mercury has something
to do with it. For more information, or to find out what Mercury in
Retrograde actually means, go to the Astrology Zone
Feature Article… Do You
Need a Server?
When
implemented correctly, a server manages the information needs of all your
computers from single source, ensuring that all of your employees and all of
your applications are working in sync with one another rather than in
isolation.
“Most
small businesses typically wait too long before investing in their first
server” says Parris Lucas, owner of Groove Consulting, a NYC based IT firm
that assists small businesses in installing and configuring their IT
infrastructure. “The value of a server easily outweighs its cost. And the
cost is less than most business owners expect.”
Understand how a server can
benefit your business
A server
is a central computer that manages your network, your security and your
information. Any data and any application that can benefit from centralized
access and enhanced security will be improved when it is run off of a server.
Once you
connect two or more computers to a network, you’ve created a “peer-to-peer”
environment and most companies outgrow a peer-to-peer network very quickly.
There is no way to centrally manage data and companies soon find themselves
with multiple versions of the same document in several locations, with no way
of knowing which the most up-to-date version is. Each user has the same
access, which may be okay, but unauthorized guests get the that access as
well. Peer to peer networks are more difficult to manage since there is no
single point of control. Companies with as few as three computers can benefit
by installing a server.
A server
will enable anyone linked to the server to access and manage the data in a
controlled environment. Documents can be shared, updated, saved and archived
without having to create multiple copies. The security offered by a server is
much greater than that of a peer-to-peer network and it is much more
difficult for an outsider to get access to your data.
A server
also provides a single point of access for remote users. This will give
people out of the office the ability to access the applications and data on
the server securely, without requiring them to have remote access to their
individual PCs.
And
perhaps most important, having your data centralized on a server greatly
simplifies your backup strategy. The more simple the backup strategy is, the
more likely you are to follow it.
How much does it cost?
A server
probably costs less than most business owners expect. A simple server which
will provide centralized file management and remote access capability can
cost less than $1000. A more robust server, which can allow more employees
access, run line of business applications, provide email capabilities and
host databases will more typically cost between $2000 and $5000 dollars.
“With these
benefits, such as ease of file management, or the guarantee that all of the
critical data will be backed up, businesses can expect to recoup their
investment in a server within a matter of months” says Mr. Lucas.
Get Help
The
decision to get a server may seem like an easy one, but installing a server
is a much more complicated operation. You’re best course of action is to hire
a consultant that has experience with small business servers. A flawed
installation can result in lost data, unsecured networks and reduced
functionality.
Look for a
consultant through your referral sources or from “user groups” of other
business owners. Check the consultant’s references. And when the work is
done, don’t simply trust the consultant words, make sure they demonstrate
that the work is completed accurately and to your satisfaction (more on that
next month).
.
Client Spotlight on… Business
Relocation Services
Business Relocation Services, or BRS, is a fairly new client of Tailwind Consulting.
Owned by Jesus Linares and in business for 19 years, BRS provides clients
with a staff of relocation specialists to make their corporate relocations as
simple and efficient as possible. BRS has experts in moving, facilities
management, installations and accounting. Their systems and resources for planning,
move management, communications, and performing your move have proven
successful time and time again.
You can
reach Joe Carbonara from BRS at 718-399-8000 or at www.brsmove.com
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JULY 2006
Tailwind Consulting is…
…a computer consulting company
dedicated to providing Information Technology services to small businesses.
We help businesses gain an advantage over their competition by implementing
solutions that reduce business expenses, increase sales, and improve
efficiency and customer relations.
Get the comfort and security of
having your technology managed by a company that specializes in working with
small businesses.
Protect your network now!
Contact a Tailwind Consulting partner now for a
complimentary 1 hour network assessment. At the end of the assessment, you
will be given a document to highlight the areas where you can improve on
security and efficiency. Technology is an investment to better your business.
Our assessment will show you how.
Call 201-255-0447 and ask to speak to any available
partner or send an email to support@tailwindconsulting.biz.
Tailwind’s Quick Links
·
Computer
Support
·
Technology Management
·
Network &
Server Installation
·
Web Design
Recommended Resources
·
SmallBizTechnology.com
·
All
Business
·
Microsoft Small
Business Center
·
Business
Network International (BNI)
Network with Tailwind Consulting
Tailwind Consulting is
represented every Tuesday morning at the Millenium Chapter of Business
Network International (BNI).
Join us any Tuesday for a chance to meet and network with
30 other business professionals. Contact Evan Stein at 201-255-0447 x111 for
more information.
Tailwind Clients
Tailwind Consulting clients have access to a small
business and technology resources at the Tailwind Client web site at www.tailwindconsulting.biz/clients.
Contact your Tailwind Consulting partner for your user id and password.
Tailwind Consulting
409 Washington St. #152
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-255-0447
www.tailwindconsulting.biz
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