Small Business: The Many Benefit of Having a File Server

For small businesses there are many benefits to having a file server. Here are a few:

1. Data Security & Backups
With a peer-to-peer network setup (i.e. "no server" setup - this is what most small businesses currently have), each computer workstation stores data on its local hard drive. If the hard drive fails on any of your laptops and desktops (the hard drive, being mechanical, is the most common component to fail), all of the data on that computer (pictures, e-mails, documents, spreadsheets, etc.) would be lost unless backups were present. Sadly, most small businesses do not regularly back up their data. With a local file server, redundant hard drives, redundant power supplies, as well as automated backups are present. This configuration makes you less dependent on individual computers and removes points of failure. It also increases uptime because if a server hard drive or a server power supply fails, you are still up-and-running and can continue with daily business.

2. Centralization of Data / File and Folder Permissions
With a local file server, your data is centralized, making it easier to control and also to back-up either on-premises, or off-site. You can assign permissions which allow specific users or user security groups to view certain folders, and lock other users out of areas where they should not be.

3. Remote Access
With your data on a file server, we can configure a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which allows you to access your data from home or the road very easily. This increases efficiency if you or your employees ever have the need to access company files from outside the office.

4. User Control
All users and passwords are controlled centrally by your file server. This makes it very easy to create new users as well as to lock out or disable users if/when employees leave the company.

5. Employee Monitoring
With optional third party software on the file server, you could track all user activity, including what web sites users visit, what files are accessed, etc.

6. Previous File Versions (Data Recovery)
Most small business owners that actually own file servers are not aware of the wonderful feature known as "Volume Shadow Copies". If you have you ever deleted a file by mistake, ever edited a file, then hit "Save"', only to have remorse afterwards, then this feature will make your day! The Volume Shadow Copy Service on your server makes copies of all data stored on your network drives twice per day (or more often, depending on configuration). If you ever make a mistake and need to "go back in time" to recover or restore data, you can, quickly, easily, and seamlessly!

Jeffrey Atto, C.O.O.  Concise Computer Consulting

2350 Franklin Road Suite #120

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

248-745-8255

www.concisepc.com