Author: David G

When an IT expert refers to an exchange server, they are usually alluding to Microsoft’s mail and message managing technology, which has been added onto extensively over the years. Now, it is a highly robust, comprehensive communications system that can fit into any business environment, including those that have to link together hundreds of employees. Microsoft’s latest iteration of the technology, its 2010 version, combines three layers of architecture to ensure seamless performance and efficient message delivery. This multi-layered approach also promotes strong security and keeps everything organized.

What does an exchange server do, specifically?

At its most basic, the purpose of Microsoft’s technology is to allow individuals and company employees to access their e-mail, voice messages, faxes and calendars from nearly anywhere. As long as the user can access a web browser, they can access all of their mail and messages. It is a powerful failsafe in the event that an employee forgets their laptop or device, and ensures a professional can always stay organized, even when they are jumping from meeting to meeting.

When scaled up, the system can quickly sort through and deliver a constant stream of e-mails and messages to hundreds of employees at once. It can also unify calendars and send calendar reminders, as well as maintain contact information for important clients and partners.

Microsoft has also added call answering support in its newest exchange server version, providing automated greetings, dial-in access, and other personal options.

What are the components of a Microsoft exchange server?

In general, the system is broken down into five roles, each of which provide a layer of functionality, organization and stability to the system. These components include:

• Mailbox technology – This layer provides backend support that hosts messaging information, such as public folders, mailboxes, address information, meeting focuses and scheduling information. The technology can be segmented into database groups to filter access to groups of individuals.
• Client access technology – This is the primary middleware support that monitors and accepts connections to the system. It uses a variety of protocols to establish connections, including MAPI, Outlook Anywhere, Outlook Web App, ActiveSync, IMAP4 and POP3.
• Unified messaging technology – This layer is essential for linking the company’s PBX communications with the system. It provides infrastructure for storing e-mails and voice messages, supports call answering functionality and dial in access.
• Hub transport technology – A mail routing layer that ensures proper delivery and mail flow, the hub transport layer is responsible for the system’s responsiveness. It handles the grunt work of the system, processing mail, filtering it, and formatting it as needed. It can also record messages or add disclaimers.
• Edge transport technology – This layer is responsible for providing perimeter security and oversees mail routing into and out of the system. It filters out spam and detects malware, and sends accepted mail to the hub transport layer.

Microsoft’s exchange server technology has come a long way over the years, and with its increased functionality and security, it is worthy of being a company’s communications hub.

A small or new business that needs to expand or replace its network environment should consider a collection of entry level server machines. These make excellent additions to existing network resources or work perfectly as a starting point for a new business, especially if there are budget considerations. A company has the option of buying new, refurbished, or used servers. The former will offer the best speed performance and tech support from the manufacturer. The latter two offer the greatest in money savings. Some people prefer new equipment to used, however, refurbished or used machines made by well-known brands, such as Dell, and purchased from a reputable dealer can provide exemplary service for years to come. There are numerous options to choose from, so many that it can be a daunting task to make a choice. A reliable dealer can help in the decision-making process. Companies like SourceTech can answer questions, help determine needs, and make recommendations.

Below are some reasons why a small firm might consider the addition of an entry level server:

Simplify the Backup Process

A fundamental component of successful computing is data backup. Into every company’s life, there will come a time when a catastrophic data loss occurs. It isn’t a matter of if, but rather, when. Without back-ups, that data will be truly lost forever. The importance of backing up cannot be over stressed. With the appropriate software, an entry level server makes an ideal system for backing up and restoring files, folders, databases, and hard drives on a network.

Email Hosting

Implementing an email server provides complete control over the number of mailboxes and how those mailboxes are set up, as well as how they behave. Accounts can be created for each branch of the company and every employee. Size limitations will not be an issue. And best of all, security will no longer rest in the hands of a third party.

Share Critical Applications and File Management

Rather than files and business applications residing on individual computers, they can be installed on an entry level server. Access can be provided to the appropriate employees. As mentioned above, a server allows the storing of files in one central location where employees can access them as needed. Application management is more conveniently handled. Upgrading one application that multiple people can access is much faster than upgrading individual PCs. Furthermore, a lot of programs run better in a server controlled environment than they do on individual workstations. As a result, employees can be more productive.

It goes without saying that using trusted sources for goods and services is the smart way to go. The same holds true for a small business that needs to make computer equipment purchases as well. Finding a company that can recommend entry level server technology is essential. This will take the guess work and worry out of purchasing reliable, quality hardware. They will work to set up the system and create an environment for either a smooth implementation of a whole new infrastructure, or an easy transition to a new system. Additionally, they can configure a system that accounts for a firm’s future requirements and provide ongoing support.

For those who do not know, a DNS server is a computer that is set up and registered to become part of the domain name system (DNS). The domain name system is the technology behind the public names of Internet domains and websites. They are the readable website addresses that we interact with on a daily basis. When a person searches with Google or another search engine, and the results are returned, cached under all of the descriptive text and links are the domain names of the websites that are listed. A DNS server is an element, and an essential component at that, of the overall process that makes it possible for sites to display in a web browser.

What Is a Domain Name System Server?

The DNS is a global network of primary and secondary servers maintaining a shared and distributed database that maps the name and IP address of all public accessed devices communicating with the Internet. This would be computers, tablets, smartphones, digital video recorders, and more. The secondary server functions as a backup to the primary server. A DNS server is typically through an Internet service provider or ISP. The servers find the IP address associated with a website and deliver that site to a web browser. In the address bar of the browser, the name of the site that is clicked is visible, but the IP address number that identifies that domain remains hidden in the background.

How Does a DNS Server Work?

These servers are the link between a browser and websites. They offer functionality for anyone in the organization that accesses the company network. This includes:

• Content filtering – Implemented to make inappropriate sites and other unwanted content unavailable.
• Malware blocking – This includes blocking sites that contain viruses, and harmful content.
• Ad blocking – Perhaps the most annoying aspect of browsing the net are unwanted ads. Ad blocking does just what the name implies; it blocks those irritating ads from appearing in your web browser.

What a Domain Name Server Can Do for a Business

While using a third party Internet provider for DNS may be advisable for small businesses, more and more companies, even small business networks benefit from an in-house DNS. A local DNS is vital for enterprise level and larger companies. A DNS server keeps IP addresses inside a company network private. They are invisible to the outside world. It also helps to add zest to your network speeds. There are many ways to implement an in-house DNS. Much depends on the computer systems architecture that a business maintains. Once a DNS is installed and set up, it will typically do its job with the need for little human interaction. When correctly configured, the server reliably delivers hostnames and IP addresses on the network. It is wise to use the services of a firm that specializes in the implementation of servers, such as SourceTech, who can provide consultants for both setup and support. SourceTech recommends that mid-size to large companies implement a DNS. It is an essential tool for managing each IP device on a corporate network. Contact us today for questions, orders, and product information.

For many businesses, the cost of a server can seem intimidating. Network infrastructure is a major investment, but a critical one that every company needs to make eventually. But for businesses that operate on a tight budget, it may seem like the only option is to go into the red, or deal with failing hardware until it is completely unusable. However, relying on faulty hardware may damage the company’s growth and be more expensive in the long run. Fortunately, refurbished hardware is an affordable, effective solution that any company can benefit from, and provides an alternative to new, more expensive hardware.

What is the typical cost of a server?

It depends on the model, but new hardware typically costs thousands of dollars. Recent models of Dell’s PowerEdge, the R920 and R930, are more than $10,000 new, and while they offer the kind of performance that can fit into enterprise applications, that may be too much for many companies. For small and medium sized companies, a piece of equipment that is a few years old is perfectly capable of handling the network. Differences in performance are typically minimal from generation to generation. In general, small and medium businesses won’t suffer any hit in productivity with an older model, as long as the business isn’t engaging memory-intensive software like design or simulation software.

And the difference in price can be stark. The PowerEdge T620, for example, is about $2,400 direct from Dell, and is capable of handling almost any application that a small or medium business would use. That’s a single generation and several thousand dollars less.

So a company can save money with an older piece of equipment, and can save even more by going with refurbished hardware. The cost of a refurbished server is much lower than a new piece of equipment. The difference may be hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, and in some instances, may mean a discount of up to 90 percent.

Who can help a company reduce the cost of a server investment?

A respected refurbishment expert will work with a company to produce the optimal hardware solution. This means setting up equipment that is compatible with company’s software and operations, and hardware that will provide the needed performance and reliability. In general, a business can meet all these needs without going over budget, as refurbished hardware offers a number of options.

When a piece of equipment is refurbished, it is cleaned out, physically and digitally. Its components are tested for stability, and its firmware is updated to current standards. If there are any technical faults present, the refurbishment expert will replace the offending component prior to installation. So, businesses that choose refurbished hardware are getting something that is almost like new, and at a greatly reduced price. It’s a pragmatic option for businesses, and one that more and more companies are choosing.

What is the best small business server on the market?

There isn’t a single hardware brand and model that fits into every work setting, so company owners will have to shop around some to get what they are looking for. However, there are some factors to keep in mind when comparing equipment.

• Prioritize RAM over processor – The top hardware models come with a premium processor and plenty of DIMM slots to accommodate an impressive amount of RAM. Getting both in the same package, though, can become prohibitively expensive, so when necessary, it’s better for a company to take a lesser processor if it means preserving the extra memory. In general, network infrastructure tends to bottleneck at the RAM level, so by maintaining a healthy reserve of memory, a company will minimize slowdowns.
• Advanced hardware features aren’t usually necessary – With every new iteration of the major hardware brands, manufacturers are adding in more and more advanced features for IT personnel. While those features are nice to have, they likely won’t be utilized to their fullest extent by modestly-sized companies. However, the best small business server will provide management software that allows for some degree of automation. This makes hardware setup and configuration easier to handle.
• Reliability is a must – Network failures are almost always costly, and can do permanent damage to a company that can’t afford a major backup solution. Fortunately, many models come with a backup plan in the form of fault detection software that can throw an alert and give the company time to compensate for the issue. Robust RAID protection also keeps data safe in the event of a catastrophic failure, and comes standard with most hardware models.
• Used equipment can provide some surprisingly effective options – Refurbished hardware consists of used components that have been thoroughly checked and tested by a refurbishment expert. In general, refurbished hardware is just as reliable as new equipment, but costs much less. Because used components are less expensive, a company can either direct the savings elsewhere, or opt for greater hardware performance. In either case, a refurbishment expert can customize the equipment to the company’s preferences.

The best small business server will always be one that a company can use intuitively and know that it will always perform. A reputable dealer can lead the way in this regard, and ensure a company gets what they need from their equipment.

All of the notable brands such as Sun, Dell, Oracle, and HP have affordable rack mount servers geared to every business need. They are used in multiple ways, such as data storage, application hosting, and file backup. Deciding what those needs are, helps determine the correct server type. Even IT personnel might need help navigating the types and brands of servers to best suit their network environment. This is another area where a company such as SourceTech can be of assistance. They can help navigate the complex, sometimes intimidating world of network solutions with recommendations, implementation, upgrades, and support. Here are some uses to consider when purchasing servers, and remember that used and refurbished are viable alternatives, especially if budgetary concerns are an issue:

File Sharing

Affordable servers make it possible for everyone in a company to have access to important files in a central location, rather than have them spread out among individual PCs company-wide. If sensitive data is an issue, then it is an easy task to grant certain users privileges to individual files, while keeping them out of reach of the general work population.

File Storage and Backup

With cloud storage security in question and stories of breaches and hacks all over the news, companies are wise to consider onsite storage as part of a multi-faceted backup program. Sensitive data should be backed up to local as well as offsite servers for extra protection. A hybrid solution, including land-based servers and cloud backup, seems to offer the most cost-effective and safest method.

Email Hosting

Rather than using expensive commercial email services, some companies see a financial benefit in using affordable servers to host their own email platforms. The advantages are that security is more comprehensive and tighter. And email addresses can be set up for every employee.

Trying to reduce costs is smart; however, it is never a good idea to trust data storage to the least expensive technology. Taking the cheapest route can often end up being the most expensive undertaking in the long run. Affordable servers while priced well, are by no means inferior technology and are a resource that, with careful planning, can be an effective way to meet a company’s primary server needs.

When weighing 2u vs 4u servers, what should a company consider?

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is this – when it comes to hardware performance, size doesn’t always matter. Larger models do tend to offer superior processor and RAM configurations, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, if a company’s number one priority is performance density, then smaller models are usually the best choice. Small hardware form factors allow companies to fit more pieces of equipment into a more compact area, which is why they are typically found in enterprise applications and major datacenters.

However, while performance density is a major factor, companies may need expandability from their equipment instead. With larger boxes comes additional expansion slots, so companies can make use of extra PCI Express cards or other expansion cards. For some applications, the extra expansion slots may be critical to operations. Larger models can also accommodate more hard drives, which can give companies greater data storage capabilities.

When it comes to 2u vs 4u servers, those are the primary considerations, but there is a great deal of nuance even with them in mind. Every generation of hardware brings major upgrades in performance, so if a company wants to save space and get top of the line performance, they can find both in a recent generation model. And if a company needs expansion and drive slots, but isn’t overly concerned with processor and memory performance, it can save a great deal of money by choosing an older model.

Every hardware model offers a unique set of specifications and capabilities, though, and this is why companies should always consult with an experienced professional before choosing a system. Some business owners are reluctant to make a major investment into their network infrastructure, for fear that a sudden rise or drop in growth could render their choice less than optimal. Fortunately, a hardware expert can help a business find a model that offers an ideal combination of performance density, space efficiency, scalability, expandability and cost. SourceTech has the knowledge and experience to help. Call or chat today to determine the best choice for your business needs.