The Hilltop Blog

When deciding to implement Windows Small Business Server (SBS) for your business, it is important to know that a SBS is greater than the sum of its parts.  SBS is a great, economical solution for small businesses (less than 50 users) that want to have a full service network.  The cost of implementing  all of these services on their own far exceed the cost of implementing a SBS.  Small Business Server can serve the following roles on your network:

Microsoft Exchange (email)
File Server/ Print Server
Sharepoint Server
SQL Server (database)
Monitoring System
Remote Access Solution
Backup Server
VPN Server

When selecting a vendor to install a Small Business Server, be sure that the vendor has specific experience with Windows Small Business Server. 

Hilltop is often brought in after another vendor has installed a Small Business Server when they thought that their experience with the individual components of a Microsoft Windows Small Business Server such as Microsoft Exchange and SQL Server.  Once again, it is time to remember that the SBS is more than just a server with Microsoft Exchange installed, in other words it is greater than the sum of its parts.  Just because a vendor knows Microsoft Exchange and knows Windows Server, it does not mean that they have the knowledge or experience to properly install or support a Microsoft Small Business Server.

Hilltop specializes in the support of Microsoft Windows Small Business Servers.  We are experts when it comes to identifying the mistakes made by other vendors during the installation and maintenance of SBS.  We can quickly identify and resolve issues such as misconfigured DNS and DHCP servers.  Incorrect placement of folders and Microsoft Exchange Information Stores, and incorrect hardware configuration.

If your busines is interested in purchasing a Microsoft Windows Small Business Server, or if you already have a server that you suspect has been incorrectly installed, contact us for a free initial assessment of your network environment.

For more information, contact Jim Turner at jturner@hilltopconsultants.com