Highlighed Technologies: Microsoft Small Business Server

Introduction

In the spring of 2008 IBS was chosen as the new IT support company for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, Mass. Girls Incorporated is a national non-profit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc. has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Assessment

Girls Inc. had been running in a peer-to-peer network environment, and the organization was feeling the impact of the inefficiencies of their existing network. When sharing or exchanging documents and information, the staff utilized different manual methods ranging from swapping files with USB Flash drives to sharing via email or disks. There was also no consistency with virus protection for the systems.

Additionally, 20 out of 34 systems were old and needed replacement, and a new computer training lab needed to be setup. Girls Inc. was also instructed by a consultant to upgrade their firewall equipment to more secure, business class equipment. Email was also an issue as the organization was using a hosted email solution and the current hosting company had notified them it would soon no longer host their mail. Lastly, Girls Inc. wanted to standardize on one version of Microsoft Office throughout the organization.

Solution

IBS proposed and installed a Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 server, centralized file storage, and installed a central backup and Anti-Virus solution. 10 of the 20 HP systems purchased were installed in the computer lab with balance being deployed to the users throughout the organization with the oldest underperforming systems. The Microsoft Office suite was installed organization-wide at the main site and small remote office located a few blocks away.

SonicWall firewall units were installed and a secure connection between sites was setup so that remote users could access the new file server. POP3 email was maintained throughout the transition to the new provider, but in the spring of 2009, IBS coordinated the move of their mail in-house to their SBS server, as Exchange licensing was already built into the current client access licenses. IBS also helped the staff assess mobility solutions, and Girls Inc. purchased iPhones with IBS configuring the units to allow for synchronization with their Exchange server for easy, always-on access to mail, contacts, calendars, etc.