Which Windows Server Is Best for Your Small Business?

Now that Microsoft has launched Windows Server Foundation it begs the question: Which Microsoft server option is the most ideal fit for your small business? Here are some key decision points to consider.

First, let’s get the Linux question  out of the way: Yes, there are some Linux options on the market. But I focus on the Microsoft world, and so too do most of my customers.

To find the best small business server option, you need the right technology professional to guide you.  Numerous IT professionals are extremely talented. But your solutions provider needs to understand how your business operates — from your line of business focus to your culture to your financial systems to your communications efforts. The reality is, many small businesses have the wrong technology advisor who, in turn, recommends incorrect or underpowered network systems.

With the right people comes the right technology.

With the introduction of Windows Server Foundation, I believe Microsoft now offers small businesses a complete and well-rounded product line that meets the demands of all businesses today. The following recommendations outlines Microsoft’s server offerings, and how I believe they may fit your business needs.

Windows Home Server – Designed for use in any home, WHS provides a centralized storage solution, which safeguards letters, spreadsheets, home videos and your family photos. Those files can easily be shared with family and friends over the Internet. WHS provides a solution for the safe backup of your home systems to keep cherished memories protected. WHS can also be a good fit for a micro-business who requires a very basic storage solution.

Windows Foundation Server – Microsoft’s newest server option supports up to 15 users. Windows Foundation Server offers a centralized security database, which controls access to files, server resources, and remote access using Microsoft’s Active Directory. WFS also provides a small business with a remote access solution leveraging Terminal Services. Small business may also require a server for their line of business applications such as Quickbooks, Simply Accounting or any industry specific programs. In my opinion, Windows Foundation Server is the perfect solution for small businesses that have basic server needs, or if you’re looking to combine local storage and business applications with online services such as Hosted Exchange or SharePoint Services.

Windows Small Business Server – This is an enterprise server solution for small businesses that require shared calendaring, data storage, company intranet, remote access plus many of solutions once reserved for larger organizations.   Small Business Server offers Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server, Remote Web Workplace plus many core products to increase the productivity of your team and drive results to the bottom line. There are two main SBS product lines, each come with many features and benefits to assist the small business who has requirements to do more with less.  Small Business Server supports up to 75 employees.

Windows Essential Business Server – EBS is the next step for the growing small business.  When your small business hits a critical junction of 75 employees or perhaps the growing demands of your business require more computing solutions, Windows Essential Business Server is the next logical step. EBS supports up to four different Microsoft Server solutions for the larger small business or small mid-market corporation with up to 250 employees.  Windows Essential Business Server provides management capabilities, security solutions leveraging Microsoft ForeFront, messaging through Microsoft Exchange and data storage with Microsoft SQL Server.

Take the First Critical Step

There are many server choices for your small business.  Which solution fits your business is a conversation that you must have with your Trusted Business Advisor. Still looking for a trusted advisor who understands Microsoft’s small business offerings? You can find them here.

Contributing blogger Stuart Crawford is VP of business development with Bulletproof InfoTech, a solutions provider in Alberta, Canada.  The VAR Guy is updated multiple times daily. Don’t miss a single post. Subscribe to his newsletter, RSS feed, Twitter feed , Webcasts and Resource Center.