How Windows Server Essentials Impacts Your Business

The go-to server solution for small and home-based businesses all over the world is Windows Server Essentials. The setup process is easy as Microsoft has provided a checklist and explanation of the process along the way. It also features a dashboard that is straightforward and easy to understand for those who are not IT savvy. The program is perfectly suited for businesses with up to 25 employees and 50 devices and businesses with little IT support. If your small business needs centralized device management, connectivity, and data storage, Windows Server Essentials is for you-however, it is not the only solution to the server dilemma. 

Attractive features included in Windows Server Essentials that are both useful and user-friendly:

Pros:

• Shared folders: sharing files contained in sharable folders are at the heart of server technology and is instantly available upon installation of Windows Server Essentials.
• Users and groups: when sharing folders and files, permissions must be set up. Users and groups make setup easy and manageable.
• Integration with hosted services and apps: easy integration and implementation of external host versions of Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server, and Windows Server Update Services via its dashboard. Integration options also include Office 365 and Windows Azure.
• Storage Spaces: a feature enabling management of your server's storage collectively, not drive-by-drive. This allows for simple storage management.
• Media sharing: share videos, photos, and music through the internet or network.
• Remote access: allows employees to work remotely. Windows Server Essentials simplifies the process of formulating remote accessibility and enables access to mobile devices.
• Backup: the server on Windows Essential is easily configured to backup both client and server files, (i.e., Windows 8 PCs connected to the network).
• Health Reports: monitor and/or process alerts and reports for employees.
• BranchCache: an integrated feature allowing you to minimize your internet usage while increasing data access via caching incoming data entering from external sources.
• Cost-effective: Priced at approximately $500.00 USD, Windows Server Essentials is less expensive than other versions of Microsoft Windows servers and is less expensive than buying options.

Cons:

• Virtualization: this program cannot be implemented as a Hyper-V host, plus the server license does not include virtualization rights. It can, however, be run via a virtual machine.
• Server core: Windows Server Essentials doesn't support server core but, the target business needing this solution shouldn't require this particular feature.
• Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS): Windows Server Essentials doesn't require Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) for single sign-on.
• Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server, and Windows Server Update Services: can be installed separately however, Windows Essentials Server has a method for this designed to support its target market.  

Alternatives and Options to Windows Server Essentials

Linux

According to Tim Sexton, sales director of Linux server vendor Igaware, "Many small businesses have little choice but to find a Linux alternative to SBS. It's not practical for them to move to a cloud-based solution, he says, because they lack fast enough or reliable enough Internet connectivity. There are other advantages to moving to a Linux-based SBS alternative instead of Windows Server Essentials, Sexton says. There are no user limits, for starters, so the solution is completely scalable. In addition, the cost per user is similar to Office 365, but the Linux-based options offer additional functionality and more efficient software. You can run on lower-spec hardware with just 1GB of memory, instead of a machine with 32GB."

Pros Cons Free of charge Complex operation Administrators benefit from the freedoms offered by the system's administration Some third-party programs can only be installed by the administrator Supports cooperative work, without users damaging the program's core Porting for Linux distributions is not a priority for many hardware and software engineers Rare cybercriminal attacks May involve complex updating process Rare occurrences of security errors, and if they do occur, they are easily dealt with Long-term support may not be included in each version Fewer demands on your hardware Many professional programs do not work with Linux Integrated remote function for remote administration  

Office 365

Windows Server Essentials edition is designed specifically for small businesses, connecting them to a cloud. However, before installing any version of Windows Server Essentials, it is recommended that you consider Microsoft 365. Benefits of Office 365 include:

Pros

• Seamless team collaboration: allows multiple users to collaborate a piece of work at the same time.
• Regular, automatic updates: Office 365 regularly issues automatic updates relieving the IT staff from slow, outdated software.
• Reduces security risks with advanced protective features: ensures the protection of data uploaded onto the cloud system is secure as possible.
• Data Loss Prevention: allows businesses to monitor, regulate and protect sensitive business data.
• Threat Intelligence: allows Enterprise E5 users broad visibility and faster response in threatening situations.
• Mobile Device Management: a feature that enables remote capabilities by your IT staff.
• Advanced Security: provides increased protection from threats hidden in emails and attachments, i.e., two-factor authentication.
• Multiple, flexible, customized plans: Microsoft offers seven plans to choose from.

Cons

• Reliance: When and if your internet is interrupted you won't have access to your software and data. 
• Questioning security: with cloud storage, data is hosted in Microsoft's data center. This can be a pro or con for businesses who are concerned with where their data is stored.
• Necessity: While it provides everything in one package, there are other alternatives available for accessing company resources.