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Late in 2010, Microsoft released one of the proposed versions of its new Small Business Server 2011 line up.  In the next few months, Microsoft plans to release an additional version, giving you even greater choice when selecting infrastructure designed to meet your business needs. 
 
Both products are called Small Business Server 2011 (SBS 2011) but come as Standard and Essentials versions.  In this article we'll discuss the more traditional "SBS 2011 Standard".
 
SBS 2011 Standard is designed for businesses with up to 75 users in their network.  It's very similar to its predecessor SBS 2008 in that it includes the facility to provide file sharing, central control over security of your information, your own Exchange mail system, and SharePoint for your company Intranet.  In that respect it's almost identical to SBS 2008, except that it uses the latest versions of the products under the covers to provide some nice new features and advantages.
 
What is really cool in SBS 2011 Standard is the new Remote Web Workplace - now called Remote Web Access (RWA).  The New RWA interface is not only customisable, but also now allows file transfer up and down to your network without the need for a VPN.  This is great for workers who have to work on a couple of small files from home, as we don't need to go through the hassle of helping them create a VPN back to the office simply to get access to those files.  Certainly the security you put in place with respect to who can access what files is maintained, but the ability to access this information from anywhere in the world with just a web browser is simply awesome.
 
We see the initial demand for moving to SBS 2011 will be from those of you still on the older SBS 2003 system.  Your hardware will by now be well past the used by date, out of warranty and potentially already causing you problems with reliability.  It makes sense therefore when replacing that hardware to move up to SBS 2011 Standard at the same time.
 
In terms of physically moving your current system to SBS 2011 Standard, the process - while not overly onerous - is one that requires a fair bit of effort and planning.  Our team at Correct Solutions has been doing migrations like this now for over 10 years, having pioneered some of the techniques that Microsoft now use and recommend as best practice.

Thanks to Hewlett-Packard, on the 17 June 2010, we held the "Correct Solutions Workshop" - a half day event that gave us a fantastic opportunity to get together with our clients and discuss their IT requirements, as well as showcasing some of the latest technologies from HP.

For those of you who attended, we really enjoyed your company on the day and hope that we'll see you at our next event!  If you weren't able to attend, this month, we highlight some of the HP technologies on display at the Correct Solutions Workshop...you can also check out all the photos from the day on our Facebook page!

Project Yourself

Something that generated a large amount of interest at the Workshop actually comes in a surprisingly small package.  Weighing less than half a kilogram and measuring  9.3 x 4.0 x 11.1 cm, the HP Notebook Companion had a very enthusiastic reaction from a number of people in the audience.

Designed for use in smaller settings where a handful of people are present, the HP Notebook Projection Companion is ideal for mobile users. This ultra-portable accessory is powerful and durable enough to serve as your primary projector or as a backup while on the road.  It won't cost you the earth either, with an RRP of only $699 Inc GST!

Collaborate

HP demonstrated something called "Skyroom" - an innovative, high-quality video conferencing and collaboration tool, designed for connections within a firewalled organisation (VPN is supported).

HP SkyRoom brings up to four team members together to work virtually side by side via video conference - across any distance - by seamlessly combining high-fidelity audio, high resolution video and the ability to share rich media content into one affordable, easy-to-use collaboration application.

Available FREE on all HP Workstations or via licensing for standard desktops and notebooks, all you need is a webcam and a headset.   With a low-cost start up per user, each time you negate the need to take that interstate trip for a branch office meeting or training session, you can expect to see a return on investment. 

For a free 90 day trial of Skyroom, click here.

Get in Touch

We had a couple of HP's new "TouchSmart" PCs on display at the Workshop.  Some of the feedback we got from the audience was that they would like to have had more time to play!  That's not surprising, the concept of a touch enabled PC has a lot of appeal, having been designed to enable a whole new way of interacting with technology.

HP is building an ecosystem of third-party software vendors specialising in touch applications, so if you visualise it, you can realise it; start dreaming of those customised touch-driven solutions tailored to your specific business needs.