One of the most important data safeguards is the implementation of a proper data backup routine. Often small businesses neglect the backup server because they don't believe they need it. Oftentimes small business owners believe that backing up files to a flash drive or an external hard drive or to the Internet is enough. Often it is not enough, but that sometimes is learned the hard way.

Why is a backup server important? Because a backup server can help manage and catalog backups. Cataloged backups bring the benefit of being able to perform partial and version data recovery. For example, suppose an employee accidentally deletes a file? If the only backup is a flash drive taken two weeks ago, then at the best that file can be restored to how it was two weeks ago. With a daily version tape backup regimen that runs daily, the file can be quickly restored to yesterday, the day before, the day before that if need be.

This is important in the case of data corruption. Suppose a file was corrupted by a virus a week ago. With a tape backup routine that file can be easily restored. Additionally, the tapes are very inexpensive for the amount of data they hold and versions of them can be easily be kept offsite.

Additionally, a backup server with a tape drive is one of the quickest ways to restore data in the event of a catastrophic failure of file or data servers. For assistance developing a competent data backup strategy call us at 813-748-3055.

Mail servers are specialized servers which are used to transport and receive email. That in itself sounds simple enough, however them mail server is one of the most specialized servers that brings exacting requirements.

Mail servers send mail across the internet to other mail servers. This also sounds simple enough, but brings with it certain requirements. First, mail servers require security to ensure that users who send mail, or try to forward mail through it both are authenticated and are allowed to use the resource.

Mail servers also receive email for verified users. Receiving mail brings the specialized requirement of checking the mail received for viruses and filtering that mail for spam. Sometimes larger organizations use separate servers for each of these tasks. For mid sized companies a modern server can handle the mail delivery and the tasks of filtering that mail.

Other tasks that are carried out on mail sometimes includes the filtering of dangerous attachments. Certain attachments such as zipped attachments may be filtered. Other times, zipped files are scanned and allowed to pass if clean and only attachments containing programming code are filtered.

Additionally, sometimes mails are forwarded to multiple mailboxes. For example the sales tam may each get a copy of Internet generated sales leads as a group. Or, that mail may e forwarded to a manager to be assigned.  There are certain rules for the handling and forwarding of emails and it is important to understand them as a mail administrator. To consult with us about your company email server or mail security contact us at 813-748-3055.

Web servers are specialized servers for delivering Internet content to end users. Modern web sites are much different now than they were ten years ago when they were just catching on. In the beginning, web sites were mostly "presence" sites, existing to keep a presence because competitors already had or were building a presence of their own.

As time went on, these sites progressed from presence sites to brochure sites. This was some of an improvement as the site existed as a sort of an online brochure. Still, though convenient because online brochures could be edited as need be, there was something missing.

As time went on and as people began to feel more comfortable with the Internet and with using the Internet for shopping, business began to develop online shopping websites. These sites operate with ssl security which encrypts data sent over the internet. This is a reasonable safeguard for making online purchases.

Enter web 2.0 and the modern web. Web 2.0 sites take customer service to the next level and surpass brochure and shopping only sites by actually performing as customer relations tools for businesses. The modern website is more of a tool for business than a marketing device. The website can still function as both however.

In addition modern websites can be constructed using content management systems so that minor and routine content changes can be made by persons with no programming ability. This has the advantage of keeping the websites updated without incurring the costs of a web programmer for everyday routine updating.

To find out more about how the Internet can be more useful for your business, call us at 813-748-3055.