SME Server Marketing Intro text for Newcomers
There is little doubt - the research proves it - small businesses the world over are using the Internet more and more. Yet fears exist… complexity, security, viruses, spam, hacking, costs and lack to set up an Internet presence are often huge obstacles.
Even though “always-on”, high speed Internet access is recognised as the "way to the future" for organizations of all sizes, many are still not exploiting the benefits that broadband and the Internet can bring.
The problem is that lots of small companies, schools, colleges, and public sector organizations simply cannot make significant capital outlays on IT software and hardware and they frequently have a shortage in technical skill. They also find that they have limited time to work out all of the issues associated with going "on the 'net". So, while the directors, managers and their teams are working hard to attract and grow their own business, the ability of the Internet to increase their reach is frequently overlooked or misunderstood. The result? Inertia.
When you think about setting up a network of computers and printers, do you start to worry about security, reliability and ease of set up and how to run it? Do the concerns that you have about adding technology to your business mean that you become almost compelled to invest in a system and services at a cost you can ill afford and that you might struggle to manage? Is time is an expensive resource for you? Does a shortage of skill or of manpower leave your company unable to "keep up"? Are these worries becoming nightmares for you? Then the SME Server can help you.
SME Server is a great IT solution for small businesses needing to start using the Internet on a daily basis and who need to be reassured that their system is controllable, secure and reliable yet is truly simple to use and does controls costs. SME Server can do this because it is an "all-in-one" starter package, what is more, it is capable of having add-on features applied to it that can make your business potentially more productive and effective. SME Server, in its most basic form is:
- A remarkably easy to install file, print, web and email server complete with a self-configuring Internet firewall - all in one software package. The firewall part makes it a “hacker-proof” solution that works on your own premises. The server parts are what you will use on a day by day basis to communicate with your clients and team members. Even though it is really secure, it is easy to configure so that it can be managed and updated from anywhere, even remotely. This means you can be sure your SME Server solution is working as it should, even if you don't have the time or desire to it yourself!
- Free of Charge! Yes, everything you see above - the fundamentals - which make up the SME Server is "Open Source", and because of that you don't have to pay for the software to get your basic server off the ground!
- Broadband ready - Giving you all of the benefits of high speed, always on Internet access, but it also supports ISDN and modem connections to the Internet.
- Remote Access that's secure - With SME Server it's easy to work remotely from the office, reading your emails securely from distant Internet cafés and hotels and accessing your personal information from anywhere in the world - without the risk of intrusion or snooping.
- Support by contribs.org – SME Server is brought to you by contribs.org, a community of Open Source developers who are dedicated to creating and maintaining a secure and professional 'out of the box' server and Internet gateway solution for small organisations who are looking to become Internet connected.
The SME Server software is licensed under the General Public License (GPL) which means that if the software is altered and distributed, the source code of the altered version, must be made freely available for others to benefit.
This is why free software and SME Server in particular can make such an impact on the commercial scene for small organizations and start-ups businesses. Open Source and the GPL ensure that beneficial improvements find their way back into the original code base, and so creating an explosive rate of technical advancement and a faster, more focused result for you.
Features and Benefits
The benefits of SME Server are firmed grounded in three key areas:
Simplicity
_Here we think about technical and people issues..
- Is it easy to install, configure, adapt and manage?
- Will the users have to learn new stuff?
- Will I have to take time out to attend a long course?
- Will I need more space for screens, keyboards, mice and so on?
- Will setting up my website be easier?
Security
_This progresses to more technical issues
- Will the system allow unauthorised access from the Internet?
- Will it stop people from accessing my files?
- When it is first switched on, do I have to do anything to make it secure?
- Doesn’t simplicity mean insecurity?
- Can I make the security work for me?
Reliability
_Finally, we move onto keeping the system going…
- Will the server crash?
- Do I have to do a reboot when I add new things to it?
- Will it work with UPS systems?
- Can I do backups easily?
- Can I stop viruses and spam from wrecking my business?
- Is it made up of proprietary hardware or software?
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