1st Quarter 2015 - March Issue
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R.I.P. Windows Server 2003
By now you know that Windows XP has faded into history, and even
the most die-hard XP users have had to get used to the idea that their
old friend is better off in retirement.
This July, another stalwart Microsoft veteran will be put out to pasture.
On 7-14-15, support ends for Windows Server 2003.
What are the Risks?
As always, end-of-support means no more security updates, no patches, and no way to get technical assistance from Microsoft at any price. New software will fail to work or be more difficult to keep running. If your business is subject to security audits, for anything from credit card information storage to medical records security, you will begin to fail standard compliance audits.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for the bad guys. As soon as they find a way in, there’s no one left to stop them. In their eyes, your network will be left unlocked, your business records easy pickings. Or they may just want to hijack your server by remote control and put it to their own uses.
You Need a Plan
Of course, there are opportunities here for your business too! Migrating to Windows Server 2012 R2 brings with it a long list of improvements, including better security, reduced maintenance, integrated virtualization, the ability to leverage modern cloud computing options, and extensive scalability (a system that is able to grow as your business grows).
Windows Server 2012 R2 offers a safe, fast, and secure networking environment. It’s a new world of IT, and the experienced staff at Shiloh Service is ready to help your business migrate to this advanced server environment.
With a long history of managing customized Windows Servers, Shiloh will evaluate your business needs and recommend an affordable solution with the right amount of flexibility for your needs tomorrow. At Shiloh, we make it our business to keep your business running.
Give us a call at 1-888-374-4564, or complete our easy-to-use contact form!
ShadowProtect Server
There is backup and then there is ShadowProtect Server.
Where a typical backup keeps copies of your important files offsite, ShadowProtect by StorageCraft offers fast and reliable disaster recovery.
It’s the difference between finding the file the temp worker accidentally deleted and getting your business back up and running after a fire, flood, or damaging storm.
When that day comes, your corporate email, software, and critical applications are all gone and it’s back to bare metal. All your insurance can do is replace hardware, but it could take weeks to bring your business computer systems back to normal, and your data could be lost forever. These are the dangers you face without ShadowProtect.
Shiloh brings your Business back to Life Fast!
With Shiloh’s experienced IT team using ShadowProtect, backups are verified and validated for integrity. When problems happen, we can recover individual files and folders in moments, rebuild your network to the same hardware or new equipment in days, or even bring your systems to life in a virtual environment.
The question to ask yourself is how much downtime you can afford?
In a real disaster, ordinary cloud backups offer only miminal protection (often safeguarding files only, not software and settings), and hundreds of gigabytes of data could take forever to download.
A Shiloh Specialist for your Account
It’s not all about great recovery systems and software. At Shiloh, we assign your account to one of our IT professionals who will be your partner in securing and protecting your business systems and data.
There’s no substitute for a reliable, local service response from people you can trust.
Finally, ShadowProtect Server by StorageCraft includes support for Windows Server 2012, making it the perfect security companion to your new Windows Server when you replace your end-of-life Server 2003 (see previous article).
Want to learn more? Contact Shiloh Service today at 1-888-374-4564, or complete our easy-to-use contact form! We’re committed to getting your business back up and running fast.
Microsoft Office 365 and Office Online
Microsoft Office is going to the cloud. Should you follow?
We’re all familiar with traditional MS Office software. Where would most businesses be without Word, Excel, and Outlook for email? Traditionally, we’ve purchased these products on a CD and installed them on individual computers.
The future, however, seems to belong to the cloud. Microsoft is offering its core programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and OneNote in versions that either work completely online or in an integrated way with desktop installations.
Microsoft offers Office 365 in 6 versions for business and enterprise solutions. Instead of paying for the product as a tangible one installation CD, costs are “by user” with a monthly fee. An example would be Office 365 Business at $8.25 user/month (which includes fully installed office applications on up to 5 PCs or Macs).
A separate offering, Office Online allows you to use your Microsoft Account to access Office files online, for free, allowing you to collaborate with anyone, anywhere, in real time.
Advantages of Online Systems
Cloud-based systems bring expanded functionality, such as Office programs working on tablets and phones, online storage, the ability to access files anywhere from any online device, and even video conferencing and online meetings.
One great benefit is that Office 365 keeps itself up-to-date, so you always have access to the latest features of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.
Disadvantages of Online Systems
At Shiloh, we know that most businesses are conservative in their use of Microsoft Office products. They use Word and Excel and simply need these programs to be stable and reliable on the business computers where work happens.
Once you go to the cloud, your Internet connection becomes a critical concern. What if your broadband is slow or unreliable? What if you want to limit access, instead of opening up your files for collaboration across a variety of online devices?
What if there comes a time when you can’t pay the monthly fee for online versions? Suddenly your business software has become a utility that can be shut off when you don’t pay the bill.
Thankfully, it is still possible to buy stand-alone versions of Microsoft favorites like Word and Excel, and the IT Professionals at Shiloh can install the software you need and make sure it is running properly on your existing hardware.
Which is best for your Business?
To know which options are best for you, trust one of Shiloh’s IT Professionals to evaluate your needs and recommend the right approach, including an affordable solution that works with you and the way you do business.
It’s easy, contact Shiloh Service today at 1-888-374-4564, or complete our easy-to-use contact form.
You can also learn more about online office products at the following links:
