Microsoft Small Business Server

For many small businesses in Cornwall implementing a new or replacement Microsoft Small Business Server can be a project that needs careful consideration to prevent business disruption.

Below are five simple rules you can follow to help minimise this risk and ensure you get the desired results from your investment;

1. Choose a company with a good record of partnerships.
   
   There are a number of partners with Microsoft accreditation. Check they have the small business specialism in addition to their main partnership.
   
   
2. Check their track record.
   
   Ask the company how many installations they have performed and ask for some reference sites. Any provider worth their salt will arrange for you to speak or visit their existing customers.
   
   
3. Check Qualifications.
   
   You wouldn't expect dental surgery from someone that's not a dentist! Take the same advice with your Microsoft Small Business Server. Ask the providers about their engineers and the qualifications they have. This is important for the installation and after sales support.
   
   
4. Beware the one man band!
   
   By far the most common complaint we hear is "I can't get hold of them" in reference to customers that use a one or two man band. To get the most from your system you need to have good reliable IT support. Ask your provider about service level agreements and how they are monitored.
   
   
5. Ask for an audit
   
   If you already have a system or some level of computing ask the provider to perform an audit for you. This will give you some idea of their ability to perform and it will give you a baseline to measure any improvements the server installation might bring.

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