Active OffShore Solutions were a new start up company, 3 members of staff who are often out of the office but needed to access their information and Microsoft Outlook e-mails.

The client had already made contact with other computer system and I.T providers who had suggested installing a full server solution running Microsoft Small Business Server.

Small Business Server is a very powerful solution offering many featuers that are better suited to a larger organisation.

Another key fact we had to take into consideration was keeping costs down as the client was still starting their company.

The Solution

We sat down and discussed in detail with the staff at Active Offshore Solutions what their requirements were and what they we looking to get out of the new computer system.

To allow the users to share files we installed a Buffalo Linkstation Network Attached Storage device ( NAS ).  The added advantage that this unit offers that allows users to access their information via the web.

The second part of the solution was to install Softalk Share Server.

Softalk Share Server allows users to share MS Outlook ( emails, contacts, diary notes ) across a small network without the need for a complex server solution.  In fact it can be run on a normal desktop pc ( subject to certain specifications, contact us for more details ).

The solution we provided to Active Offshore Solutions also included the ability to access emails and contacts via their own web interface.

The end result is that the client now has a network solution that allows them to share files, emails, contacts and diary, including via the web if required, with an added bonus of being significantly cheaper than installing a Microsoft Small Business Server Solution.

An ideal solution for the smaller business.

An approximate cost guide

Softalk Share Server ( 5 User ) £ 179.00 Plus installation.  If your PC is around 3 years or less in age there should be no problem in running it.

If you were to look at the Microsoft route, you would require:

• A full dedicated file server
• Microsoft Small Business Server software ( 5 User )
• Installation

A minimum installation cost of £ 2000 – £ 2500.

We cannot give guides to installation times until a thorough site survey is completed.

If you want a network solution that’s right for business then call us today and see how H.I.T.S can help you.