With Microsoft announcing that free Windows NT 4.0 Server Support has ceased and that fee based support will end next year it is time for many small businesses to look at alternative solutions for their server operating system environment. After eight years of active service, Microsoft is retiring an NT 4.0 product that wasn't built to face the realities of today's IT security environment. In this article we look at a solution aimed at easing the cost for many small businesses of migrating to a faster, more reliable and future proof system.
 Wikipedia Entry for Microsoft Windows
Many people foretold the end of NT 4.0 Server over a year ago. Susan Bradley (SBS Diva) on her Blog posted:
Windows NT 4.0 Server, operating system, died, Friday, December 31, 2004 in Redmond, Washington.
Born 1996 in Redmond, Washington, he was the son of Windows NT 3.1 and Dave Cutler. Windows NT 4.0 server worked for many years in many corporate offices and was for many years a  beloved member of many firms.
He is survived by two sons, Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2003 Server, both of Redmond, and five cousins, Windows 2000 workstation, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, Windows Tablet PC edition and Windows XP Media Center edition. He was predeceased by his nephews Windows NT workstation, and Windows 95. Currently another close relative, Windows 98 is on life support but the Doctors indicate has a few more years left.
Private visitation will be in Redmond.
A Christian burial will be celebrated at midnight [your local time zone] on December 31, 2004.
Windows NT 4.0 server had been in failing health but finally succumbed to the dreaded final “Blue Screen of Death”.
May you rest in peace
Windows Small Business Server 2003
These days with our businesses increasingly reliant on technology, managing and monitoring IT infrastructure can be a full time job. While the technology you've installed across your small business helps you be more productive, the last thing you need is to be tied down dealing with day to day IT issues when you could be dealing with business issues.
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 can help create a faster, more efficient business environment. This integrated server solution provides you with out-of-the-box email and Internet connectivity, file and printer sharing, improved productivity through knowledge sharing and collaboration, remote access, support for mobile devices, fast and flexible deployment, efficient monitoring and built-in backup and restore capabilities.
Below we have listed the 10 reasons why Windows Small Business Server 2003 could be the next operating system for you.
 10 Reasons to use Windows Small Business Server 2003
- Organize your information in a central location for increased productivity
Windows Small Business Server 2003 provides a central location to store your company data. Employees will be able to easily find the right information they need and access the most recent versions of files. Shared record keeping means fewer disconnected pockets of information, and less time wasted searching for files and managing different versions of files. According to Forbes.com, businesses using Windows Small Business Server 2003 reported that, on average, their employees were able to be 20% more productive on the job. Windows Small Business Server 2003 allows you to work smarter, not harder.
- Guard against data loss
Windows Small Business Server 2003 offers a comprehensive and integrated backup solution. It enables you to automatically and easily back up company information to guard against data loss. What’s more, your employees can quickly and easily retrieve files they accidentally deleted, and restore files to their previous versions.
- Protect your business information
Windows Small Business Server 2003 provides a secure infrastructure that protects your business from unauthorized users. Built-in firewall protection and secure remote access guards your network and keeps your data secure. Tools are available to manage and monitor Internet access within your business. Spammers are blocked with effective junk mail controls, and dangerous e-mail attachments are automatically removed to help prevent virus attacks.
- Keep your business up and running with a reliable network
Windows Small Business Server 2003 provides you with a reliable operating system and a working environment you can depend on. This allows you to spend more time focusing on your business and less time and money on technology issues. Built on Windows Server 2003 technology, the most reliable network operating system Microsoft has ever produced, it’s easy to see why Windows Small Business Server 2003 is the server software of choice for small businesses.
- Access business information and resources from virtually anywhere, anytime
With Windows Small Business Server 2003 you can be productive while away from the office. It's easy for you and your employees to work remotely and to stay connected to your important business information and resources from virtually anywhere. When out of the office, you can access your e-mail, internal Web site, network files and even your business applications. Using any computer that has an Internet connection, you can:
- Securely access your personal office desktop, along with all the shared information and resources maintained in your server's centralized database
- Easily access your e-mail, schedule, and contacts using an Internet-enabled computer or Windows Mobile-based device
- Communicate in real time to stay current with your company and customers
- Improve team performance through enhanced collaboration
Your employees can work better as a team, communicating and collaborating on group projects and sharing information. Windows Small Business Server 2003 helps build community and increases your ability to share ideas. Improved team communications and processes can enable your company to work more cohesively to better serve your customers.
- Go mobile and become more efficient
You can use Windows Mobile-based cell phones and other portable devices to access e-mail, calendars, contacts and much more while away from the office. Windows Small Business Server 2003's tools easily integrate with any Windows Mobile-based device, providing a seamless mobility solution. And, you can capitalize on familiar tools and applications like Word and Excel Mobile—built to keep you informed and able to get work done while you're on the go. You now have access to the facts you need, in real time, which provides your business more flexibility, resource depth, and range.
- Reach more customers and serve them better, all day, every day
Communicate with your customers in new ways for improved responsiveness and better customer care. With Windows Small Business Server 2003, you can stay connected, look and interact professionally, and manage your customer relationships more effectively. Server technology can help you streamline customer communications in many ways, allowing you to:
- Respond to customer inquires quickly and with the right answer
- Stay connected to customers whether you're on the road or away from the office, with remote access capabilities
- Host your own customized Web site and use your own e-mail domain name
- Share resources and reduce costs
Get the most value from your technology investment. Windows Small Business Server 2003 is a complete network solution that enables your business to get more done, more cost effectively because your company can:
- Share resources, such as Internet access and business software
- Share equipment, including printers and fax machines
- Fax with fewer phone lines, because you can send faxes directly from computers
- Get a platform that is easy to grow with today and tomorrow
Windows Small Business Server 2003 is a versatile platform that can be customized to your needs. Affordable today, and scalable for tomorrow, it provides a solid building block for future technology enhancements to your business. Windows Small Business Server 2003 has the flexibility to grow with your company. As your business expands, you can migrate seamlessly to other Windows Server 2003 products.
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