Computer networks provided a solution to this. Computers could be wired together to share information and access peripherals.

Networks have evolved a long way from being expensive, hard to manage an only accessible to large corporate companies. The reducing cost of network hardware and built in network software in operating systems (Windows XP / Vista) means that any business with two or more PC's can gain considerable benefit from networking the computers together.

The fastest growing sector is without doubt the SME (small to medium enterprise) market. As more and more small business recongnise the need and benefit of computer networks, so the focus from manufactures increases on this dynamic area, with the result that it is cheaper and easier to take advantage of the benefits on offer.

In today's competitive business environment, many small company seek more powerful ways to manage tasks and communicate. We shall and support Microsoft Small Business Server which can help your growing business communicate better, enhance customer service, manage growth, project your image via the Internet, simplify daily tasks, and focus on other strategic objectives.

Microsoft Small Business Server contains features that give you everything you need to run a growing business. Designed for companies up to 50 PCs, it is an integrated solution for sharing files, databases, printers, electronic mail, fax services, application and other resources with anyone, anywhere, at any time— all from one integrated server. You get advanced communication services and fast flexible access to the Internet. Best of all, the server is exceptionally easy to set up, manage, and use, so you can get up and running with it right away.

File, Print and application services

Microsoft Small Business Server combines proven server products for running any growing business:

Microsoft Windows SBS Server is a secure, reliable network operating system on which your small business can easily run business applications as well as share documents, data, printers, and other resources.

Microsoft Internet Information Server provides a comprehensive platform for connecting to the Internet and building a new generation of Web applications.

Microsoft SQL Server provides a powerful, secure relational database for running business applications.

Microsoft Small Business Server works easily with Microsoft Office and other leading applications, so you can integrate information from almost any source into your desktop PCs.

What’s more, the server supports applications for Microsoft Windows—the world’s most popular software environment—so the latest, best solutions will continue to be available for your business. Software developers have already created more than 2,000 applications and tools that work with Microsoft Small Business Server to meet specific business needs.

Many growing businesses have discovered the power of the Internet and internal Intranets as information resources and collaboration tools. The products in Microsoft Small Business Server make it a snap to communicate across the hall or across the world:

Microsoft Exchange Server with Microsoft Outlook^™, desktop information manager, can help your business build an online community by using graphically rich electronic mail, discussion groups, list servers, and other groupware features.

Microsoft FAX Server provides a centrally managed facility for sending and receiving faxes from desktop PCs.

Internet Connection Wizard can quickly locate an Internet Service Provider and help get your business on the Internet fast.

Microsoft FrontPage^® 2003, web site creation and management tool, makes it easy to create and manage professional-looking Web sites without programming.

Microsoft Proxy Server provides fast, secure access to the Internet from individual desktop PCs.