Collabra Networks - IT for Small Business

We are located in Sonoma County in the city of Petaluma.

New Customer Support Center

Collabra Network is adding a new fully staffed customer support center. It will be staffed Monday thru Friday from 6:00AM PST to 6:00 PM PST.

Similar to the way cars have changed the way we travel, computers have changed the way we do business and the way we communicate. Automobiles have given people the flexibility to go further distances in less the time. Computers have increased productivity and fostered a global economy. But, every technology has its drawbacks. Just as cars have brought traffic jams, gas prices, accidents, and maintenance costs; computers have brought viruses, Trojans, spyware, network failure, and maintenance costs. But we drive to work everyday where we get on the computer to do our job.

When your car breaks down on the side of the road it can ruin your day or your week. When your car breaks down you have to call a tow truck and wait and wait and wait until the truck arrives to take your car to the mechanic who informs you it will be two days before it is fixed. Now, because of one simple belt in the engine of your car, your life has become more difficult than it has to be. And the same thing happens when your computer goes down. When you can’t use your computer, you can’t work.

It would save a lot of time and headache if the tow truck driver showed up in two minutes with the belt you needed in the back of his truck and changed it for you right on the spot. You could probably hire a mechanic to ride with you all the time. Then that way when something happens to your car, you have someone right there to fix it. It is possible, but not realistic. But with computers it is realistic. Technology has advanced so much that problems can be solved over the phone. In the IT industry it is called a help desk. But, the key is to have the help desk accessible.

Accessible means easily approached, entered, or obtained (American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd Edition). An accessible help desk is waiting for your call to help you in your time of need. An accessible help desk has the tools and expertise to solve your problem and keep your business running. An accessible help desk is the mechanic in the back of your car. He is always there but he isn’t burning a whole in your pocket just so you can have peace of mind. A help desk needs to have the tools and technology to ensure your issues gets resolved. There are ways to overcome the drawbacks of computers and an accessible help desk is your best option. Why let a down computer effect your associates or customers when immediate, accessible support is a phone call away.

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Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 hosting is now available!

Windows Server 2008

Written by Collabra Support
Thursday, 21 February 2008
The wait is over. Windows Server 2008 will be available Feb. 27, but are you ready for it? Touted as the most advanced Windows Server operating system yet, Windows Server 2008 lists improvements to Active Directory, Group Policy, Terminal Services, and Server Manager, to name a few. Although IT managers are expected to move slowly when it comes to migrating to Windows Server 2008, as shown in Figure 1, it's never too early to start getting ready for the eventual OS upgrade. Figure 1: Windows IT managers share their Windows Server 2008 migration plans (Source: SearchWinIT.com 2007 Purchasing Intentions Survey, October 2007) Here is a checklist how Windows shops can prepare for their Windows Server 2008 migration: Find a business value for the Windows Server 2008 migration Determine the cost of Windows Server 2008 migration Time the Windows Server 2008 migration Build a test lab before migrating to Windows Server 2008 Step 1: Find a business value for the Windows Server 2008 migration When preparing to upgrade to Windows Server 2008, the first thing any IT manager must do is prove to upper management that an upgrade is necessary. Although some IT shops have already tested a beta version of Microsoft's newest operating system, others are still trying to figure out how to justify a major OS migration. Take a look at how some of the new features of Windows Server 2008 translate into added enterprise value in ways that will make upper management take notice. Step 2: Determine the cost of Windows Server 2008 migration Identifying the potential value of new Windows Server 2008 features should get the attention of upper management. But to make the business case for migration, IT managers should also provide a return on investment analysis for a server upgrade. Don't know where to start? Not to worry -- Microsoft MVP Gary Olsen shares several points IT managers can use to ensure their ROI is not only clear but also accurate and realistic. Olsen examines an aspect of ROI calculation that many IT managers may not think of -- new income. Detailing how the features of Microsoft's newest operating system could increase income and save money will certainly strengthen your business case. Step 3: Time your Windows Server 2008 migration If everyone is on board with moving to Windows Server 2008, now comes the time to figure out when to migrate. Every IT manager knows that upgrading to a new version of Windows comes with inherent risks. There are always undiscovered bugs in any software product. Over time, those bugs are flushed out and fixed. The later you migrate, the safer you are -- but then you don't get the benefits of the new features either. So when should you schedule the migration? Find out about the factors you need to consider to make sure that the timing of your Windows Server 2008 migration will offer the biggest advantages to your business. Step 4: Build a test lab before migrating to Windows Server 2008 Completed your ROI analysis and time line? There's only one more step to ensure your Windows shop is for adequately prepared for Windows Server 2008 migration. And that's to build a Windows Server 2008 virtual test lab. Some IT shops may have experience building a test lab for Windows Server 2003 features, but beware. Windows Server expert Russell Olsen points out distinct differences between Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 that need to be considered. Keeping these differences in mind while creating a simple and affordable virtual test lab will help IT managers ease the Windows Server 2008 migration process. Want more information? Visit SearchWinIT.com Windows Server 2008 site.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 February 2008 )

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