Targeted Computing Needs (NAPSA)—Like virtually every company, Ohio-based Strategic IT Solutions found itself running out of computer storage for applications and data. It needed a robust way to solve this challenge without retooling its entire technology infrastructure. So Strategic IT Solutions did what many companies with exploding computing needs are doing: It added a server appliance. These single-task appliances are an alternative to the large file servers typically used for networking and data storage—an alternative that allows companies to save money while improving service to customers and employees. “Our server appliance adds storage, so we don’t need to upgrade our large, expensive computers,” said Scott Wallace, vice president and chief technology officer of Strategic IT Solutions. “We set up the appliance in 15 minutes, andit’s easy to maintain. It’s instant gratification.” Server appliances are hot news in the business world because companies are discovering that they don’t need a full-featured file server for every task that requires server technology. Instead, they can use fixed-function server appliances that deliver equally high performance andreliability at much lowercost. Plus, they’re quick to set up and require almost no support. These devices, such as the Microsoft Windows Powered NAS (Network Attached Storage) Appliance used by Strategic IT Solutions, perform prespecified tasks without sacrificing power, availability or high-end features. “Fixed-function server appliances are great because they’re focused on doing one thing extremely well,” said Joseph Landes, marketing manager in the OEM Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “Companies also can reduce the numberof servers they need by consolidating many servers on just a single storage appliance.” Networks, which enable em- It may seem almostfuturistic but computer engineers have come up with an add-on server that improves storage and save companies time and money. ployees to work while away from the office, are another area where server appliances provide excellent value. Atoga Systems Inc. uses a server appliance to enable employees to easily work from homeor other remote locations. “From the start, installation was a breeze,” said Micheal J. Bach, Atoga’s information systems manager. “This server has been a total ‘setup-and-forget’ appliance: It’s been running for several months now without a reboot. It’s one server I don’t need to worry about.” Bach especially appreciates the way the company’s Windows Powered Server Appliance practically eliminates employee support demands, freeing his time for other tasks. Atoga employees access the server appliance via a file Bach distributed throughout the company over e-mail. Now, when employees need remote access, they forward thefile in an e-mail message to the location wherethey will be working. “They don’t need support,” Bach said. “There are only a couple of solutions I have been this happy with in my career.” It may seem almost futuristic but computer engineers have come up with an add-on server that improves storage and save companies time and money.
