Q: Our smaller customers are developing requirements typical of larger enterprises, such as the need for centralized IT, greener computing, and scalable, reliable processing and storage. What do you suggest?

A: Vendors are addressing such requirements with cost-effective, customizable solutions.As an example, Intel's Modular Server integrates up to six processing modules, terabyte-class networked storage and network switching in an easy-to-manage package.Advantages include the simplicity of one integrated system; flexible and expandable storage; increased uptime due to redundant components; and lower operating costs thanks to easier serviceability and energy efficiency. Figuring in these benefits, customers needing only two or three conventional servers will find an equivalent Intel Modular Server priced comparably.

Andrew Schmidt, Solution Center Technical Engineer

Q: For customers with IP communications, how does adding voice over Wi-Fi affect the wireless LAN? What about security?

A: Adding voice to wireless data networks can save customers time and money on internal calls, but it does require modifying the network. To prevent unacceptable delays in voice traffic, voice must be prioritized at every point -- from the access points to the core and vice versa. This means deploying components that support quality of service. To prevent dropped calls for mobile voice users, more access points will likely have to be added, and signal strength will need to be adjusted to prevent RF interference. A voice-specific site survey will address both of these issues. Encryption is the key to security; the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is preferred, but Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is adequate in most cases.

Peter Avino, Cisco Systems Engineer and Instructor

Q: Why should my SMB customers upgrade to Windows Server 2008?

A: SMBs will appreciate improvements to Terminal Services, including Terminal Services RemoteApp, which allows users to access individual applications in a Terminal Server session. And the new Terminal Services Gateway improves access and security for remote users.Another key feature is Hyper- V virtualization.Midsize customers can use it to consolidate multiple Windows and Linux servers onto a single physical server. For simpler deployment and administration, virtual machines and physical servers can be managed from the same console. Solution providers should also check out Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Server 2008, all-in-one solutions for small and midsize businesses, respectively.

Thomas Mann, Microsoft Engineer and Instructor

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