Fully Utilize the Functionality of Existing IT Systems
Posted by Matt Stocking
It's our experience that most companies don't take advantage of the full functionality of the IT systems that they use to run their businesses? While their systems are "working", key product features are not enabled, thus resulting in either decreased employee productivity or increased IT support costs.
These findings are the result of either strategic computer systems audits or a result of our initial assessment of client's networks once we begin providing ongoing computer system support.
The following are a representative sample of frequently misconfigured or unutilized product features:
Volume Shadow Copy - a built-in component of Windows Server software - allows all users to have all their documents regularly backed up on a scheduled basis, with multiple versions available for restore without IT intervention. Example: a CFO makes changes to a spreadsheet at 2pm, doesn't catch the mistake until 4:30 and has already saved over the current version. With Volume Shadow Copy, the prior version(s) are available for restore!
Exchange Server 2003/Exchange Server 2007 - in addition to personal email and calendars, Exchange can be configured to allow "resources" such as conference rooms and other physical assets like projectors and laptops to be reserved or scheduled for use during a meeting.
Distributed File System (DFS) - another built-in component of Windows Server software - allows all corporate data to be stored on multiple servers, yet still appear to end-users to be in one location, simplifying the search and retrieval of data.
Print Management - all company network printers can be managed from one centrally located console. Printers can then be deployed via Microsoft Group Policy, thereby decreasing IT support costs.
Windows SharePoint Services - a free tool included with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 that allows for information sharing and document collaboration.
Properly implemented, these built-in features of Windows Server and Exchange Server can greatly improve employee productivity and help to minimize administrative tasks associated with the management of your computer systems.
