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Watch what you install on your
server | |
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Today's
server operating systems, including Microsoft
Small Business Server 2003, are so user-friendly
that you could be left with the impression that
anyone with the ability to put a CD into a
computer disk drive could successfully deploy a
new application.
That is the wrong
impression.
When it comes to adding any new
software — and particularly third-party
applications — you need to be extra vigilant about
what you're putting on your server and how you're
doing it.
A server isn't as forgiving as a
desktop computer. Take if from someone who just
spent the better part of a week trying to recover
data from a server that had been hopelessly
corrupted up by several applications that, in
retrospect, were probably incorrectly installed by
yours truly.
Here are a few things I wish I had
done: |
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1. |
Get
professional help. Make sure that you
are working with a certified IT professional.
(There are several new designations for
Microsoft-certified IT professionals.) Pick the
one that best suits your needs and make sure
that he or she is around to lend a hand. An IT
pro will make sure that you don't make a
dangerous mistake when you're installing an
application. |
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2. |
Look for a
certified partner. Make sure the
software is developed by a Microsoft Certified
Partner. That will ensure that the program is
created by specialists with a sound knowledge of
your server — not some fly-by-night coders who
could end up leaving you with something on your
server that you will later regret. |
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3. |
Ask
around. There are other small-business
owners, and IT professionals, who are eager to
share their experiences with others. If I had
known to ask before installing, I could have
probably saved myself a big headache. (It turns
out that I wasn't the first person to experience
the problem with my server/software
combination). |
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4. |
Read
up. Before installing — no, before
buying — the application, check out the
published reviews online or in magazines that
cover the small-business and technology field.
Certainly, it's a good idea to take these
write-ups into consideration before adding any
new program to your server. |
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5. |
Network. When you have a
question about your server, there is no
substitute for person-to-person contact with a
knowledgeable source. That's particularly true
when you are navigating the unknown waters of a
new program. There are a number of Small
Business Server 2003 user groups, including the
New England Small Business Server User Group and
the Beijing IT Professional Association. The
advice you'll get is free, but the contacts
could save your small business if things ever go
wrong. | |
Before
you install a third-party program on your server,
get all the facts about the application. Will it
play nice with the other program you are currently
using? Is there a chance something could go
wrong?
Ask around and get the facts. You'll be
glad you did. |
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