As small businesses expand in size and geographic scope, they often find it difficult to make technology available to employees in all locations. Today, however, many are finding that by installing small-business servers, they’re reaching more people in more places. They’re also increasing productivity, profitability and efficiency while decreasing costs.

A small-business server can store all of a company’s documents, e-mail, calendars and images in one location, where all employees can access them from computers connected to the server. Files on the server can be downloaded anywhere in the world when the server is set up for Internet access.

One of the many benefits of a small-business server is that it allows companies to increase communication efficiencies. For example, the combination of e-mail capability and calendar functions enables executives to view any employee’s calendar, then send an e-mail meeting request that is automatically entered onto invitees’ calendars.

Outside the office, employees can e-mail co-workers through hand-held devices such as cell phones and personal digital assistants. Employees working in distant locations also can access their office computer remotely and use it as if they were at their desks.

For example, Atlanta-based CCM Homes LLC, relatively new to computer technology, used 14 stand-alone computers to run its home-building operations. These computers helped streamline many of the company’s business processes, but sharing data was difficult due to varying PC configurations and software. In addition, a lack of centralized data affected the company’s ability to accurately price its finished homes.

CCM Homes resolved these problems by installing Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003. Employees can now work from outside the office without relying on co-workers to hunt down information for them. In addition, security has improved, communication has been transformed, and the company expects to save $100,000 each year as a result of more accurate budget forecasts.