Computer Networks

Positive IT supplies only Dell Servers which are installed and managed using Microsoft Small Business Server technology.

When the servers are configured with roaming profiles, your users are able to move from PC to PC within the server environment giving them access to all of their data and email which ever workstation they choose to operate from. 

Positive IT will configure the server to use group policies to ensure users have access to data they are allowed to access.     

The Microsoft Exchange server software is used to centralise all email and allow collaboration of resources for example sharing of diaries, contacts and email services.

Positive IT Server configure servers to Microsoft Standards and proven best practices, gained through years of experience in the installation of servers.  Some of these best practices are  outlined below:

Backup and Disaster Recovery

You company data is essential to the running of your business, to ensure its survival; you must pay particular attention to the way in which data is backed up.   With this is mind Positive IT provide two methods to backup your data from your server:        

• Positive IT Tape Backup is designed to provide resilience to your company data and file shares in the event of accidental deletion or corruption of server hard drive data.  Positive IT use Symantec Veritas Backup Exec software to provide efficient, user friendly and reliable backup of your files and data.

• Positive IT Network Attached Storage Backup is designed to provide resilience to your network file shares in the event of server downtime.   If at any stage your server is not accessible and is in need of repair or rebuild, then the Network Attached Storage or NAS Backup will provide quick access to your data while your server is being repaired.  In addition to network access to your file shares, the NAS data is mirrored to an external storage device on a weekly basis using an additional external USB hard drive.

UPS – Uninterruptible Power Supply
All Servers purchased are supplied with a battery backup UPS.  In the event of a power surge, power failure or fluctuations in the mains power supply, the UPS will provide constant power until mains power is resumed.  In the event of a sustained power outage the UPS combined with software integration will shutdown the server ensuring no corruption to data or operating system.  The 1500VA model allows connection of up to 8 devices, this could include Switches, Routers and Firewalls.

Gigabit Network Connectivity - 10/1000 Gb
Positive IT servers are supplied with Gigabit network cards (NIC), allowing data transfer up to 1000 Mbps.  To take advantage of additional speed and productivity, Positive IT recommend existing data switches are replaced with Gigabit enabled switches which can be supplied if required.

Server and Email Anti-Virus and Security
Positive IT servers are NOT supplied with Anti-Virus or SPAM protection as standard, however in most cases we would recommend Anti-Virus as part of a Positive IT Internet Security Solution.  We highly recommend McAfee Virusscan combined with GroupShield for Exchange which is available from Positive IT as a Complete Anti-Virus solution.  Enterprise level SPAM protection is also available using an additional appliance, for more information please ask about our Email Security Solutions.

The Server Installation

The installation of a Positive IT Business Server is project managed by our manufacturer trained and experienced telecoms technical team as follows:

Consultative Approach
A Positive IT account manager will discuss your server requirements with the senior Technical team, to ensure the solution reflects the needs of your business.

Site Survey
A Positive IT Technical consultant will then visit your business to perform a site survey to identify any cabling requirements or potential issues that might affect or delay the installation.  During this meeting we will confirm the exact specifics to ensure you understand the product and changes to your network infrastructure.  Additional infrastructure work that is not specified in the original proposal that is required will be submitted as a separate quote and agreed upon before installation work is started.

System Installation
The system installation will vary based on the size and complexity of your existing or new system.  This is usually done in stages to avoid disruption to your business.  It may be necessary on some installations for work to be done out of hours, this is determined during the site survey.

A typical new system install would be scheduled as follows:

• Pre-installation set-up - All servers supplied are wiped, re-partitioned and the operating system is re-installed according to Positive IT recommendations.
• Updates and Patches – Positive IT ensure Servers are patched with the latest Windows Updates before they are deployed onsite.
• Server Configuration
• Creation of Users, Security Groups and Roaming Profiles.
• Company File Structure and permissions.
• Group Policy for control of user privileges and rights.
• Shared Folders and Mapped Network Drives.
• Network Integration.
• Exchange Server Configuration.
• Veritas Backup Exec Configuration – Positive IT Recommends Backup Exec for File Backup
• All desktop and laptop computers are configured for domain environment.
• Basic Training on server maintenance and backup maintenance.
• New user creation provided by user guide for administrators.
• Server migrations - The Positive IT installation does not cover the move of data or re-configuration of existing servers as standard, however we can provide a suitable quotation to cover the migration and upgrade process.

System Checklist
It is not always possible to deliver all system features in their entirety during the installation, following the installation the technical team will document any features that have not been fully installed and outline when they will be completed.

Server Support
Introducing a server to your network environment can bring with it a number of changes.  Some of these changes will be as result of the server installation; others will be related to training requirements with staff.  It is impossible to consider all aspects and software conflicts during the server installation process however Positive IT will seek to gain as much information as possible during the site survey, to prevent problems from occurring as a result of an installation. 

Following the installation of a new server, Positive IT will provide up to 1 month free support via telephone/email/remote access, to ensure the bedding in of new servers.   The month support is started upon customer signed completion of the server installation.  After the bedding in period expires, customers will be required to take out an IT Support agreement to continue support of the server which is not obligatory.