Managed service providers can be a very useful partner in your company’s technological strategy. The managed services model is ideal for companies that: Don’t have the time, resources or expertise to manage their own server maintenance, upgrades, and repairs. Preferably prefer a single monthly fee to ensure a high degree of on-site IT support and maintenance excellence.
Exchange Server and Microsoft Sharepoint are the most important components of a managed service provider’s offering. Microsoft Sharepoint is a content management system (CMS) that provides the platform for electronic publishing and communication. Sharepoint consists of web applications, database, and web services which are implemented by Sharepoint designers and developers. All these are necessary for managing and coordinating business projects and information.
Exchange Server is a web-based application that provides the ability to organize company information into a standard format. It can be accessed through a browser and accessed from any internet connection – even mobile phones. Exchange Server is a powerful mail client and is used for managing email, calendar and contact information.
Microsoft Exchange is a popular corporate contact manager that works as a centralized storage and retrieving tool for email, contacts and message attachments. Exchange Server works as the central repository where all company data is kept. It allows users to collaborate with each other by using a chat room, designated shared folders and email spools. Exchange Server also helps you keep track of documents by setting up searchable folders and search functions in Microsoft Outlook. Exchange Server also helps you control access to your email account, configure auto-responders and custom fields and allows you to organize electronic documents and calendars by using a tool called Exchange Server Import wizard.
To get started with Exchange, you need an Exchange Server environment and a managed service provider to help you manage your application. A managed service provider is a company or organization that specializes in providing email, mail delivery and management solutions. They provide both hardware and software that help improve your business practices. You need to consider a few things when choosing a managed service provider for your email application. One of the first things you will need to decide is what type of hardware you are going to need to support your new application. The type of hardware you choose will depend on what type of Exchange Server environment you have set up.
There are two basic types of Exchange Server: the self-service and the server with other applications such as auto responders and task bars. Self-service servers are used only to exchange mail. They allow the user to download, install and configure email client applications. These are the least expensive option and are used commonly.
On the other hand, a managed service application is used to monitor, route, manage, retain and archive all incoming and outgoing messages. It provides a comprehensive mechanism for handling large volumes of data. This is ideal for large organizations that require robust tools for managing their business communications. Managed service providers usually lease their servers and have direct access to the Exchange Server. The cost of this service is based on the volume of email used and the amount of bandwidth that is required to accommodate the applications.
When deciding on which managed service provider to use, consider your needs. Make sure they have a comprehensive record of features and the hardware and software necessary to support your application. Check if they offer technical support as well as troubleshooting services. Look at their pricing, support and licensing policies as well as the hardware and software necessary to implement your email system. It is always better to get quotes from several providers before choosing the one best suited to your business needs.
