Does every person in your office have their own copy of your accounting package, their own files on their own PC, and their own problems when something breaks? For businesses with five, ten or fifty users, there is a better way to work. At IT-Technology Enterprises, we set up and support terminal servers for offices across Durbanville, Bellville and the Northern Suburbs, and the terminal server benefits show up from the first week. Here is how it works and why it pays off.
What Is a Terminal Server?
A terminal server is one powerful central server that runs your business applications and stores your data. Instead of installing everything on each computer, staff log in to their own session on the server from a desktop, laptop or thin client. Everyone works on the same system at the same time, each with their own secure desktop.
The technology behind it is Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Services, a proven platform used by businesses of every size.
The Key Terminal Server Benefits for Multiple Users
- One copy of your software. Sage, Pastel, CaseWare, Office and line-of-business apps are installed and updated once, not on every PC.
- Shared data in one place. No more files saved on desktops, emailed back and forth or lost when a laptop dies.
- Faster multi-user databases. Accounting and ERP systems run far quicker when the program and the data sit on the same server.
- Cheaper desktops. The server does the heavy lifting, so older PCs and low-cost thin clients perform well.
- Work from anywhere. Staff can securely connect from home or a branch and see exactly the same desktop.
Better Security and Easier Backups
When all your data lives on one server, protecting it becomes much simpler. Permissions, antivirus, patching and backups are handled centrally, so there are fewer gaps for ransomware to exploit. If a staff member’s laptop is stolen, your client data does not leave with it.
Backups also become reliable. Instead of hoping each user saved to the right folder, the entire server is backed up on a schedule, with copies kept off-site.
One Server to Manage Instead of Every PC
Adding a new staff member takes minutes: create a user, and they have the same applications as everyone else. Software updates, printer setups and fixes are done once for the whole office. Our on-site and off-site server support covers monitoring, updates and maintenance, so problems are often fixed before your team notices.
Is a Terminal Server Right for Your Office?
A terminal server is ideal if you have several users sharing the same software and data, run an accounting or practice-management package, or have staff working remotely. You can host it on-site or choose one of our cloud-based dedicated servers with daily backups and fibre connectivity, with no expensive hardware to buy.
The terminal server benefits add up quickly: less time lost, lower hardware costs and far better control of your data.
CONTACT US today to find out whether a terminal server will work for your office.