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How Microsoft SMB Network Solutions Can Help SMEs

Small to medium business enterprises often find that they need to share files amongst the office computers. This is not uncommon, and has indeed been done for many years. The problem now is that there is more and more of a need for effective online security. Why? Computers have become far more widespread, easier to program and simpler to operate, but in that regard they have never been more vulnerable than they are now.

For this reason, the Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) features several different security measures. They will help you to keep your vital information under lock and key, as some of those files might be vital to the company's future. So let's take a look at a few of the features that come with a Microsoft SMB.

File and Record Locking

Sometimes there are files that you do not want to move, but you do not want them to be accessible either. Either the file is vital to the server's operation, or you simply do not want it seen. Either way, you can lock the files easily using a Microsoft SMB. This means that users will be able to see the files, but they will not be able to access them. You will however be able to hide the files if you so desire.

File and Directory Change Notification

There will be times that things change, whether you authorised them or not. This is where change notification comes into play. Whenever someone deletes or changes a file that you wanted complete control over, you will receive a notification, and this report will tell you everything about the changes that have taken place.

Extended File Attribute Handing

This is one that will come in handy more than once. The standard windows installation will include a few attribute options. These will involve reading, writing, and modification in general. With an Microsoft SMB there will be several other options as well as complete control over who can modify the file in any way. It sounds complicated at first, but network administrators will find this to be an amazing addition to their arsenal of tools.

Unicode Support

Okay, this one might not sound like such a big deal, but if you are using a regular file server, you will find that there is a bit of trouble with Unicode file names. The problem that surfaces is that files with Unicode names will simply not show up or will not be accessible when you are using a HTTP server or a standard FTP server unless the developer specifically states that it has Unicode support. A Microsoft SMB on the other hand will have all the support in the world, meaning employees can name files anything they want. This is much easier than giving users a list of characters that they can and cannot use in their file names.

There are many benefits to using a Microsoft SMB. It will help your business immensely and help to increase productivity.

Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who writes for a number of UK businesses. For information about Network Solutions, he recommends Prodec Networks.

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