Recommended: Click here to run a Free driver update scan »
Fasthosts conducted a study into server computing solutions in SME businesses. Itexamined the basic solutions needed to set up a server securely in-house incomparison to using hosted services. The study revealed that many small businessesin the UK host their server in-house because of the out-dated belief that thisallows maximum access and security. Following an examination of the SME servercomputing environment, the opposite was found to be the case, as hosting a serverwithin the company premises requires careful consideration and preparation.
Analysis revealed that the minimum requirements for SMEs running a server in-houseare a power failure system to ensure the server can be shut down safely in case ofan emergency; SDSL internet connection for maximum upload speed; a remote controlcard for access to the server from outside the office; a firewall for security andadditional considerations such as air conditioning; physical security and remoteback up. The study found that the cost for these quickly add up and on an ongoingbasis impact the bottom line. (Source: National Statistics and Fasthosts' ServerSolutions Study, 2005)
However, when these systems are not in place, the future of any small business canbe at risk. Especially small businesses in London have a very low three-yearsurvival rate at 62.8% in contrast to Northern Ireland (72.4%), Wales (86%) andScotland (65.3%) (Source: Confederation of British Industry, 2005).
"In our experience many businesses are still stuck in 1980s computing mentality,"comments Andrew Michael, CEO of Fasthosts. "They need to move and embrace newcomputing practices. It is impossible to put value on data so it needs to be keptunder maximum security - data is the lifeblood of any business. Only a hostedenvironment offers the required security solutions in a cost effective bundle,however the SME market remains largely ignorant of this."
Fasthosts carried out the Server Solution Study to analyse its dedicated serveroffering and ensure it matches the needs of the marketplace. Fasthosts offershosted services for servers in a highly secure, air conditioned datacentre in theUK. The hosted servers can be set up instantly online and come with a private LAN,easy to use control panel, full remote control and firewall. An SDSL connection canbe added as well as secure database hosting.
The Server Solutions Study was carried out in November 2005 and examined the costsof essential solutions needed to host a server securely and safely in-house versushosting it at a remote data centre. The study examined the UK SME server computingenvironment, including all factors essential to secure maximum uptime and thesecurity of business critical data. Key solutions examined included airconditioning, SDSL, UPS, firewall, remote control card which are provided by mosthosting providers as part of a standard hosting package.
* * * * * * * * * *
About Fasthosts:
Fasthosts is the UK's largest independent hosting company. Based in the UK, andoperating 24x7 from their dedicated UK data centres, Fasthosts keeps over onemillion domains running smoothly and ensures over six million emails are deliveredsafely each day. All Fasthosts services can be self-managed through the awardwinning Fasthosts web-based control panel, enabling customers to set up and managenew websites, email accounts, databases, and other hosted services online.
Fasthosts was voted the number one webhost by tophosts.com in September 2005; wonthe Web Host Directory  ecommerce webhosting award and was also announced as thebest dedicated server package in August 2005 by HostReview.
Web: http://www.fasthosts.co.uk
C ontact details:
For any press enquiries, please contact:Elke Panzner or Sarra Mander at Rainier PRTel. + 44 (0) 207494 6570
