Getting Full Value Out of Your Windows Server

As part of my job, I evaluate technologies and help businesses decide on what technology solution is right for them. Often times, this is done by evaluating an existing network infrastructure. By understanding what is currently in place, I am able to work with management to understand how the business needs compare to the capabilities of the current systems.  In many cases, I find that businesses aren’t taking full advantage of the technology solutions they have already invested in. Therefore, they aren’t getting full value for their technology investment.  By not using, or at least trying to use, the majority of the new features available in a product, you may not get full value for what you paid for.

This week I would like to list the Top Features in Windows Server operating systems that go overlooked or not fully utilized.

Most Overlooked/Underused Features in Windows Server Operating Systems

1) Technology: Windows Volume Shadow Copies

What is it: A self-service way for an end user to restore previous versions of files or recover mistakenly deleted files. Windows Volume Shadow Copy is a feature that has been included in all server operating systems since Windows Server 2003, and can easily be configured on your file server within minutes.

Business benefit: Reduce the amount of time it takes to restore files from backup

2) Technology: Group Policies – Folder Redirection

What is it: Folder Redirection policies work behind the scenes by automatically redirecting users to use a network file share to store their files, allowing all files to be backed up from a central location.  This also works great in conjunction with Volume Shadow Copies, allowing users to restore previous versions of files in the event of accidental changes.

Business benefit: Reduces the risk of business documents not being backed up

3) Technology: Group Policies – Remote Software Installation

What is it: Windows Server 2003 and newer offer features to automatically install software onto computers.  This can be done through group policies.  In addition, Windows Operating Systems can be remotely installed on computers using either Remote Installation Services (RIS) for Windows 2003 or Windows Deployment Services (WDS) for Windows 2008.

Business benefit: Reduce the time to install software on end-user PC’s

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