If you are running a Microsoft Exchange environment and have been for a while, you have probably at some point had to run an offline defrag of the Exchange database. This operation is particularly critical with database growth, or with frequent deletion and creation of mailboxes. It is also prescribed by Microsoft to fix certain issues that an Exchange database can experience. However, almost all Exchange databases require this maintenance at some point in their life cycle.
What is an Offline Defrag?
Essentially, an offline defrag creates a new database and copies all records and tables from the old database into the new file. It then deletes the original database file, renames the new database and then copies it into the original database’s location. One of the main reasons for doing this is
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Seems like magic doesn’t it? Most people haven’t really thought about how it works but they will certainly know when it doesn’t work. There are many stops in the journey of an email before you see that envelope in your system tray, but there is one crucial stop that is worth mentioning – the MX record.
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If you have a large number of computers in your business, you already know that there’s more to keeping them running effectively, legally, and safely than other assets your business may require. For instance, your inventory of desks don’t generally require patches as often as your inventory of laptops; and changing a light bulb at end of life is arguably simpler and less risky than replacing one of your application servers. In fact, if your business is run on more than a trivial number of IT devices, the business of managing the information about these devices may, at times, seem like it requires more effort than the actual running of your business.
Want to get the most out of your IT investments?
Here are a few suggestions that can make a big difference:
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Want to see greater value from your IT provider or IT department? Start by aligning your business strategies to your IT investments and initiatives.
Perhaps we are all casualties of the “new gadget of the minute” syndrome (did you just get the new iThing, its so much cooler than the Robodurdur that came out last month don’t you think?). The reality is that new technology is perceived more and more as a list of specs on a marketing slick or a set of features mostly comprised of numbers that are larger (throughput, memory, processing power) or smaller (physical size, weight, amount of dollars lifted from your wallet) than other competing products. While this increasingly commoditized view of technical innovation certainly has its place, particularly at the consumer level where it could be argued that this approach leads to a competitive landscape amongst vendors to build better devices at lower cost, when considered in the context of technology selection within an SMB IT strategy, it can lead to poor overall results and a low return on investment.
To effectively identify and select technologies that should be brought to bear in a small-business IT environment, it is always preferable to begin the conversation at the business process or business operations level. When we meet with clients to discuss their plans for the upcoming year, we often ask about the competitive landscape in their industry and how they are positioning themselves. In response the questions, we get answers such as “we’re just a small shop of 35 people” or “our operation is pretty basic, not a lot of interesting things to discuss on that front”. Opting not to review business operations in the context of IT strategy is a missed opportunity. IT initiatives can be a springboard to greater business growth and differentiation in your particular industry.
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On a quarterly basis, we see a significant spike in the number of hours spent on spyware cleanups. It’s one of those sad but true facts that as a managed service provider we simply must deal with. This certainly is not a part of our business that is a pleasant topic for us, but inevitably we dive and tackle what the newest variant is. It’s a pain point for our clients and, more than you would believe, for our engineers.
From an application standpoint, we do everything we can to reduce our clients’ vulnerability. This includes pressing our vendors for improvements and finding additional solutions. However, there is one sure-fire method to decreasing these incidents….
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Wondering what you can do to improve the performance and longevity of your computer? Jim Lippie, President of Thrive Networks, was one of several industry experts asked to contribute to a SecondAct.com Technology article, “Keep Your Computer in Tip-Top Shape”. This article written by Diana McCabe explores 10 easy ways to help keep your computer running smoothly and safely.
Jim Lippie suggests the following:
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Staples Network Services’ Senior Network Engineer, Eric Thompson, was selected as a featured contributor for PC World magazine’s ‘Tech Audit’ series. The ‘Tech Audit’ series provides hands-on technology expertise from some of America’s top IT professionals. Each week, PC World showcases serious tech makeovers performed by independent IT companies for actual businesses.
In the June 2010 edition, Eric Thompson outlines how he
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