​Windows Server powers many of the world’s largest data centers, but it also delivers value to small- to midsize business (SMBs).  Windows Server 2012 redefines the server category, delivering hundreds of new features and enhancements that span virtualization, networking, storage, user experience, cloud computing, automation, and more.  For SMBs, virtualizing Windows Server 2012 through a cloud service provider can help transform IT operations, reducing costs and delivering an entirely new level of business value.

But why Windows Server 2012?
 
Windows Server 2012 provides a scalable, highly available platform for mission-critical applications and offers enhanced support for open standards, open source applications and various development languages.  Windows Server 2012 also makes it easier to deploy a virtual desktop infrastructure, and can lower storage costs. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Windows Server 2012 enables businesses to access IT from virtually anywhere, providing a rich Windows experience while ensuring enhanced data security and compliance.

For SMBs considering Windows cloud server hosting Windows Server 2012 offers optimum flexibility. Quality cloud service providers (CSPs) provide a number of Windows 2012 hosting plans, along with support for Windows 8 as well. These kinds of plans harness cloud solutions to advance the growth of SMBs.  Windows cloud servers offered through quality CSPs are 100 percent protected, 100 percent secure, 100 percent scalable and deliver 100 percent uptime. 

Windows virtual server hosting using Windows 2012 delivers a host of benefits, from the ability to select a graphical user interface to dramatically simplified licensing.  Its Server Manager offers multi-server capabilities, making it extremely easy to deploy roles and features remotely to physical and virtual servers. Windows 2012 incorporates integrated security features such as Dynamic Access Control (DAC) and adds Storage Spaces, a new feature that enables users to create a storage pool using inexpensive hard drives. Its Hyper-V Replica replication mechanism provides true disaster recovery capabilities to SMBs that might otherwise find that kind of solution unattainable due to cost constraints.

To ensure comprehensive data protection, SMBs considering a move to Windows virtual server hosting should expect free onsite and offsite backup using Application-Consistent Snapshot technology.  With Application-Consistent Snapshots, entire servers or individual files can be restored in minutes in a consistent state. Database and disk transactions are complete and free of data corruption.

Business should also require that their cloud service provider offer Perimeter Intrusion Detection Prevention and Perimeter Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware with Windows virtual server hosting. This ensures that every network transaction is inspected by unique perimeter devices, blocking known attacks and CVEs. Viruses and malware transmitted over unencrypted connections are blocked before they reach the client’s server.  

Windows cloud servers enable SMBs to stay lean and scale instantly when required. They permit organizations to do business anywhere, empowering them to be faster and bolder than competitors who have yet to make the move.

It’s now part of the conventional wisdom that cloud computing has altered the IT delivery model. The steady embrace of the cloud among businesses large and small does not, however, mean that organizations can or should let their guard down on matters of security and data protection. While cloud server hosting provides compelling benefits, security is an essential part of any discussion of cloud adoption. Mitigating security risks is imperative to creating a comfort level among CIOs and CISOs, to transition applications and data to the cloud.
 
Applications, systems and data all have different security thresholds.  Even in highly regulated industries such as healthcare or financial services, there are cases in which virtual servers make sense. For example, web, mobile and social can be moved to a virtual server without the same degree of security concern as there is for regulated information or mission critical applications. 
 
When deciding whether an application, product or service belongs in a cloud server, CIOs and CISOs must consider: 

• Type of data or application;
• Service-level agreement; and
• Security environment.

The decision to move to the cloud, especially the public cloud, should depend on the sensitivity of the data and the level of security offered by the cloud provider. The final question should be whether the business value offsets the risk.
 
Cloud service providers (CSPs) are beginning to put a greater emphasis on security protections, with technologies such as clustered firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS). In the cloud’s infancy, CSPs touted scalability, initial cost savings and speed. But the prospect of enhanced security in the cloud – indeed, that the better cloud deployments now mean that data is safer in the cloud than on a typical unsecured desktop – has altered the conversation. Organizations assessing cloud service providers can now seek out CSPs whose security controls mitigate the risks of moving to the cloud.

When considering a move to virtual server hosting, CIOs and CISOs need to check for audits of a CSP’s security controls.  Look for providers who have passed the SSAE (Standards for Attestation Engagements) No. 16 Type II audit, one of the most rigorous auditing standards for hosting companies.  The audit confirms the highest level of service and reliability attainable for a virtual server hosting company.  To be SSAE compliant, a hosting provider should offer SSL capability, enterprise-level, application level protection, hardware firewall, IP-restricted FTP, managed backups with 14-day retention, advanced monitoring and multi-level intrusion prevention.

In addition, an increasing number of CSPs are using the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Service Organization Control process (SOC), the organization’s certification of controls with verification for cloud environments. Some of the larger cloud service providers now publish SOC reports on their security controls. Mandates from CIOs and CISOs may be required before SOC reports are published by all cloud providers.
 
Now more than ever, cloud service providers are realizing that managing security is fundamental to facilitating cloud adoption. Those cloud providers concerned about safeguarding their clients’ data and applications are taking steps to mitigate those risks with tight security controls and transparency regarding those controls. 

RDX® Media
The entire family of RDX products utilize the same family of drive cartridges, making it really easy to manage a disk rotation, upgrade to add additional capacity, or simply to archive a drive in secure location. To accommodate varied requirements, RDX offers a variety of media types and capacities. 

RDX media is offered in three different versions:

• HDD-based versions with capacities from 500GB to 3TB
  These traditional hard disk drive models work just like the standard drives in your server or workstation and they offer the highest capacity options. 
• SSD-based versions with capacities from 128GB to 512GB
  Solid State Disks may be the right choice where higher data transfer rates are required, or in rough environments where resistance to shock, heat, dust, or humidity can be an issue. 
• WORM (write once, read many) media with capacities from 500GB to 1TB
  Write Once media is the ideal choice for archiving data that must be kept safely, without the option for it to be deleted or overwritten. It meets regulatory compliance requirements, and with its higher capacities, it reduces the number of media required.

Choosing a Scanner
​As you consider the move to an electronic document management system, selecting an appropriate scanner becomes an important consideration. While there are lots of options, they aren’t all created equal. There are some key capabilities that should be taken into consideration as you select the right scanner for your needs.

Flatbed vs Sheetfed
​In most business applications, the goal is to eliminate the handling and storage of all that paper. When it comes to scanning volumes of paper, a sheet fed scanner is the only way to go. Most sheet fed scanners are capable of handling mixed document sizes, so you don’t have to worry about sorting and separating documents before scanning. While there may be occasions that require scanning something that won’t go through a sheet feeder, the vast majority of business scanning will be paper documents.

​To accommodate both, there are scanners which feature both flatbed and sheet fed scan options. Most of the multi-function printer/scanner/copier systems will provide both features. Since many of these are also network capable, they are also easily shared with a workgroup. In working with the INTERAC Document Management System, Intersoft recommends sheet fed scanners, particularly for the personnel who are processing accounts payable invoices, or payroll.

Shared vs Personal
The hours saved through productivity gains should be the primary consideration in determining who should have a personal desktop scanner. In most cases, they will quickly pay for themselves in labor hours saved.
​
The most efficient workflows may necessitate a personal desktop scanner. For example: When processing incoming accounts payable invoices, it may be easiest to scan them as they are being entered into accounts payable. It would not make sense to get up and go to a shared scanner across the office between each entry. When scanning is part of the routine data entry process, a personal desktop scanner will be the right choice.

A shared network scanner may be the perfect solution for those on the team that only occasionally need to scan a document, or for scanning large batches of documents all at once. This feature may already available in your existing copy machine. If so, there is no reason not to take advantage of it. 

Stand-alone vs Multi-function
While it may sound attractive to have all the functions of a printer/scanner/copier/fax machine combined, when it needs to reside on your desktop, size matters. 

Having a dedicated small form factor desktop scanner may prove advantageous. The extra size and features of the multi-function units may just get in the way. For the same reason, you may decide against a flatbed scanner for high volume scan users. 

Before investing in hardware, consider the workflow requirements of each user and select the appropriate scanner options to meet their needs. 

With the INTERAC Laser Check option, you save both time and money by utilizing the less expensive blank check stock and automating the check printing process. With today’s low cost laser printers, why not set up a dedicated check printer to make it even easier. 

Having a dedicated check printer allows you to keep the MICR toner and check stock loaded, so you don’t have to remember to change them before a check run. By adding additional trays to the printer, you can even utilize different colored check stock. This makes it easy to differentiate between AP and Payroll checks, or you may use a different color for each company.  

Intersoft Systems recommends HP LaserJet Pro series printers to work with the INTERAC accounting suite. There are multiple models for which the MICR toner required for check printing is readily available. Before you select a check printer, be sure that MICR toner is available. The Troy Group is an excellent source for MICR toner.

Taking full advantage of the automation options in the INTERAC Laser Check package will allow you to streamline the check writing process.
•    Print the company name and address
•    Print the company logo
•    Print the bank information and routing numbers (MICR line)
•    Print the signature

The time saved by having a check printer always ready may be reason enough, but when you add to that the savings from not having to purchase pre-printed checks will more than offset the investment in a dedicated check printer. The convenience of not having to remember to change the toner, insert the check stock, or rerun the checks when you forget make this a smart choice. If your accounting system doesn’t offer these options, or you aren’t taking advantage of them, we are here to help.

​When implementing the INTERAC Accounting System, particularly in a multi-user setting, the advantages of a Terminal Server (Remote Desktop Services) will become readily apparent. Whether you choose a traditional server, a virtualized server, or a cloud hosted server, the same remote desktop functionality is available. Following are just a few of the key considerations.

Ease of Access
Remote Desktop connections provides the same Windows desktop interface you are used to using, but because the applications run on the server, it can be accessed using a variety of network devices. Make the system available to users on the device they prefer whether it is a PC, tablet, or thin-client. Not only can your office staff benefit, field personnel and remote staff can easily log in and run their business applications on demand. Create an icon on your desktop for easy access to log into the Terminal Server. When logged in, each user gets their own customizable remote desktop on the server, with their applications and user configuration settings. They can even use their own local printers and scanners.

Remote Desktop is an easy way to provide access to the INTERAC suite of applications to workgroups in multiple office locations. All that is required is a reliable internet connection, or you may choose to utilize a more secure virtual private network connection. Either way, all the data and processing is done on the server. Only the keystrokes and display information are being transmitted between the server and end user. 

Mobile field users can also utilize Remote Desktop connections to access the system, providing on-demand access the critical reporting information they need. INTERAC security controls what applications and information each user is allowed to access.

Data Security
Allowing individual silos of data on each PC creates all kinds of data management issues. Knowing that hard drives are one of the most frequent failures on a PC, it is much better to have your files on a server with more robust storage and backup options. 
​
Because servers typically have higher grade disk drives and utilize RAID drive configurations to further protect data from drive failures, they are a much more reliable and secure environment for critical data storage. Consolidating the data to a Terminal Server brings the data storage under the control of the server, which allows for much better data security and makes it much easier to assure that important data is properly backed up. This is particularly important with sensitive accounting data. Utilizing proper security protocols, prevents unauthorized access. In addition to Windows server security options, INTERAC security controls which portions of the INTERAC suite each user may access. Centralizing these settings to the server, it is very easy to maintain and update security settings when necessary. 

System Performance
While it is certainly feasible to utilize a file server for data storage, it consumes significant network resources when opening and saving files. This is likely to create performance issues that can easily be avoided by utilizing a Terminal Server. A file server configuration may be acceptable for small work groups, but we recommend a Terminal Server for workgroups of five or more users. 

System Maintenance and Software Updates
One of the biggest advantages of a Terminal Server is realized in the time saved in doing system updates. Because there is only one master INTERAC installation on the server, only one installation needs to be updated, making ongoing updates much easier to manage. Running the update on the server takes care of all the users at one time. That is much easier than trying to manage separate installations for an entire workgroup.
Instead of routinely upgrading a whole group of personal computers, you can focus the resources on a single server solution which will better utilize the processing power. With the important business applications hosted on the server, the requirements for the user PC or thin-client are minimal, allowing you to extend the useful life of existing computers. 

Remote Desktop (Terminal Server) Technology is built in
The Microsoft Windows Server 2008 & 2012 operating systems include these Remote Desktop capabilities. It is simply a matter of enabling these features and providing the user licenses. Likewise, the desktop operating systems are also capable of running the Remote Desktop client software to connect to the server. 

When the time comes to consider your next INTERAC server upgrade, Intersoft Systems would encourage you to take advantage of a Terminal Server with Remote Desktop connections. Take advantage of all these time saving features on a traditional server, a virtualized server, or on a hosted cloud server. We would be happy to help you select the appropriate option, or even supply the hardware or hosting services. Let us know how we can help.

Intersoft Systems has had excellent results using Tandberg Data’s AccuGuard™ data protection software for reliable automated backup and recovery. The integrated powerful data deduplication will help you to increase your effective storage capacity allowing you to store up to 20 times more data. AccuGuard optimizes the data at the source, resulting in dramatically improved backup windows and network bandwidth.

Whether you need a simple backup solution just for your INTERAC accounting data, or you want an enterprise wide backup solution, AccuGuard has a solution for you. Not only is it powerful, but it is also easy to implement and use. 

Tandberg Data AccuGuard™ Server for RDX® is a Windows®-based backup and recovery software which works with Tandberg Data RDX® QuikStor™ and RDX® QuikStation™. It is an easy-to-deploy solution that protects physical and virtual Windows servers and desktops. AccuGuard data protection software delivers reliable, automated backup and recovery utilizing a powerful data deduplication engine designed to increase your effective storage capacity, allowing you to store up to 20 times more data.

Key Benefits

• Automated data protection - Set it and forget it data protection with point-in-time recovery and automated verification that ensures every file is saved correctly and without corruption
• 20:1 data deduplication - Increases effective data storage capacity for maximum value
• Bare Metal Recovery
• Integrated Microsoft SQL & Exchange Protection - Specialized protection plans provide full protection with optimized data reduction
• Protection of Network Shares - Protects NAS devices and other accessible file shares
• Browsable Backups - Enables searches down to the version level for quick file discovery
• Drag and Drop Restore - Simplifies file recovery by eliminating the requirement to run a "Restore Job"
• Point-in-Time Recovery
• RDX® Media Manager - Makes managing media for offsite and archive a breeze
• Simple User Interface - Removes the pain and frustration associated with traditional backup software
• Email Notification - Sends a backup- and recovery-report to an email address

Tandberg Data AccuGuard™ Enterprise is a powerful Windows®-based backup and recovery software. It is an easy-to-deploy solution that protects servers*, virtual servers* and desktops* and even remote computers*. This robust data protection software delivers reliable, automated backup and recovery utilizing a powerful data deduplication engine designed to increase effective storage capacities by up to 20 times compared to traditional data protection methods.

          * additional licenses are required for add on servers and desktops
 
Product Overview

• Client Server Backup - Supports all servers and workstations even if they are at remote locations
• Source based Deduplication - Decreases size of backup datasets at each client for minimal network bandwidth consumption and backup target utilization
• Single Instance Storage - Eliminates data redundancy across all clients for even more storage savings and more recovery points
• Scale as you grow - Easy integration of additional Clients, no need for more processing resources in Backup Server due to client based deduplication
• Multiple Backup Targets - RDX, local Disk and Network Shares can be used as backup targets
• Backup Copy Jobs - Enhances disaster recovery capabilities creating off-site copies on RDX
• Flexible Data Retention - Number of kept recovery points can be specified to free up space on your backup target and help with compliance requirements
• Agentless Client Backup - No additional software to install, easy addition of further clients, simplified software maintenance
• Data Seeding - Possibility to perform initial backups at remote location and incorporate them to the backup server
• Easy User Interface - Removes the pain and frustration associated with traditional backup software
• File verification, quarantine and repair ensures files are saved without corruption

RDX Family Brochure

​Intersoft Systems recommends the Canon DR-C225 scanner as an ideal option for general purpose scanning all across the company. Whether in the corporate office, the accounting department, or remote offices, this scanner is well-suited for use by individuals or small workgroups to modernize paper-based processes, helping to increase efficiency and productivity. When combined with the INTERAC Document Management software, DR-C225 scanner users can benefit from its small size and ease of use in scanning documents into the INTERAC Applications. 

Intersoft Systems recommends a Terminal Server implementation for workgroups using our INTERAC accounting suite. The addition of the Document Management System and the need to scan documents to applications on the server has made “remote scanning software” a critical piece of the system. ​

The Challenge:
Because desktop scanners are typically attached to the local PC, they aren’t seen by the server operating system. This means that applications, like the document management system, running on the server can’t see these desktop scanners. All it takes to overcome this challenge is a small piece of software to enable the server to access these scanners. 

The Solution:
With a remote scanning application, users can use the scanners on their desks with their Terminal Server applications, just as if they were connected to the server. OCR Solutions’ Virtual Scan application is an ideal solution.

Network attached multi-function copier/printer/scanner/fax machines will certainly provide scanning capabilities to a workgroup, but they don’t provide the convenience and efficiency that comes with having the scanner on the user’s desktop. The time lost in walking back and forth to the scanner, or waiting your turn, can easily be eliminated by having low cost desktop scanners available to each user. This is particularly important for the personnel responsible for the bulk of the scanning volume. 

Take a quick look at the HP ProLiant ML350 Gen9 Server, a premier 2P server, delivering a class-leading combination of performance, availability, expandability, manageability, reliability, and serviceability.

When you need to increase your business productivity and improve operations while balancing your employees’ mobility, and security needs, all within your limited IT budget, the HP ProLiant ML350 Gen9 Server delivers a class-leading combination of performance, expandability, manageability, reliability and serviceability making it the choice for INTERAC applications. 

ML350 Gen9 Server leverages the Intel® Xeon® E5-2600 v3 processors with up to 70% 1 performance gain, plus the latest HP DDR4 SmartMemory offering up to 14% 2 performance increase. Additional support for 12 Gb/s SAS, embedded 4x1GbE NIC with a broad range of graphics and compute options. 

The ML350 Gen9 Server is ideal for mission critical applications like your INTERAC accounting suite.

How much of your business critical data is scattered across a variety of personal computers and servers throughout your organization? How do you get all that data backed up and secured? Well Tandberg Data offers a series of RDX products which can take care of this for you.

RDX QuikStation 4
The Tandberg RDX QuikStation 4 is just one model in the RDX family, but it is worthy of consideration. 

• The system includes 4 individual drive units which will accommodate a variety of removable cartridge sizes. 
  
• The removable hard drive cartridges are easily changed, so keeping an off-site backup drive rotation is no problem.
  
• The system utilizes 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports, so installation is simple.
  
• The AccuGuard software is very user friendly, making it easy to set up your backup routines, and retrieving data is easy, because it uses a familiar Windows Explorer interface. 
  
• Selecting the appropriate files, folders, or drives to include in a backup is also a simple process, using the familiar Windows Explorer interface. 
  
• Backup jobs can be set to run automatically, and scheduled during down time. 
  

When the time comes to upgrade your systems, or if you are just looking for a better way to manage your backup needs, we would recommend the RDX solution. Contact Intersoft Systems if you want more information, or have questions. Links to some additional resources are included below.

Additional Resources:
Tandberg RDX QuikStation 4 – Benefits
Tandberg RDX QuikStation 4 - Datasheet
Tandberg Data AccuGuard – Automated Backup and Recovery Software
RDX Media – Removable Disk Cartridge Options

Published 6/18/15 by Eyal Barsky, CEO of OCR Solutions, Inc.

Remote scanning has become a software solution for many businesses looking to scan from within a desktop session in Terminal Services, Citrix, and Windows. Simply put, remote scanning software allows a person to scan directly to a remotely hosted application. This can make life very simple around large offices with a constant workload. Remote scanning software is also very user-friendly, running simply in the background of the desktop not interfering with of your computers’ speed or performance. The software must be initially installed and set-up, but then nothing taxing is required for it to work. In fact, to the users there is really no setup time, all they need to do is hit the scan button on the remote application, choose their scan settings and the image appears immediately on the remote server! The scanner you have connected to your desktop would be used as it always was, just with the ability to share documents over a server. Some of the benefits to remote scanning are:

• The ability to work with any TWAIN-compliant device as well as webcams for imaging and scanning directly into Terminal Server or Citrix hosted applications.
  
• The use of effective, lossless compression - Network traffic will not be noticeably slower during the transfer of images. The software compresses the outgoing file along with encrypting it on the sending side and unzip’s the file on the server so quickly it is virtually like scanning on one’s desktop.
  
• The allowance of multiple scanners to be network shared - A server can detect individual scanners as long as they are attached to a desktop.
  
• The ability to lock scanner settings for network impact limitation - DPI resolution and color are consistent with the software, which also limits network impact.
  
• Remote scanning software is universal and works with any international system around the world. There is no limitation whatsoever on foreign language applications.
  
• Some organizations use the system to share scanners on a network which is similar to sharing a printer.
  

With most businesses looking to increase workload in lesser time specifics, remote scanning software can most definitely help with this issue. The software allows businesses to perform daily tasks of cohesion as quickly as a push of a button. If you are looking for a remote scanning solution please consider using VirtualScan,OCR Solution’s most advanced and easy to use remote scanning software. To get your free trial please click on the link above or go to www.ocrsolutions.com

Other Articles:
Desktop Scanning with a Terminal Server
Selecting An Appropriate Scanner

Much has been said over the past several months about the scheduled end of support for the Microsoft Server 2003 operating system. If you still have these legacy servers running critical software, now is the time to consider upgrading. There are all sorts of good reasons to upgrade. Here are just a few:

Security Risks
Microsoft will no longer be providing security patches, leaving the system open to potential new threats from hackers and malware.

Application Compatibility
Application developers will not necessarily continue providing backward compatibility of their application to legacy systems, which could cause application updates not to work on an older server.

Many applications are now being produced in 64 bit versions. Taking advantage of the enhancements that come with the 64 bit versions of your applications requires a 64 bit system.

Hardware Compatibility
Most new systems are built on a 64 bit architecture where most of the Windows Server 2003 systems would have been 32 bit systems. There could be issues with legacy peripherals which do not support 64 bit drivers. It is always wise to check with the suppliers to be sure that key devices are supported before you begin the conversion.

Support & Maintenance
As legacy system age, it is inevitable that components will begin to fail. The older they are, the less likely it will be that repair parts will be available. Waiting till there is a catastrophic system failure is not the best way to manage the upgrade process.

Other Resources:
CRN Test Center: 11 Windows Server 2003 Migration Pitfalls To Avoid
5 Security Risks Of Sticking With Windows Server 2003