U5 Documents

By: Soren "Frank" Munch, CEO, U5com Co Ltd.

Introduction

One more computer in your office ...

... but the function is different

• The serve is specialized for allowing others to do their work faster and easier.
• You don't turn it off. At night it works for you too, e.g. by doing backup, checking for viruses, downloading mail etc.
• It is designed for extreme stability, running special server-software and using high-quality hardware.

1. allows the users to have access to the files they need and makes them sharable in a safe and practical way.
2. allows the files to only be accessible by the users the management decide should have access
3. allows the management to have central access to all files in the office
4. allows some users to read and copy some files, but not to change these files...
5. ... thereby automatically protecting these files against loss - by user errors, disk crashes, virus.
6. prevents files from being accessible if the server or its disks falls into wrong hands (*)
7. always has at least two harddisks to protected against loss if a disk should break
8. allows secure access to company files from outside the office (if the company want such access, of course)

Peer-to-Peer network (no server)	Server-based network
Safety of users private data
The users save their own e-mail, documents etc. on their harddisk. So the company must safeguard the data on all computers. In praxis this is very hard to do properly so any disk crash or virus attack will mean loss.	All users store all data on the server. The server is equipped with built-in automated routines to ensure back-up of data. Losses are rare.
Safety and availability of shared data
If files need to be shared they are put in a shared folder on a users computer. If this computer goes down no users have access to the file.	Shared files are on the server and independent of any PCs fate.
Management's Availability of PCs "Shared Folders"
The management has access only to shared data and only if the users PC is turned on.	The management has access to all data, anytime.
Management's Availability of non-shared Data
The only access to such data is by going to the computer and turning it on and operate the PC.	The management has access to all data, anytime.
Stability of Shared Data
A Windows PC is not a stable environment to host shared data. User errors, virus and harddisk-failures are common, and immediately result in lost data.	The server is an extremely robust and stable environment. A U5 Confidence server does not get attacked by virus. Harddisk-failures are not something "hoped never to happen", it is a practical (though very rare) reality against which elaborate measures are taken.
Upgrading/Repairing a PC
When a PC needs repair or upgrade it has to be serviced while it contains files. Any accident during this process will result in lost data. In addition there is an obvious security problem.	The PC does not hold important files company files as they are on the server. It can be serviced with no risk for loss or theft.
Deleted files
Deleted files are still accessible using special tools, unless the deleting user takes precautions. Often this results in confidential information being accessed when a disk is replaced.	Deleted files on the server is truly gone for good. Of course, the server back-up system protects against loss.
Connecting a new PC
The new PC will have to be set up specifically for the user that is supposed to use it and the role it has in the network. Shares and pheriperals need to be installed. This strongly complicates the installation.	Acquiring a new PC is a matter of installing software on it and connecting it. No special network-functions for the PC need to be added.
User out-of-work when PC breaks down
The users files are on the PC with problems. This user can not access any files while repair is going on.	The user can use another PC. All work done from the other PC is on the server.
User slowed down/halted when his PC performs double roles
The user with shared resources will experience slow operation when other access these resources on his PC. If several users request services at the same time the PC can malfunction due to overload. To ensure that this does not happen, each resource-sharing PC needs to be purchased with overcapacity.	No user uses any other users PC. The server is delivered and optimized for taking care of many users at the same time.
Peripherals are down when the serving PC is down
If e.g. a printer is connected to the PC of another user no users can print if this PC is down.	All peripherals are connected to the server. Downtime of a PC only affect the unlucky user.
Privacy and security of data
Company data are spread on different PCs, where it is hard to control what happens to it. In praxis true privacy of files are non-exsistent.	Company data are on a server specifically designed for security.
If PCs or harddisks are stolen
A stolen harddisk will give full access to all data on it.	Stealing a U5 Confidence server or its disk gives no access to data, which are stored with military-grade strong encryption.
Encrypted Backups
The difficulty of performing any sufficient back-up routines at all at users' PCs are discussed above. But if and when data is backed up it the backup is a security risk by itself. Only trusted individuals can handle the backup.	U5 Confidence server delivers encrypted backups. Any person can be involved in the process.
Attacks from the internet
Each PC connected directly to the internet is open to attack, anytime, regardless of the users action. The cost and difficulty of keeping up firewalls on each PC is high and in praxis it is not done. In addition, the Windows XP firewalls are not industrial strenght.	The server has an industrial strenght firewall, IPFW. Attacks against users' PC (without 'help' from the user) is for a large part impossible, for the rest very difficult.
Multi-dependencies increases the risk of problems
When several PCs (serving shared peripherals) are needed to work correctly to have the network fully functioning the chance of network failure are proportionally increased. In addition users' PCs are not too stable.	All functions are up as long as the server is up. The server is specifically designed for extreme stability.

1. "Computers are troublesome enough already. We don't need one more device to give me even more headache!"
2. "Though not perfect we have something usable already. I worry about breaking it up."
3. "We don't have time right now."
4. "We are too small."
5. "We don't have the time to educate the staff to use it as a part of their work."
6. "Who should maintain it? We don't want to employ an IT-expert."
7. "A server costs money."
8. "I feel uncertain about what it is all about."

1. Computers running without a server are much more troublesome in every way. See above!
2. There is not much 'breaking up' to do.
3. Hardly any time is needed. But by not having a proper infrastructure you pay with your and your teams time every day.
4. Are you two or more full-time working people? Then you are not too small.
5. There is no education needed. All office work goes on just as usual.
6. Our servers need very little maintenance. And we do it for you.
7. Yes, it does cost money, but working without it is much more expensive in every way. See below!
8. This is why I have written this document.