Small-business server alternatives
Updated December 19, 2005

You can't always get what you want, and sometimes what you want isn't really what you need. Take servers, for example. If your business is small, you may not need a full-fledged server to handle basic business tasks, such as file sharing, printer sharing, Web hosting, and backup chores. Network appliances often lack the horsepower of a true server, but they may give you all the work capacity you need. One advantage of network appliances is that they're typically designed for ease of use, targeting owner-operated shops that may lack IT staff. Keep in mind, however, that these appliances have their limitations, and they don't provide the flexibility or the scalability of true servers.

Network appliances tend to be scaled-down computers running specialized software to handle specific business tasks. Some devices focus on backup and file sharing. Others let you host a Web site and provide your employees with e-mail accounts. Read our reviews to find the right appliance for the job at hand.