From Workgroup to Domain.

The Two Modes of Networking

In windows, we find two modes of operations- domain and workgroup that are commonly used in different organizations.

The use of these modes is based on your business requirements. Most small and medium businesses work in domain mode while others run in workgroup mode.

There are different capabilities and features of domain computing set up over work group computing.

However, first, let’s discuss the infrastructure of these modes.

The Workgroup Network

A work group mode does not contain any dedicated server to centralize the usage of files, host a database, filter junk mail, or simplify user management. All management and administration tasks are handled via client machine on the LAN.

Workgroups can be understood thoroughly as a loosely connected group of machines. These machines rely on each other to share resources. There is not any centralized management control in workgroup set up as all tasks are managed in the shared workstations.

Domain Based Network

Domain based computing on the other hand, provides centralized security and management control in offices. User access can easily be controlled from a dedicated server, usually called a domain controller.

Domain mode works on the base of dedicated server that provides you, the business owner, control and space requirements that a workgroup cannot offer.

If your enterprise applications such as your accounting or ERP packages, residing on workgroup machines seem critical, you cannot afford the delay in the processing of these important transactions. You should consider switching your office set up from shared to a dedicated server.

Advantages of Dedicated Servers

Having a dedicated server, you get high availability and proper backups of these important applications and their databases.

Now, on a technical note, a dedicated server gives you the kind of control and space that a shared workstation cannot offer. It can improve efficiency of client server systems by using only one server for each processing application that exists within office. It helps you in troubleshooting and maintenance issues that can arise while using work group computing.

Every business owner wants full control over IT environment with security, network uptime and performance.
A dedicated server set up offers you protection, performance and freedom.

Many firms prefer to use dedicated servers in their offices because it provides them extensive environment control over their daily activities.
Administrators can easily work on dedicated servers even remotely to ensure that data centre environment is maintained and monitored to perfection.

Setting up a dedicated server requires some investment and planning but its payoff is worth the effort. Not only will you increase data security but will also reap longevity of your equipment and comfortable office environment for your employees.

 

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