A server is the combination of hardware, a operating system and at least one server application that accepts incoming connections in order to service requests by sending responses across the network. This combination of hardware, software, and applications can fulfill roles for messaging, databases, file / print sharing, DNS, web services, and more. Typically, applications required to service requests are loaded onto servers to provide better performance and fault tolerance. These servers may also be "clustered" with other servers to provide even greater levels of performance and fault tolerance.

Server Hardware – Although servers can be built from commodity computer components—particularly for low-load and/or non-critical applications—dedicated, high-load, mission-critical servers use specialized hardware that is optimized for the needs of servers. Usually these higher-end servers are loaded with large amounts of disk space, multiple CPUs, large amounts of memory, and multiple gigabit network connections. ISI recommends, resells, and installs server hardware manufactured by HP, the world leader in server hardware shipments.

Server OS – Server operating systems coordinate the usage of processor, memory, hard disk, and network resources by coordinating the activities of multiple server applications. ISI recommends, resells, and installs 32-bit and 64-bit server operating systems manufactured by Microsoft, the world leader in server operating system shipments. This layer may also have smaller sub-layers should hardware or operating system virtualization be put into place. ISI recommends server operating systems manufactured by Microsoft Corporation.

Server Applications - Server applications reside on top of the server hardware and server operating system and respond to specific requests made by users and systems by sending back predictable structured responses. Examples of server applications recommended, resold, and installed by ISI include Exchange 2007, SQL 2005, SharePoint 2007, and ISA Server 2006. These applications come bundled with the Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 operating system and are recommended for all organizations with less than 75 users.

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