Managing your company's network infrastructure is an essential task that most of us try to put off for as long as possible. It doesn't have to be complex, expensive or time-consuming though, as the free SpiceWorks browser-based application shows.
This app is not only free, if you don't mind seeing some ads, but it includes the most common network management tools you'll need in a simple, easy-to-grasp interface that's also painless to set up. It will be especially helpful for underfunded and understaffed IT departments and for that reason alone it deserves its places on this list.
Read our full SpiceWorks review here.
IBM System Storage DS3512 Express
Well-equipped, quality storage arrays are no longer the sole preserve of businesses with huge budgets thanks to IBM's latest storage system. IBM's System Storage DS3512 delivers a fine blend of SAS-based storage features and is priced right for SMBs.
It's easy to deploy, performance is excellent and the levels of redundancy and expansion options make it highly versatile. Plus, no one ever got fired for buying IBM.
Read our review of the System Storage DS3512 Express here.
FaceTime USG-1030
Social networking can be a very powerful marketing tool, but in the wrong hands it can wreak havoc on your company's reputation. Although you could ban Facebook and Twitter usage within your company entirely, this would throw out the baby with the bathwater.
A more nuanced approach would be to control who can use social networking and exactly what they can do with it. FaceTime's USG-1030 appliance gives you this fine-grained control. It's a remarkably sophisticated and innovative tool any company that makes use of social networking would do well to consider deploying it.
Read our full review of the FaceTime USG-1030 here.
HP ProLiant DL380 G7
Rack servers are the silent heroes of any modern enterprise they often go unseen and unappreciated, but without them the IT infrastructure of many businesses would grind to a halt. HP may be better known for its printers and personal computers, but its ProLiant range of rack servers are among the best you can get.
The DL380 G7 is the standard by which all other 2U servers are judged. It has loads of expansion potential, is well-built and has a feature-packed embedded controller and quality bundled software.
Read more about the ProLiant DL380 G7 here.
