Eric is right on the money and said what I was thinking much more elloquently.
While a lot of users on AC use a Peer-to-Peer network configuration, I will confirm that a real Server-Client setup is much more robust and offers those functions that Eric mentioned (FTP, Webserver, company email). it also allows you remote access very easily and securely (however you can get similar features via
www.logmein.com I was Peer-to-Peer for 2 years, and in Sept 2007 went Server-Client. I used to have all sorts of problems with broken "links" to other computer's programs (like the office practice management software). We were slower and had no automatic backup or off site back up features. Don't underestimate the backup (until you lose your data).
I would suggest two other minor expense that will save you buckets of money:
1) check out
www.onebox.com Look at the Receptionist program, it's a very cheap answering service, $50/month. Way less than what I was paying a live-person answering service to do ($200-250/month), AND this connects the user directly to your cell phone, home phone, whatever phone. Also is a emai, fax, conference call center. It's ridiculous how many features it has. i've been using it since July 2007, no issues, not EVER. PLUS, no pager to carry around, just your cell phone and any other variety of numbers you can be at using the FindMeFollowMe feature.
2)You really should have a networked fax/scanner/copier. The expense will be a little more up front. However, the cost savings in toner/drums/paper will mount up very quickly. Since I've set up fax-->computer and computer-->fax, I can fax from any computer on my network, receive faxes on the server and never get a wasted cover page or aberant fax again. they just come across and PDF files. I went through one traditional fax and 2 "all in one's" before I came across the Muratec 1430 all in one. I thought I was saving money by going cheap up front, however I ended up spending 10 times the cost of my Muratec in wasted/duplicate paper-faxes, tone, drums, and staff time handling paper.
somethings to consider anyway....
