By Cheryl Currid

IF you're like many home office workers, you've figured out that it takes more than a single PC to do business.

Chances are you're in a constant struggle to maintain multiple accounts for Internet access, e-mail servers and Web-hosting providers.

You also may be trying to manage devices like an Internet router and firewall, as well as file servers and print servers.

If that sounds like you, then wait until you hear about the Sun Cobalt Qube 3, from Sun Microsystems. This all-in-wonder appliance provides a multitude of services for your home office, all in a beautiful blue box smaller than most toasters.

After plugging in the device and turning it on, I connected to it through my Internet browser on a computer in my home network.

After a few simple steps, and in less than five minutes, I had a fully featured router that connected all my networked computers to the Internet. I also enabled its firewall feature to prevent unauthorized access from hackers on the Internet.

The Qube provides file-sharing services. So, files that I want to share with other computers and users on my network can easily be transferred.

I easily backed up some important files on the Sun Cobalt Qube 3 for safekeeping. The unit features RAID 1 Disk Mirroring. This means that data stored on the unit is copied to a second internal drive, basically a "mirror" of the main drive. In the case of a hardware failure of one of the drives, the other kicks in as a backup to prevent data loss.

For times when I'm away from the office, I set up the Sun Cobalt Qube 3 as an FTP server, which provides me secure access to files I specified. I can even connect directly into my home network, to obtain files or even print documents, through its remote access VPN server.

Keep in mind, all these services and applications are running in a cute blue cube that measures roughly 7.5 inches on each side. And believe it or not, this is hardly the tip of the iceberg -- or should I say "ice qube."

Additionally, the unit functions as a Web server. So you can design, edit and host your own Web site easily using HTML editing software like Microsoft FrontPage and Macromedia Dreamweaver.

But it doesn't stop there: It's an e-mail server, too. After setting up mailboxes, users can access mail using standard e-mail applications like Microsoft Outlook or through any Internet browser (inside or outside the home office) using a built-in Web interface.

And if you have printers that you want to share, the Sun Cobalt Qube 3 can host up to three network printers and one USB printer through the built-in USB port.

The best part about this incredible device is that everything can be quickly and easily enabled through its straightforward Web-based interface. So while you have all the capabilities of a big business with an IT staff, you can manage it all yourself through its simplified tools and clear interface.

When the unit is powered up, it emits a green glow that lights up the front of the unit. Not only does it function as a high-tech night light, but it receives copious compliments on style.

For all its complex and powerful features, Sun has done an incredible job at making this a truly usable tool that's compatible with an otherwise all-Windows network. For more information on some of its many features, check out the Sun Cobalt Qube 3 Web site at http://www.cobalt.com/. Starting at $1,149, this powerful appliance brings the true power of the Internet into the hands of everyone.