If your team regularly collaborates on project documents, or if multiple people in your business need to have access to the same documents, data sets, or resources, then you might benefit from having a server. Show Some common software applications, like QuickBooks or other accounting packages, require a server if more than one person needs access to that application. However, thanks to the rise of cloud computing, many businesses have been able to utilize cloud-based solutions to deliver server-like functionality rather than maintaining a local server. The question is, which option is right for you? The Pros and Cons of Having a ServerThe first thing you need to recognize is that many businesses are unique where usage patterns and data storage needs are concerned. As a result, there is no “one size fits all” solution for these issues, and thus no easy answer to a question like “Do I need a server?” Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself whether having a server makes sense within your enterprise. To make that kind of decision, though, you will need to understand some of the pros and cons of having a server in the first place. The Benefits of Having A Server
The Drawbacks of Having a ServerThe biggest drawbacks to having a server, as you might expect, have to do with cost and maintenance.
Server AlternativesHowever, just because you don’t have an on-site server doesn’t mean that you can’t reap the benefits previously delivered exclusively from on-site servers. On the contrary, now there are various options for using cloud-based services for file storage and sharing, printer management, user identity management, and an ever-expanding list of commonly used applications. Office 365For example, Microsoft’s popular Office 365 family of collaboration services is designed to provide many of these functions and can be used to help eliminate the need for an on-site server. Even so, if you need access to applications like QuickBooks or other Line of Business (LOB) software, you may either need to consider using a web-based version (which may or may not suit your company’s needs) or consider other options for continuing to use the desktop version of the software (that’s another story for another blog post). Dedicated Server HostingAnother option may be dedicated server hosting. When you opt for dedicated server hosting, you are just renting the use of an off-site server from another company. This server will be entirely dedicated to your business, just like any on-premise server would. You can still use the server as a central file repository or as the hub for your company email system; it’s just in a building, likely a large commercial datacenter or “server farm”, somewhere else instead of in your office. Note that a dedicated server is not the same thing as a cloud server (although a cloud server is an option that your company might want to consider as well). With a cloud server, you are sharing server space with other entities in a virtualized storage environment. With a dedicated server, you get your own server. For your end-users, the experience will be similar, as you manage both types of servers remotely. However, the distinction is worth understanding. Cloud-Based OptionsLastly, it is work noting that cloud-based options may require additional Internet bandwidth. If you are considering such a solution you may need to consult with your Internet service provider to evaluate your options. Make Your Business Hassle-Free With a Server UpgradeWith a dedicated server or cloud server, you save your business the cost and hassle of having to buy, install, maintain, and upgrade an on-premise server. Some companies still prefer to operate their own servers—whether due to compliance concerns or simply because they have done so for so long and are used to it. However, cloud hosting and dedicated server hosting are especially popular for small or medium-sized businesses that don’t have the cash or IT resources to manage on-premise servers. Ultimately, most companies can benefit from having a server of some sort. The bigger question is about which type of server is right for your business. For help finding the answer, get in touch with Wooden Spoon today.
A Server is a powerful computer that holds data that is shared over a network and is an ideal solution to help centralise your business information and help you work more efficiently. Find out how a server can benefit your business.
A Server is a powerful computer that holds data to be shared over a network. The Server responds to requests for information from other computers – it “serves” files, data, print, fax resources and more to multiple computers on the same network. The word “Server” used to conjure images of big computer rooms tucked inside the bowels of a business, managed by tech specialists in windowless offices. Thankfully, times have changed! Today, Server-based networks can be found in many small businesses – some with fewer than five PCs. If sluggish PCs and files stored on disks are slowing your business down, a network Server could be the solution.
Air-IT – Microsoft server specialistsAir-IT specialise in Microsoft server installations and have extensive technical knowledge and expertise in deploying, migrating and supporting server solutions that meet the needs of the your business. If you’d like more information about the role a Server could play in improving the way you do business, or more details about any of our recommended Server solutions, then please contact us. Whatever your requirements Air-IT will find the right server solution to fit the needs of your business. |