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.
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 Server
The 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
- When you have a server, you have a computer that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Your server not only provides a spot for you to store documents, but can also be used to enable network sharing of devices (such as printers or fax machines) and key business applications, and support overall network security.
- Some businesses—particularly small ones—will try to get away with using PCs as their servers. While it is possible to use a PC to deliver some server-like functionality, it cannot provide the full value of a true server. A true server should be able to run all the time, should have multiple hard drive slots (allowing for data backup and redundancy), and should be ready to scale to future growth. A PC might act convincingly enough as a server for a very small office, but it is not reliable enough to be used as a server in the long term—especially in a growing enterprise.
- Ultimately, the biggest benefits of a server are convenience and reliability. Having one central repository to manage the identity of all users and to store all company files, application data, and other resources ensures that every team member will have access to what they need when they need it. Additionally, a professionally configured server is backed-up continuously and runs consistently, meaning that your team will always be able to access files and other resources—even if a hard drive or the entire server crashes.
The Drawbacks of Having a Server
The biggest drawbacks to having a server, as you might expect, have to do with cost and maintenance.
- It costs money to purchase the server hardware and software and components to make it work. Installation, setup, and maintenance (including troubleshooting, updates, and ongoing monitoring), are highly technical and often time-consuming tasks that typically require ongoing IT support.
- Physical space may also be a constraint to having an on-site server. Servers are typically larger and can be noisier than smaller computers. They also require some degree of temperature control to run at peak performance, and ought to be secured in a locked room, or at least a locked server rack.
- If your company doesn’t have an IT team or sufficient space to house a server, having a server—at least an on-premises server—might not be a realistic option.
Server Alternatives
However, 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 365
For 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 Hosting
Another 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 Options
Lastly, 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 Upgrade
With 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.
- A Server protects business information by delivering a more reliable and security-enhanced infrastructure. It includes built-in firewall protection and security-enhanced remote access to help prevent unauthorized users from getting into your network.
- A Server helps to ensure network health by keeping your PCs and servers current with the latest updates.
- A Server prevents data loss with automatic data backups and allows you to easily retrieve accidentally deleted files and restore previous versions.
- A Server provides one central place to store business information, meaning you can better manage business-critical information. It’s easier for staff to find, access, and share information and schedules.
- A Server lets you accommodate a mobile work force. Staff can work from virtually anywhere, anytime, with access to e-mail, internal Web sites, network files, and even business applications from any Internet-enabled PC.
- A Server enables staff to share resources and equipment such as Internet access, printers, and fax machines.
- A Server allows you to provide high-speed internet access across a network.
- A Server gives you more processing power. It ‘supercharges’ your network, storing large chunks of data, freeing up memory and enabling individual PCs to perform better.
- A Server allows you to set up new computers, add users and deploy new applications more quickly and easily.
- A Server can help you present a more professional image to your customers. It enables you to run web services, manage web sites, create e-mail newsletters and exploit more sophisticated tools and applications.
- Server software enables you to consolidate your e-mail accounts with suppliers like google mail, Yahoo! and Hotmail into a single, company-hosted e-mail account, enhancing your image to customers and partners.
- A Server can give older PCs a new lease of life – by off-loading their files and data onto a server, older PCs work more quickly and effectively.
Air-IT – Microsoft server specialists
Air-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.