Is It Time for a Server?

Is It Time for a Server?

Sure, you have used desktop computing for years and your business has several.  Employees routinely send documents and pictures using email and maybe copy them to each other’s shared folders.  No one needs another level of complexity that causes frustration.  Why might you consider adding a server?

Servers enhance business’ computing environment thorough increased opportunities for…

•         Administration
•         Software
•         Hardware
•         Networking

Consider the possibilities.

Administration opportunities

Managing a business includes responsibilities for insuring availability of critical data, prevention of loss and access by only appropriate individuals.  Servers offer several advantages.

Reliability

Server hardware and software come only in "industrial strength."  Critical enterprise operations depend on reliable computing.  Servers meet enterprise demands by design.  They include features missing from workstation equipment that enhance usability and performance.

Central backup and UPS

Storing business critical data on a single server enables convenient backup and protection against power interruptions.

Security and Access Control

Servers provide individual profiles for each user that limit access to only those files and programs necessary for completing assigned tasks and responsibilities.

Common applications

Complex programs that require significant processing run more efficiently on servers.  Less powerful workstations used as display terminals enable staff to use central programs economically.

Remote access

Servers manage connections from remote locations providing travelling employees access to local services and files.

“Single truth” location

Storing important business data in a central location eliminates the multiple workstation copies that can lead to confusion about accuracy and ownership.

Software opportunities

Server software comes with many built-in features and capabilities absent from workstation programs.

Web hosting

In addition to hosting the company web site, server software can include capability for individual teams to share documents and discuss projects using browser-based access.

Local email services

Consider hosting your company email in-house.  You can gain control of storage, retention, backup and access policies without restrictions imposed by outside services.

Active Directory Security

Using server-based management, access to company programs and data can be individually tailored for each user and computer in the organization.

Domain vs. Peer-to-Peer Networking

A server provides central management and reporting capabilities for program and data usage.  Monitoring capabilities notify administrators of updates and potential problems often before services become degraded.

IP addressing for printers, etc.

In addition to providing dynamic IP addresses for connected devices, servers provide networked appliances, like printers, specific IP addressing. 

Central FAX support

Adding a FAX-modem card to a printer provides central connection for sending and receiving FAX's that can be sent and distributed via email.

Hardware opportunities

Part of the "industrial strength" of servers comes from more robust hardware designs.  Workstation hardware running server programs provide only part of a server solution.

Redundant Power

Real servers require two power outlets.  Power supplies and fans typically fail first followed by hard disks, the only other moving mechanical component.  Servers provide two power supplies either capable of operating the machine without interruption and may also notify operators of failure.

Redundant disks

It's a RAID!  In this case a "Redundant Array of Independent Disks."  Servers include interfaces that transfer data between disks and memory more rapidly than workstaions.  In addition, several disks can be used together to minimize loss of data when a single disk fails.  (Computers include only two kinds of disks...those that have failed and those that will.  Got backup?)

Faster processing

Because servers run large programs, main boards accommodate multiple, powerful processors.  Today's low-end servers use 1-4 individual, dual-core processors.  Really powerful servers use over one thousand.  That's a lot of computing power.

More memory capability

The amount of memory supported by a particular server depends primarily on the operating software and ranges from 4 GB to 2 TB (that's 2,000,000,000,000 bytes) for the most recent offering from Microsoft.  That's a lot of instantly available DVD's.

Convenient Maintenance

Server chasses typically provide ready access to internal components for easy replacement.  In some cases, hard disks can be replaced without even turning off the power or interrupting activity.

Conclusion

As with all advances in computing, servers bring need for additional skills and consideration compared to basic workstations.  Weigh the gains described above and consider taking advantage of the opportunities.