Member Article

Does your business need a server?

Does your business have more than 5 employees? If the answer is yes, then you should be using a server network. Whilst implementing a network is not necessarily a cheap or simple solution, the benefits to be had by businesses in adding a server to an IT infrastructure far outweigh any possible limitations.

It is surprising the amount of business that never both to implement a server into their IT network. Instead, the continue operating by emailing across documents or passing round USB devices. This is a very dated method of sharing data internally and is not anywhere near as quick and efficient as a server.

Many people are under the misconception that a server is no different from a typical desktop PC, and this is not accurate at all. Although almost any PC that meets the minimum hardware requirements can operate as a server, it doesn’t make it a true server.

A server is designed and engineered to manage, store, send and process data every single second of every single day. In order to accomplish this, servers offer a variety of features not typically found in a desktop PC, including:

• Dual processors

• Redundant hard drives

• How swappable components

• Scalability

• Ability to process data faster and more efficiently

Below, we have listed 5 key benefits you and your business would obtain from a server:

File and Network Security

Perhaps the most important role of a server is the network security it provides. By creating individual and group user accounts, admin and access rights can be assigned to the data files on the network, preventing unauthorised access of files. For example, the sales team doesn’t need access to HR documents.

Increased Reliability

All business owners want to see a reduction in working interruptions and a server can cater to this nicely. Redundant power supplies means that even if one of the power supplies fails it does not impact on the running of the system.

The same goes for the storage system of a server. In addition, the majority of servers are equipped with hot swappable hard drives which mean any replacements of faulty hardware can be done without interrupting the entire office. Likewise, if an individual’s workstation fails during the day, the can access the same content and files from another workstation.

Centralised Data Storage

With a network server, all of the users can make use of various resources from their own desks, increasing efficiency. These resources include centralised data storage, printers and fax servers and network attached storage devices.

Virus Management

One of the biggest threats to any network is the possibility of a virus from spyware and spam. Having high quality and updated anti-virus software on your server is necessary. Solutions that combine both a user’s workstation and a server offers a far greater experience and management to help prevent unwanted entry to your server.

Centralised Backup

All businesses should backup their data on a regular basis, ideally remotely as well as onsite. By having all company and employee data in one location, backups can be performed reliably and quickly. It also eliminates worry and hassle of backing up individual devices.

Finding the right server can be tricky and as a good server tends to be the unsung hero of a business’s computer network, investing in the right server is critical. Agile Group can help support you through the decision making process by analysing your existing setup and identifying the best fit solution.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Agile Group .