Does Your Business Need A Server?

As your business grows, you may find that your current IT patchwork of computers, routers, and printers just doesn’t cut it anymore. While you may be able to get by with just an internal network and a desktop to take care of your data storage needs for a while, you will likely eventually need a solution that is more secure, more robust, and easier to manage. If you are at that point, it may be time to invest in an entry-level server.

Servers offer several distinct advantages to small businesses, including centralized storage, data redundancy and reliability, and ease of management. Investing in a server sooner rather than later also helps you set up a flexible infrastructure that can be scaled as your business grows. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of a server:

• Designed for demanding tasks – Servers are designed to handle intensive back-end tasks like file sharing and hosting web applications. As such, these machines come equipped with both hardware and software that a simple desktop computer cannot match. Most servers, for instance, come with multiple processors and more cache for fast file access.
• Data redundancy – Most desktops simply cannot match the data security features that come standard on most servers. Desktops, for instance, usually come with only a single hard drive on which to store data. If this drive fails, the data is lost. Servers, on the other hand, have multiple mirrored drives. If any single disk fails, the data is still recoverable. Many servers also come with multiple power supplies, so even if one is lost while reading or writing data, the server can continue to function and the data is not corrupted.
• Security – When internet access is routed through the server, it can also offer increased protection from viruses and malware where individual PCs with a direct connection may be more vulnerable.

As your business grows, so will your technology needs. By thinking ahead, you can prevent potential problems and create an IT infrastructure that is as reliable and agile as you are. Check out the graphic for more reasons you may want to consider a server.