And, unfortunately, finding the best choice for you can appear to be quite a mystery.
Why is the Right Server Important?
Servers have transformed the way small businesses operate. And, with their falling costs and improved efficiency, there has never been a better time to start using one.
With so many devices needed to run a business, there are several opportunities for things to get organized – which can be not only time-consuming but also costly. But, this is where a server comes into play. A server can help small business by:
Performing system-wide backups and administration Sharing documents and acting as a central file repository Completing print and mail serving Hosting databases
Ultimately, your server will help you meet and overcome all the challenges involved with IT – such as managing your cooling and power requirements, simplifying your data center management, and therefore, reducing your administration costs. And, basically, all you have to do is locate the right server for you and continue monitoring your server health. But, with so many options and so many providers, there are quite a few to choose from. So, how do you narrow it down?
Tips to Choose the Right Server
Choosing the right server is almost like choosing the right employees. You have to go through a long list of processes to narrow down what it is exactly, that you are looking for and what exactly it is that they offer. These helpful tips will give you some direction to choose the right server on where to begin:
1. Determine the best operating system for your business.
First, you need to familiarize yourself with the various brands of server operating systems and what makes each one unique. For example, one of the most popular servers operating systems is a Linux-based system. Here are the perks: it is preferred by expert system administrators, it is typically free, and it supports a variety of high-quality open-source software. However, like with everything, there is a catch – a Linux-based system often comes with a steep learning curve which might prove to be too much for your small business to handle. Other options that might work better for you include Android, Apple iOS, Windows, and Ubuntu.
2. Determine what types of servers there are available.
Next, you need to determine what types of servers there are that are compatible with your chosen operating system. There are cloud servers and dedicated servers. In comparison: A cloud server consists of a complete server environment and is close in similarity to a dedicated server. But, the main difference is that a cloud server is actually a virtual machine just running in software. On the other hand, a dedicated server is actually a physical server, and it is only used by your single business. And, of course, each offers its benefits: A cloud server can quickly accommodate the new and changing demands of a business. In addition, you can deploy as many cloud servers as you need to without any delay. Whereas, a dedicated server can offer everything from the support of a busy website to hundreds of gigabytes of memory.
Things to Consider
Of course, you might not find one that goes above and beyond everything you need that is also within your price range. But, here are a few main aspects you should consider about the server:
Capital expenditures Autonomy Efficiency Elasticity Reliability Security Mobility
All in All
As with just about any business decision you will ever make, when choosing a server, it all boils down to what your business needs the most. Each server will offer a standard set of benefits, and each one will have something unique. Start by doing your research to determine the various aspects of your options and then determine which one has all or most of what you need. The server that offers you the most services you have listed on your check-list of wants is the best server for you. And, it is the best bang for your buck. Have you recently invested in a server for your business? Share your experience with us in the comments. Was it a difficult process? We’d love to hear from you!
