One often wonders how to navigate the choice of an enterprise server.
In fact, it is now unthinkable for acompany to manage its workflow without using a server.
Quite trivially, servers could be defined as large computers capable of storing data and managing it centrally.
In the business context, several clients can connect to one server, saving time.
Clients have, then, the ability to centralize their work, managing data in one space: in an orderly and non-dispersive manner.
But how to navigate the process of choosing an enterprise server? And, most importantly, is it always worth buying one?
Which enterprise server to choose? First of all: what are we talking about?
From a technical point of view, the server is an incredibly sophisticated machine designed to process data.
We are not talking about ordinary computers, but about machines designed to store a boundless multitude of information, managing it in an orderly manner, controlling client access and the flow of services at the pace decided by one’s business needs.
The technical side of the server
The servers essentially consist of two machines-one control machine-and a software system that very efficiently manages the flow of data.
We can say that the server is essentially a computer-it does have a CPU, RAM memory, several USB inputs-but with some substantial differences, due to the fact that it is designed to work at different regimes and with different amounts of data.
For starters, the design will definitely be more massive and robust.
In addition, a server may have more CPUs, each with several cores: this is to make multitasking possible.
Memory and storage capacities will be far enhanced compared to a traditional pc: there will be bays for multiple hard drives.
In servers presenting a certain quality, these compartments are “hot swappable”: they can, therefore, be handled without the need to turn off the device.
Server security
The server is designed to remain accessible all day long.
It features elaborate security systems to prevent data loss: continuous back ups, mechanisms designed to nip sudden failures in the bud, and even ways to protect data even during disasters such as fires and floods.
Security, on the other hand, is one of the most important and sensitive aspects within business processes.
Which enterprise server to choose? Why do it?
The question arises whether it is really necessary for a company to have an enterprise server.
Clearly, it will be the needs and nature of the business that will tell you: the expansion, the flow of work, the growth of services and staff.
Keep in mind, however, that even a small business, in today’s world, may find itself in need; even for small services.
An enterprise may need it for the following reasons.
- the compulsion to keep a backup of data on an external storage drive;
- The need to share files and services among employees;
- The development of solutions capable of averting any loss of data and continuity of production rhythms;
- The use of software designed to manage accounting, job order organization and customer relationship(CRM) services
Of course, depending on need, one choice might be considered over another.
Managing email and customer contacts is a different matter from a complex web project with large resource needs to share.
In any case, however, the server can confer a whole range of advantages that should not be underestimated.
The advantages in choosing a server in your company
Usually, one finds oneself weighing the use of the enterprise server when a company’s needs and services increase.
The transition from a company of a few employees to one with a complex organization can be traumatic if you do not have the right technology tools.
These days, optimization and implementation are important-every resource must act in a synchronized manner, with immediate access to any data and information.
These are benefits that can be provided precisely by an enterprise server.
The server allows
- Share resources stored in machine storage space, with periodic backups to prevent data loss;
- Use applications simultaneously: these, stored in the server, will no longer have to be updated each time by individual employees. Work will thus be smoother and faster;
- Manage the company site or email in theone server workspace;
- work simultaneously on a single business document, avoiding the problem of duplicates;
- Establish priorities regarding access: some resources will be available to everyone, others will not. This can be very useful in terms of security.
Types of enterprise servers
For a company that decides to use a corporate servant, there are many types available.
All of these should be evaluated according to one’s needs.
- Dedicated server: are servers designed for a specific purpose through sophisticated resource planning. Each need is calculated and modulated, in an engineering way, based on an ambitious IT project. It is based on waste reduction and careful study in design. Resource access is reduced to the host and a client; the server is located in the provider’s data center and has a high degree of security. Only flaw: extensions and upgrades are small.
- Bar metal server: this is a solution somewhere between a dedicated server and a cloud server. It is always designed for a single client, but has, in the context of a very powerful hardware installation, several advantages of expansion and scalability typical of a cloud tool. Upgrades and performance increase, unlike dedicated servers, can be achieved more easily.
- Cloud server: is, nowadays, one of the most requested services by companies. This is because of a number of advantages due to its flexibility and modularity of the resources used, depending on one’s business needs and project requirements, as well as its economic aspect. Compared to the traditional server, it has some redundancy in the hardware component. It is no longer a closed system, but rather data transferred to multiple hard drives. A disadvantage of this solution, however, is the so-called “Noisy Neighhour” effect: the use of more resources than are needed, by a user, could compromise, on the spot, the stability of the cloud server service.
How to choose your enterprise server?
The answer, therefore, is always based on one’s business needs.
Definitely, our advice, if you are a modest business, is to turn to scalable cloud solutions, without making a big deal of it; or a very simple NAS (network attached storage) if it is documents to be shared in word or Excel format.
The moment your resource and work requirements grow, however, it may be worthwhile to seek professional advice.
When you find yourself managing an Ecommerce, for example, depending on the traffic and resources available, you might lean toward using two enterprise servers: one for traffic management and the other for the database.
Other issues related to server choice
The choice of a server, often times, is not just based on a calculation of production needs.
There are other factors to consider, such as the certification of the data center and, if you wanted to purchase the server directly, power consumption, space availability, and maintenance.
Today’s servers look like tower computers: if you have, among your employees, a resource with high technical capacity, it might be very convenient, depending on the conditions, to take care of it yourself.
The services of Oltrematica
If you need to manage your business data in a way that is secure, fluid and commensurate with your workflow, Oltrematica can support you, offering advice on the best solutions to bring.
If you need, on the other hand, to transfer your documents to a digital archive, Oltrematica offers an archiving service: the documents will be managed through a server dedicated to the hosting service, which can be reached with the DOCMIO web application.