What is a Small Business Server and Do I Need One?

Every business uses computers and as your business grows, your business adds on new desktops, laptops, POS (Point Of Sale) systems, smart phones, tablets… Soon you have information everywhere that is only accessible on each separate device.

If this sounds familiar, it may be time for a server – a computer that delivers information and software to other computers that are linked by a network. A network of computers connected to a server is more efficient than employees working on individual non networked computers. If you have 5 or more employees, you need to consider investing in a network server. Below are a few of the reasons to invest in a server.

• Expensive hardware such as printers and scanners can be shared by users on the network.
• Data is stored centrally, allowing employees to easily find, share and modify data from their workstations/PCs.
• Security levels and password protection settings can be created in order to access information. Accounts for individuals and groups can be set up with rights assigned to the data stored on the server. For example, the sales staff could be set up so that they do not have access to employee personal records. 
• Increased reliability. A server differs from a regular PC because it can be equipped with redundant power supplies and multiple hard drives that work in a RAID configuration. To simplify, this means that if one of the server’s hard drives fail, it can operate on the other drives for a period of time until the failed drive is replaced. Also, if an employee’s work station fails, they can move to a new work station and continue working.
• Multiple operating systems can be loaded onto one server, using virtualization technology, allowing for less power consumption and much faster recovery in the event of a disaster. 
• Simpler backup.  Since all data is centrally stored on one system, rather than multiple systems, backup is greatly simplified.
• Resources can be freed up on all of your other computers. Since data and programs are not necessarily stored on each individual computer/work station, local hard drive space is freed up. 
• Make your work force more mobile. With the use of a remote server, employees that work from home or on the road, can access files on the server.

So what does a server cost? Many variables come into play, when determining what will work best for your network. A review of the systems that you have in place with one of our technology consultants will help to determine what is best for your situation. 

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