Today, several ways exist to store data at ideal prices for micro-enterprises. Learning how to choose servers for small businesses is essential for executives. Especially nowadays, investing in the right technology can quickly lead a business to success. A server works as a kind of computer with a lot of power and serves to centralize the data of public organizations or private companies.
A computer network improves processing and performance because of servers. This means teamwork becomes more productive, faster, safer, and interactive. An organization’s data can be integrated into servers for small businesses. For this reason, many experts say that a server represents the heart of any company’s information. You must use a server if your business works with two or more computers. Do you know why? See below.
Top Types Of Servers For Small Businesses
Two types of servers are widely used by small companies: fixed servers and cloud servers. The choice of servers for small businesses must be made according to the needs of your business. See below which option is best for your business:
Fixed Servers
Tower Servers
- Tower form factor server – Dell PowerEdge T110 II
- These versions are physically present in the company itself. You must reserve a space with the proper ventilation to install the server.
Rack Servers
- Rack format server: Dell PowerEdge R710
- They also require space to use in stacked racks and have a higher capacity, so they cost a little more.
- Using a rack server is best suited for small companies with teams with knowledge about servers. It is a successful choice for micro-enterprises with more space to store data in the short term.
Cloud Servers
Cloud server is a good option for small businesses for two reasons: (1) it is low cost and (2) remote access. A giant server center, also known as a Data Center, stores data in the cloud, so there is no need to reserve any physical space in the contracting company, and with any device, you have access to the computer network without being in person in the company.
This server is very successful among micro-enterprises because the services can be contracted on demand, so it is easier to expand or reduce the efficiency of centralizing data whenever you want. The best thing is that the team does not need advanced server knowledge due to the support and constant availability of services.
How To Choose Servers For Small Businesses
Consider The Company’s Demand
The first important point is knowing the difference between physical and cloud servers. The information given so far is helpful for a practical analysis of which server is ideal for your business.
Remember a little about the advantages of each server: Physical Servers Cloud Servers Access only to company computers Access to any authorized device Occupy physical space in the company do not occupy physical space in the company do not depend on third-party companies more flexible
Plan The Location Of The Servers In The Company
Using mobile servers requires an installation cost. Therefore, if your company is moving, it is more worthwhile to hire cloud servers. Otherwise, you will spend money to install everything again after moving. You can choose any of the servers if the business intends to stay in the exact location.
Think About The Type Of Operation Your Company Works With
In a working day, a company can have several operations that include the use of data, such as selling products, registering customer names, carrying out HR work, and moving money, among other activities. If you notice that the number of data operations grows little or has few fluctuations each month, you don’t need a comprehensive server to attach data to. Fixed servers for small businesses are worth it in these cases, mainly to have more confidentiality in the company’s information since the centralized content is not on the internet as in cloud servers.
When the volume of data proliferates or if there is a prospect of this happening in the short term, the best solution is to use cloud servers as they are more flexible to enter constant data at any time. On the other hand, when the company has a lot of data today and intends to reduce operations in the future, it is also worth using cloud servers. With this choice, you can quickly reduce server costs.
Take Your Team Size Into Account
A more significant number of people on the team can mean more data operations are needed, which requires spending on fixed servers in secure and robust racks. Cloud options are cheaper but are more susceptible to hacker attacks because access to information is online, making it necessary to hire a reliable and secure service.
A tower server can be helpful and safe for companies with small teams without plans to increase the number of workers and operations anytime soon.
Plan Space Availability
A current trend is the existence of compact and small offices. If there is no adequate space to install mobile servers, the choice of server must be in the cloud. The space required for fixed servers varies depending on the need to centralize data. It can range from a place equivalent to a PC to a large room full of racks.
Draw A Budget
Checking the available budget is one of the most essential points in choosing servers for small businesses. If the operations grow fast each month and there is plenty of money, invest in the fixed server in racks or the particular packages of cloud servers. When the growth of monthly operations fluctuates, there is little physical space available, and there are almost no resources at the cashier; it is undoubtedly worth choosing cheaper services, for example, a free cloud server. Remember: If a fixed server is installed, it is essential to remember that the company also pays for the installation. Also, consider the expense of special ventilation that requires an appropriate location for a physical server.
Also Read: E-Commerce Strategies: How To Create A Solid Online Presence
