Do I need a Server?

Gene Bohn

Do I need a Server?

Many small businesses debate the need for and value of a server on their network. While a server provides features not seen on a peer to peer network, there is additional cost and maintenance as well. 

There are times when a server is required, other times when it is very helpful to have, and at other times it is not of value. Often the need for a server falls into the gray area of "helpful to have" rather than clearly "required" or clearly "not of value".

A server falls into the "required" category if you run software that requires a server. Many business and contact management programs, internal e mail servers, and specific applications fall into this group. In these cases, the program or programs you plan to use have made the decision for you. Of course, you should also ask yourself if the selected programs that require the server are the best for you – as you may find alternatives that do equally well for you without the server.

A server falls into the "helpful" category if you wish to control network access centrally (via the server), have people store files centrally (on the server vs. on their individual pcs), if you wish to control the access to server stored files (e.g. set it up so only accounting and management people access accounting files, only Sales people can access sales files, etc), if you wish to provide server driven services (like virus protection that is updated to the server and then fed to the pcs from the server) and in other similar uses. Often the added control and efficiency centralized at the server more than pays for itself.

If none of the above conditions are of benefit, you may be better off without a server.

Server use usually grows markedly beyond the original forecast. This is most often seen within 12 – 18 months after the first server is installed. Server configuration and set up often equals the hardware cost so you don't want a unit that shortly after install needs to be replaced with a larger unit.  Select a unit with a prudent level of growth room for likely additional uses. Make sure that memory and storage can be expanded. Often it is wise to have a unit that can take a second processor in the future to greatly increase server performance at minimal cost. While a unit with future growth room may add a little to initial hardware cost, it usually pays for itself in 12 to 18 months - when you need more capacity. 

While server storage can, and in most cases should, be redundant to reduce data loss danger from hard drive loss, you also need to back up the server and store the back up securely, preferably off site. Usually this is addressed daily. This is minimal added maintenance and can be done by a responsible, trained, non-technical person. This task should also have an alternate person to cover for absences. Periodically there are other tasks that need to be addressed – and these are often done by a technical person. The frequency and nature of the tasks are usually governed by the server's use.

Usually you are best served by reviewing this with technical people who can assist you through the process and help make the appropriate decision for you. You should focus on what you wish to do now, in 18, and in 36 months. Your technical assistants will use this to determine how to do it best.

E Commerce Technology Michiana, Inc. welcomes the opportunity to examine in detail your location, discuss the prudence of a server for you, help you decide upon suitable hardware, and all other issues so you do not end up with unbudgeted surprises. Call us at 574 848 9386 for a no cost, no obligation initial discussion of this or any other Computer or Phone system question you may have.

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