Servers Buying Guide

Servers are considered a necessity for a large company, or even a growing small business.  A committed server will make your business' technological operations run more smoothly, and will prevent your shared files from disappearing in the event of a network disaster.  A server can also allow employees to work remotely.  There is now a range of servers catering to the needs of big companies to technologically savvy home users.

Things to Keep In Mind

It's important to buy a server that suits your needs now and tomorrow. Make sure that you consider network expansion and scalability. Server systems can get pretty large, so physical space should be a legitimate concern. If you have to relocate your office to cater to your server, then you've probably made a poor purchasing decision. If your workplace doesn't have an IT department and if you're not a computer whiz, you'll also want to pick a compact system that makes set-up relatively painless. Remember that operating systems, rack devices and a cooling system also come with their own costs.

Types of Servers

There are essentially two types of servers, those designated to perform one function and those designated to perform multiple functions. What functions a server performs is largely dependent upon the system running on the machine. Multi-function servers are known as appliance servers.  These servers compact the duties of several servers into one. Single-function servers focus their resources on one particular task. Though servers have many capabilities, there are several respective duties that they are typically assigned. Here are the most common single-function servers ...

• Application Servers : These servers collect and redistribute data to optimise application performance. Application data travels centrally through this server providing for better security and performance. Application servers also let administrators centralise application settings.
• Web Servers : These servers accept requests from users on the Web and reply with information in the form of Web pages, images and other documents. Web servers can also log detailed user information. They throttle bandwidth, allow for multiple Web pages on one IP address and perform a host of other useful functions.
• File Servers : These servers back up files and allow them to be shared over a network of computers. File servers allow users to add and remove centrally stored files from remote locations. Network storage servers  are usually appliance servers that perform these and other functions.
• List Servers : These servers store large lists and allow users to send e-mails, newsletters and other materials to those lists.
• Authentication Servers : These servers control users' network privileges.
• Print Servers : These servers allow users to print to a single printer from multiple computers.
• Fax Servers : These servers allow users to send faxes from their computers.

RAID

One of the most important things that servers allow for is high availability (they don't have to be shut off often). RAID systems  (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) connect drives or servers and allow them to function as one cohesive drive. That way if one drive fails, it can be removed and replaced without crashing the network. For more in-depth information on RAID systems, see this Enterprise Storage Forum article by Joel Leider.

Servers Versus Desktops

While it's true that desktop computers can perform some of the less strenuous duties of a server while maintaining regular functionality, having a committed server is far more reliable and worth the extra cost. A specialised server is faster and has far more disk scape than a regular desktop. Using a desktop to communicate with client computers will slow down the network and the computer. Conversely, servers are custom designed to handle gigabytes or even terabytes of information without difficulty. Servers require less frequent maintenance than regular desktops and the money you'd spend on an aesthetically-pleasing desktop can be focused on space and speed.

Price Range

As with any product, the more you're willing to spend on a server, the more capable it will be. However, not every office needs a super server to handle its everyday tasks. Here's some information to help you determine what price range is best for you.

Budget

Servers in the budget range are best used for print and fax sharing, some file sharing and certain e-mail functions. These servers should be used in small offices with five to 10 users and individuals with small networks.

Mid-Range

Mid-level servers are best for small businesses or individuals who aren't dealing with Web caching, but need to back up and share files, host e-mail or optimise network applications. Most multi-function appliance servers are in this price range, though some can be more expensive. Also in this range are state-of-the-art blade servers. Blade servers are self-contained computer servers that minimise apparatus in favour of space. These servers provide their own cooling and significantly lessen power constraints. Appliance servers and blade servers are appropriate if you require a Web server, but can't afford to go all in.

Top of the Line

Offices catering to 500 or more users should be looking for a serious piece of machinery. Servers in this range can cost tens of thousands of pounds and should be pursued by businesses that have significant network and data storage needs. Servers in this price range can be catered to nearly any database, commerce or network function.