If you are planning a new project or want to expand your existing business, you need a suitable server. There is now a large selection of devices with different computing power and resources. A server should be tailored to the needs of the company. Accordingly, there are a few things to consider when buying.
What is a server?
The digitalization is progressing in many areas of private and business life. Innovative technologies offer companies new opportunities. This also includes the so-called servers.
A server is a central, powerful computer that makes resources, data or other functions available to other computers or programs via a network. The server is in continuous operation. Other devices and clients such as browsers and e-mail programs can access the network computer around the clock. This connection is referred to as the “client-server model”.
How important is a server for the company?
A server performs important functions in a company. The device enables employees to carry out administrative and office work efficiently or to control devices and machines with the network connection. Depending on the industry and purpose, the server must have a correspondingly high level of performance and storage capacity.
In addition to the hardware, the operating system plays a role for a company server. With a Windows Server 2022 license companies make good choices. In addition to solid performance and easy operation, the software offers a high level of security. There are various editions to choose from, which, with their individual functions, are aimed at the different requirements of small, medium-sized and large companies.
What types of servers are there?
A host computer on which a program or an application is installed always forms the basis of a server. However, depending on the purpose, servers are named differently. Common server names are:
1. File Server
The file server acts as a data store for multiple users. For example, if a user saves a file in one place, another can read or edit it later without having to save it.
2. Application server
Programs that require a high computing capacity can run on an application server or application server. This means that the client does not have to raise the resources required to run the application itself.
Application servers are common in SaaS companies. The user has access to an application, but does not have to install a program. He uses them via his browser. The term “SaaS” stands for “Software as a Service” and refers to software licensing and delivery where users access the software online.
A variant of the application server is the email server. This receives and stores messages for a specific user and makes them accessible to them. The user accesses the server via an e-mail client and can emails write, send and read.
3. Web server
One of the most well-known servers is the web server. This is connected via the Internet or a local network, for example the intranet, and enables clients to access data or programs. Various web services and websites run on web servers.
4. Virtual Server
One hears more and more often about the so-called virtual server. This is part of a conventional physical server, which in turn is divided into several virtual servers. A virtual server offers numerous advantages. Among other things, hardware resources can be flexibly allocated and used efficiently.
5.Cloud servers
A cloud server is a central server resource pool. This is hosted and made available over a network, usually the Internet, so that multiple users can access it. Otherwise, the server has the same functions as the classic physical server. It provides storage capacity, processing power and applications.
However, the classic server hardware is usually set up locally for exclusive use by a company. In contrast, cloud servers are distributed all over the world and have one cloud computing-Environment Services remote (English: distant) ready.
Cloud servers also bring numerous advantages. They are networked to ensure rapid implementation and uninterrupted communication. Furthermore, users can scale storage and computing resources to meet ever-changing requirements. Companies only pay for what they really need. It also reduces the costs associated with maintaining server hardware.
Which server is suitable for my purposes?
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a server. Basically, servers differ in size, performance and power consumption. Depending on how many applications are to run on the server, a storage server that has a high storage capacity, an application server or a server for different applications is the right choice. The following applies here: The more performance a server provides, the more expensive it is.
Energy consumption is another important point when buying a server. After all, the electricity costs make up around 70 percent of the total costs of the device over its entire life cycle. Therefore, it makes sense to consider whether purchasing an expensive server with an energy-efficient processor is more worthwhile in the long run than a cheap device.