Featured article by Mindy Laughton, Independent Technology Author
Over the years, companies that didn’t embrace new technologies have been finding it hard to keep afloat in the ever-changing world of technology. Accordingly, most businesses find it hard to get started with new technology that would probably improve their business. American taxpayers lose over 1.5 trillion dollars due to outdated technology. As a business, you need to be at the forefront of embracing new technologies if you wish to remain relevant. The million dollar question that every company needs to be asking itself is, do I need a server? Well, before we answer that, first you need to understand what a server is.
What is a server?
Most people confuse a regular desktop with a server, but that can’t be further from the truth. A server is a device or software that advances functionality to other computers, usually called clients. Servers are designed to function for 365 days. Here are some of the reasons why you may want a server for your business and then decide for yourself.
If you want to secure your files
The main reason most businesses prefer using a file server is that they are covered from security flaws. When you create both an individual and a group account, you can assign specific rights to each account. This will help you prevent users accessing information that they haven’t been granted permission to. Storage servers are ideal for this task. For instance, it would be a security flaw if you assigned your sales team rights to view employee data. This is meant for your HR department.
Centralized storage& backup
If you are using a network server, then your employees will benefit from several network resources at their desk, thus increasing efficiency. These resources include CD/DVD Towers, printers, NAS device and Redundant Array of Independent Disks Array. A server also provides a centralized backup location for all your employee data. This helps in improving reliability in your workflow.
Reliability
Most, if not all, power supplies are incorporated with a second power supply that runs in tandem with the first. This helps to keep the server running even when the other fails. This also applies to a storage server. A regular desktop usually uses a single storage drive, but a server uses RAID technology where it combines several storage drives into one or more storage disks. This helps to reduce interruptions in your work while keeping your data secure. Also, servers are being installed with new technology (hot-swappable) which allows you to replace damaged parts without interrupting your workflow.
If your business is growing faster
If you find your business growing at a faster rate, then you need to consider having a server. As your business grows, you will need a reliable workforce. Assuming you open a new store at a different state, it would be essential if all your stores share the same server. For instance, you might need to offer a coupon for selected commodities; having a server can help a client who took a coupon in one state use it in another state.
Virus management
The biggest threat to any business is the possibility of a viral attack. It is therefore paramount to have updated antivirus software. In an office of 5 to 10 people, virus definitions can be maintained individually. Most vendors make anti-spamware suites that are designed to function efficiently around small business. This package allows the administrator to manage the antivirus from a centralized location, hence reducing costs and time.
With the advance of technology, businesses need to embrace the idea of new technology if they wish to remain afloat. The idea of having a server may be worrying, but it is worth it. You can install updates on all your computers from a single centralized point. This helps in saving both time and money. The most significant advantage of using a server is that you get to distribute different rights to different accounts. This will help you improve on reliability and also secure your data.
About the Author
Mindy loves to write and blog. She’s had this passion since she attended college in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. If Mindy isn’t on her Mac, then chances are she’s hiking with her new husband and her dog, Winston.
