How to choose the right computer equipment for your business to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.
Business software helps you complete a range of tasks. Choose the right software, provide support and train your staff with our introduction.
It is highly likely that you depend on the internet for some aspects of your business. Find out how you can use the internet more effectively.
Good communication with customers, partners and suppliers is vital for business success. This summary explores business communication methods.
How would you cope if your IT system failed or was breached? We cover the main IT security issues and how to protect against them.
Good IT management can help you choose, use and implement IT. Our overview helps you manage IT in a way that maximises the return on your investment.
IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.
Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.
A network server is a powerful computer connected to your business network.
Network servers have many functions and can form an important part of your computer network.
They are usually used for shared file storage, email management and to run centralised applications, such as your customer database.
Most functions traditionally performed by servers can now be carried out through cloud computing. However, the cloud is yet to completely negate the need for on-site servers, and a combination of the two technologies is sometimes used in certain industries.
Cloud computing services are now used by many businesses and often replace the need entirely for an in-house network server.
With cloud computing, your data is held on a server located outside your business. To access files and services, you log in over the internet via a web browser.
Individual cloud computing services can help you with specific tasks, like backups or accounting. You can also purchase 'cloud servers' that perform all the functions of an in-house network server.
There are two big differences between using cloud services and having your own in-house server:
Although the cloud is a great option for businesses of all sizes (particularly where the workforce is distributed), there are downsides; you can't do anything without an internet connection and it's vital you trust your cloud provider. This is why businesses sometimes blend both in-house server infrastructure and cloud services.
For instance, cloud backup is an excellent way to hold safe data backups in a separate location. You might also use a cloud accounting service because it's modern and kept up-to-date as tax rules change. But at the same time, you might prefer to keep key customer data on a local server, where you have complete control over it.
In any case, it's wise to seek advice from a reliable IT supplier when considering a server or choosing cloud services.
If your business is faced with issues in any of the following areas, it may be appropriate for you to start using an in-house server:
If your business has more than ten computers, the benefits of a server may well outweigh the costs. Smaller companies can see a good return on their investment too, but the benefits may be less immediate.
There are some alternatives to a full-blown network server. If you just need somewhere central to store files then a network attached storage (NAS) device* or service such as Dropbox could do the job.
*a NAS device is a hard drive with a network connection. You simply plug it into your existing business network in order to save and retrieve files.
Once you've established that you need a network server, there are some key considerations when choosing the right one:
Servers are based on the same technology as most desktop computers. However, they have special features to help them cope with multiple users and heavy loads without failing. There are a few key features to consider:
The majority of network servers are high-performance PCs, designed specifically to be used as servers. Some come in standard PC cases but many are designed to be mounted on a rack and stored in a server cabinet (see image above).
It's vital to consider the software you'll be running on your server. Just like a standard computer, every network server needs an operating system.
There are a number of choices for your business. Many companies choose Microsoft Windows Server, because it's based on the same Microsoft Windows platform as their other computers.
Your server software may end up costing more than the physical server it runs on with the addition of user licences, so take time to research your options.
As computer hardware has become more powerful, a technology called virtualisation has redefined the way businesses implement servers.
Server virtualisation makes your server more efficient by dividing it into several 'virtual' servers. Each one functions like a separate server which means you can use your server to perform more tasks at once without purchasing additional hardware.
A simple server can cost £300, but is only likely to provide basic services to a small network of around five computers. You need more power to support extra computers, run large databases and handle a large volume of email.
High-capacity servers start from around £1,000.
Your network server will become the lynchpin of your business IT systems, so consult your IT supplier and build a comprehensive set of IT requirements before you purchase.
