Small Business Server Migration Guide
By Saumya Sinha
So, your business has grown large enough that you need your first server. Congratulations!
Acquiring a server is a big decision, many expanding businesses struggle with deciding what
server to get. While buying a first server is more involved than buying a PC, a smartphone,
or a tablet, it's less intimidating if you keep some basic information in mind during the process.
Here are some important things to consider when choosing a small business server.
Have you considered the Cloud?
Your first choice when it comes to servers is whether or not you actually need one physically
in your office. For businesses tight on space, introducing a business server may not be the
best idea. Leasing a server on the cloud sometimes makes more sense-especially for small businesses
that don't have a robust IT infrastructure. However, there are limits to what you can do with
a cloud-based server. If you decide that you definitely need the server on premises, then you
should choose whether to assemble a server in-house or to purchase a pre-built.
Find a snug fit.
There are different types of servers for an assortment of needs, so evaluate the needs
of your business accordingly. What do you want your server to do?
Server Type: Network Attached Storage (NAS) or Application Server
The first choice you'll have to make is between a NAS server and a more conventional
application server. NAS servers, such as the LaCie 2big NAS, are specialized devices that provide
shared access to files and folders, as well as other network resources such as printers. Application
servers, such as HP's MicroServer Gen8 share folders and printers too, but they use a full-fledged
server operating system that can run myriad types of software and typically provides a broader
repertoire of features.
A big advantage to NAS servers is that they're relatively inexpensive. Another is that
they're usually simple enough that non-technical people can handle setup and management chores,
such as configuring user/group accounts, shared folders, access permissions, etc. However,
since NAS servers run proprietary operating systems (typically a compact and customized version
of Linux), they won't necessarily run the software your business needs.
If you choose an application server, you can install QuickBooks or any other application
you want-as long as it's available for the operating system (OS) you choose. Windows is naturally
quite common, but so are various flavors of Linux. The presence of a full server OS tends to
provide more sophisticated features and better integration with your other networked computers.
For example, Windows Server Essentials 2012 R2 can automatically perform complete system backups
of each PC on your network. Application servers also have the cost-saving benefit of being
able to run virtual servers (multiple servers simultaneously on a single piece of hardware).
Building or Buying
Building and buying both have their advantages and disadvantages. Buying a server gives
you plenty of value from bundled software, warranty, and support from a brand-name manufacturer.
Building a server on the other hand, gives you the opportunity to custom-tailor your build
to your application. Keep in mind that purchasing a pre-built server may still require you
to physically build out the system. For instance, some pre-built systems may not include hard
drives, memory, or optical drives. You need to install them in-house.
Anticipate future growth
In general, understanding the process of purchasing a file server with enough ram and
hard drive space is akin to the process of buying a regular PC. However, you need to take into
account the amount of people that will be accessing your network. In addition, when accounting
for the number of network users, also take hard drive space into consideration.
Server Storage Capacity and Redundancy
The primary purpose of any server-NAS or application-is to store, share, and protect
files. That makes the amount of storage capacity and type of redundancy it offers major considerations.
Any respectable small business server uses at least two hard drives configured via RAID (levels
1, 10, 5 to ensure against data loss. Obviously, the greater the number of drives a small business
server supports, the more storage capacity will provide.
| 
About BTH
User Agreement
Privacy
Site Map
Contact
News Feeds
RSS Feed
Follow @Stephen Bucaro
Basics and Certification
