The basic function of a server is to distribute and share data and work across a network of connected devices. Some units even run programs independently and serve them to users as part of a quid pro quo transaction. They don’t necessarily need to be part of the WWW but can run on a local network.

Needless to say, modern companies need proper network systems to support their work. So, to stay ahead of the competition, you must choose a device that can handle the demands of your business and keep up with your customers’ needs. 

Check Server Specs

The server you choose for your business should be able to meet your company’s long-term and short-term network requirements. So you should consider several factors regarding this unit, including its capacity, memory, and power. Also, you should carefully assess the pros and cons of different devices. 

For example, the CPU is the heart of any computing platform, driving the performance of the entire machine. CPU specifications include its speed, number of cores, threads, and cache. Buying a device with a faster processor will help your applications run faster.

So, for starters, you should consider the number of users your website will have. That will determine how much CPU power you will need. That’s especially important if you have a large-scale web app, for example, a shopping cart. An underpowered unit can be a bottleneck and cause a poor user experience.

Before purchasing a server, determine the number and types of applications you need. The more apps you plan on running, the more powerful this device must be. That’s because its performance will be compromised if the hardware is insufficient. 

Know Your Storage Needs

Another important consideration when purchasing a server is its storage capacity. While textual content doesn’t require much space, multimedia and databases will demand a lot more. That’s why you must know the type of data you operate with to know which types of storage your system will support. 

Generally, spinning hard drives are cheaper than SSDs, but they’re also slower and less durable. If you need more storage, you should consider buying a server with SSDs. You can also look for units with RAID capability, a set of independent disks that work together to provide more storage space.

Location

Before buying server storages, you must know your needs. But you should also understand that these devices will have ‘their own needs.’ In other words, they must have optimal working conditions to operate at their best.

For example, a server location is important. Ideally, you want it to be close to Internet Exchanges or peering points. That’s crucial for both low-latency and multiple redundant bandwidths. So you can host these devices within your business premises. 

In that case, you need a separate room or a cabinet with proper cooling and ventilation. Keep in mind that these units can be noisy and pose a risk when not handled properly (overheating, for example). But if that’s too much risk, you can opt for housing data centers or clouds.

Understand Different Server Types

Each company has different needs and goals and will choose a different server. So, you can opt for different types of these units, considering the hardware you currently use, the storage your business will need, and whether you’ll need any additional features. 

In general, you can choose between three types: blade, rack, and tower. Tower types are great for small businesses, as they are affordable and don’t need additional hardware. On the other hand, rack units need a dedicated server room to host several units and optimize space usage. Finally, blade servers are even more space-efficient, and they have the most processing power, making them suitable for large organizations.

Know Your Budget

Before choosing a server, it’s important to think about your budget. The more features you need in this unit, the higher the cost. In general, cheap models are suitable for smaller business needs (see more info). But, if your business needs to run heavy-traffic websites or customer-facing resources, you will need to buy a more expensive device.

Also, the initial server cost may seem low, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Other expenses, such as patching, monitoring, and fixing, may come down the line. And don’t forget about ongoing costs, such as licensing, IT resources, and maintenance. The latter will require costs whether you have an in-house IT team or outsource these services. 

With the ever-changing technology landscape, choosing the suitable device for your needs is essential. After all, that can make or break your site’s success, so don’t cut corners on it. In fact, investing in a high-quality, high-end server can save you money in the long run.