Businesses need hardware that can withstand the needs of the organization. These needs include everything from optimal performance requirements like processing speeds for software, to storage demands for high-volumes of important or sensitive data, to concurrent requests from users. The server hardware commonly used by businesses is made to purpose. That is to say, the hardware is more robust and capable to handle the demands of multiple users, intensive storage needs and significant processing requirements.
Processor (CPU)
Business servers need enough processing power to fulfill the requests of multiple users, run intensive software programs and devices, and manage large amounts of data between numerous connections. All this requires a processor with the power to accomplish these tasks in an efficient and effective manner. Industries that use a lot of intensive software like architecture or graphic design will typically need stronger servers to meet all their performance demands.
Memory
Businesses typically have a lot of data, which means their servers need a lot of memory to store it. A business server needs enough memory to meet present demands as well as the projected demands over the life of the server (approximately 3-5 years). A good way to do this is look at the amount of data your business currently has and how many years it’s taken you to accumulate it, then use that to gauge how much more space you will need in the next 5 years.
Hard Drives
Data backup and storage is critical for any business. Typically, businesses require multiple hard drives as a precautionary measure.
For example, a server with three hard drives will use two to copy or “mirror” one another, keeping an identical record of data that is backed up daily. The third is a redundancy which acts as a fail safe in case a drive needs to be replaced. When the drive is replaced the redundant disk will continue working so there is no downtime.
Server Operating System (OS)
A server OS is necessary to establish and manage network connections with the server. It’s also the OS that is used to interface with the server computer itself. For example, your desktop PC runs Windows 10 OS. This software allows you to interact with your computer. Similarly, your server computer needs a server OS to be interacted with and to connect to the other PCs and devices on the network.
In addition to a server OS, client access licenses (CALs) must be installed on each desktop computer that is on the network. This establishes their connection to the server.
Network Adapters
Most servers have network adapters built into their motherboard, but some don’t. In these instances, you’ll need a separate network adapter card added to your server to establish an efficient network connection.
Power Supply
A server runs a lot more devices than a desktop computer which means it requires a larger power supply (~300 Watts). This number may increase if the server houses many hard drives.
As with many other things, you pay for quality when you’re dealing with servers. Businesses require robust hardware that can withstand the needs of multiple users. If you’d like assistance with business servers for your organization, contact us at 914-934-9775 or email us at info@p-connect.com. We manage all aspects of business servers from purchase, installation, maintenance and upgrades.