Servers
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Whether you're an established company modernizing IT operations or a smaller company looking to bring your business to the next level, a committed server is a must have. Servers can make your office more technologically self-reliant and ensure that your shared files don't vanish into thin air when network problems arise. Servers also allow your employees to connect remotely to their e-mail or your network. Even if you don't have the capabilities, the resources or the need for a complex series of Unix servers, there are now less expensive, more user-friendly units available. If you're a home user operating a substantial network or your own Web page, a server might be a good investment for you, too.
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Things to Keep In Mind
It's important to buy a server that suits your needs now and tomorrow. Make sure that network expansion and scalability have been kept in mind. Server systems can get pretty large, so physical space should be a legitimate concern. If you have to relocate your office to cater to your server, than you've probably made a poor purchasing decision. If your workplace doesn't have an IT department and if you're not a computer whiz, you'll also want to pick a compact system that makes setup relatively painless. Remember that operating systems, rack devices and a cooling system also come with their own costs.
Types of Servers
There are essentially two types of servers, those designated to perform one function and those designated to perform multiple functions. What functions a server performs is largely dependent upon the system running on the machine. Multi-function servers are known as appliance servers
- Application Servers: These servers collect and redistribute data to optimize application performance. Application data travels centrally through this server providing for better security and performance. Application servers also let adminitrators centralize application settings.
- Web Servers
- File Servers
- List Servers
- Authentication Servers
- Print Servers
- Fax Servers
RAID
One of the most important things that servers allow for is high availability (they don't have to be shut off often). RAID systems
Servers Versus Desktops
While it's true that desktop computers can perform some of the less strenuous duties of a server while maintaining regular functionality, having a committed server is far more reliable and worth the extra cost. A specialized server is faster and has far more disk scape than a regular desktop. Using a desktop to communicate with client computers will slow down the network and the computer. Conversely, servers are custom designed to handle gigabytes or even terabytes of information without difficulty. Servers require less frequent maintenence than regular desktops and the money you'd spend on an aesthetically-pleasing desktop can be focused on space and speed.
Price Range
As with any product, the more you're willing to spend on a server, the more capable it will be. However, not every office needs a super server to handle its everyday tasks. Here's some information to help you determine what price range is best for you.
Less Than $1,000
Servers in this price range are best used for print and fax sharing, some file sharing and certain e-mail functions. These servers should be used in small offices with five to 10 users and individuals with small networks.
$1,000-$10,000
Servers in this price range are best for small businesses or individuals who aren't dealing with Web caching, but need to back up and share files, host e-mail or optimize network applications. Most multi-function appliance servers are in this price range, though some can be more expensive. Also in this range are state-of-the-art blade servers. Blade servers are self-contained computer servers that minimize apparatus in favor of space. These servers provide their own cooling and significantly lessen power constraints. Appliance servers and blade servers are appropriate if you require a Web server, but can't afford to go all in.
$10,000 and up
Offices catering to 500 or more users should be looking in this price range. Servers in this range can cost tens of thousands of dollars and should be pursued by businesses that have significant network and data storage needs. Servers in this price range can be catered to nearly any database, commerce or network function.
Top Servers
While the value of server is particularly subject to your specific needs, there are a few that some critics have ranked higher than the rest.
| Less Than $1,000 | |
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Buffalo TerraStation Home Server The Buffalo TerraStation Home Server has lots of disk space, a printer server, two USB ports, a crossover switch and an integrated power supply. It's DNLA-media compliant andd features Gigabit Ethernet networking. Though it's slightly more expensive than most other servers in its range, PC Magazine awarded the Buffalo TerraStation the Home and Small-Office NAS Editors' Choice award and CNet gave the product a "very good" rating. |
| $1,000-$10,000 | |
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Adaptec Snap Server 4500 The Adaptec Snap Server 4500 can store large and frequently accessed files easily and can help optimize the performance of your applications servers. It's easy to install and has browser-based management. This server is also designed for efficient local backup. Like the Buffalo TerraStation, the Adaptec Snap Server 4500 is a PC Magazine Editors' Choice winner |
| $10,000 and up | |
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Infrant Technologies ReadyNAS NV The Infrant Technologies ReadyNAS NV is one of the best performing NAS storage options. The ReadyNAS NV offers RAID support and is full of special features. The ReadyNAS NV also allows users to hotswop disks without ever needing to turn off the device. On the downside, it comes with very little initial hard drive space for its price range. PC World gave the ReadyNAS NV a strong 77 rating. |
External Links
PC Magazine's Essential Server Buying Guide
CNet's Servers Made Simple
PC World's Guide to Entry Level Servers