How to Know Your Business is Ready for Server Deployment

Servers are the need for every growing business to boost its security and productivity, and it isn’t hard to know when your business is ready for a server. If your office has outgrown more than two computers you use for sharing information and Internet access, it indicates you are scaling, and a server will likely benefit you.

You must be aware of what is server. But how can you be sure if your business actually needs it? 

Here are 5 Signs that indicate that it’s time to add a dedicated server to your business operations. 

Sign 1: You are really scaling!! 

Earlier, managing computers and IT was easy. When software updates or antivirus solutions are needed, you make it happen effortlessly. The same thing goes for file sharing. Passing around a USB drive with required files only takes a few minutes when there are just a few employees. 

But things drastically change when you scale. Your employees keep on increasing, and so do the PC fleets. Doing such tasks becomes a lot more complex and time-consuming. You have probably noticed that the time for maintaining PCs has increased considerably. 

But having a dedicated server can simplify some of the tasks related to PC management if not all. It can push timely software updates to every computer in your network, no matter whether physically available on your premises or not. 

Once the servers are set for updates, there is no requirement for additional human intervention. The updates will happen in their dedicated time. Also, with the server becoming your central repository for all the resources, you are ensured of being served with updated versions of file-serving applications.  

Sign 2: You need complete access to storage: 

While Cloud has advantages, they don’t give you direct control over your data. With increasing numbers of data breaches, it is worth considering if you are comfortable with your data residing on Cloud servers, which you can’t control.

Even if you forget the security aspect, a significant Cloud storage cost is associated with the number of employees. And soon these expenses will become a monthly outlay and add to your operating expenses. 

A dedicated server can help you address the issue of data sovereignty and control and related expenses. With on-premises servers, you can verify the integrity and location of data. 

Also, employing email platforms on servers such as Microsoft Exchange can help you get more control over numerous email accounts and the storage capacity of those accounts while enabling shared resource features and data access around the clock. 

Dedicated servers also reduce monthly expenses. While there are costs associated with initial hardware setup and licensing, the servers are profitable in the long run and much better than most operating costs.  

Sign 3: You need faster access to data  

A small server can easily tackle demanding and high-bandwidth services like databases. If your business relies on multiple machines to access the central repository, you must plan to shift to an on-premises server. 

Dedicated servers reduce the expenses related to repository size, the amount of data written or read, and computing. All of these are typical expenses of a Cloud. Also, you can customize on-premises servers based on your needs through CPU, RAM, and hard drive capacity. 

Servers can transfer big video and data-intensive files to your laptops and desktops with minimum latency using the latest gigabit Ethernet network speeds. You cannot expect the same from Cloud storage, as its data transfer speed relies heavily on distance and network interruptions.  

Sign 4: You are relying on a router for data protection:  

If, as a business, you still rely on a WiFi router to keep your network secure from malware and cyber-attacks, know that you are at a greater risk. Remember, these are good for after and reliable internet access but cannot offer enterprise-level security.

But a dedicated server can act as a first line of defense once you install and configure firewall software. It can help you monitor all the incoming and outgoing traffic for any signs of malicious activity. It blocks any traffic that seems untrustworthy.

While WiFi routers come with a built-in firewall feature, they are rarely updated and patched for the latest security vulnerabilities beyond the first or two years of installation. On the other hand, servers can be kept up to date forever. 

Sign 5: You don’t have a proper backup plan: 

If your employees aren’t backing up their system data regularly, you are likely losing your valuable data. Even if you instruct them to do it, there are chances they may not always do so. 

With a server, you can automate the backup process for all computers in your network to a centralized hub and back up your server as an additional preventive measure. 

Having data readily available on-site (instead of storing in the Cloud) can drastically reduce the time and effort needed to recover data when a disaster strikes. 

Conclusion: 

A properly installed and maintained server can do wonders for your business in terms of productivity and keeping it secure, thereby helping you succeed. Dedicated servers are a wise investment and certainly deserve your business’s attention.