Does your small business have a backup server? If not, it is a must-have for your business. Small business server solutions are great because they can be backed up to, giving your business the protection it needs from being lost or stolen. It is never a good idea to leave your data out to be lost, so you should purchase a backup server today. Here are the best server backup solutions for small businesses that you can take advantage of today.
Why Do You Need A Server for Your Small Business?
There are huge benefits to using small business servers. Enhanced security, data centralization, application sharing, and remote work environments are just a few examples. Let us take a closer look below.
1.File and network security
Integrating servers into your organization is an efficient approach to improve file and network security by allowing you to restrict file access throughout your whole enterprise.
Entry-level employees, for example, do not require access to the same files as managers or supervisors. Similarly, the marketing department is unlikely to require access to the human resource department’s financial records or employee files.
Besides ensuring data security, a well-configured server can also support collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, which is an enterprise-level communications platform. The Teams admin center plays a key role here. It helps manage the way Teams works in your business, allowing you to control who has access and what they can do. This is especially useful for businesses where different levels of access are required, just like with server file access. Moreover, with centralized data on your server, Teams can access shared resources effectively, making collaboration smooth and secure.
Properly configured servers give you this flexibility by providing tools for restricting access to your various IT resources, hence boosting network security.
2.Workstation security
Like file and network security, implementing a business server solution into your small business also assists with workstation security by managing user access.
For example, if you want to restrict a user’s ability to log onto a device, browse specified websites, download specific applications, or access specific files, a server setup allows you to do so more effectively.
Workstation security is linked to a group policy (described below), which is maintained by a server infrastructure.
3.Centralized data/resources
Another advantage of having servers in your small business is that it allows you to centralize storage across your network.
Rather than storing data and resources on individual workstations, they might be stored on a shared server. This not only simplifies the management of storage and data resources, but also gives some level of control and security.
Centralizing data on servers also makes it easy to share customer management tools, accounting software, numerous records, and other resources with specific persons and departments.
Businesses in the financial services industry, for example, frequently use centralized data storage since the security and management control this arrangement enables makes meeting regulatory criteria much easier.
4.Shared applications
Small business servers also provide access to shared apps in addition to centralizing data and resources.
Installing server-based versions of your most used software programs allows you to simply grant access to specific users throughout your network, eliminating the demand for more powerful workstations and the possibility that essential information would become siloed on one person’s computer.
If you need to operate a CRM application, for example, you can install it on your server with appropriate data and then grant access to your sales department.
5.Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Another advantage of introducing servers into your small business’ IT infrastructure is the opportunity to use virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). This is especially useful for businesses operating in partially or entirely remote environments where employees may need to access applications and files off-site.
You can construct virtual desktop environments on your server using software such as VMware Horizon to replace some or all of your employees’ individually configured and maintained hardware workstations. Your employees can then access their specific desktop from within your workplace or remotely through a secure VPN connection with this configuration.
This not only facilitates remote work, but can also reduce IT costs by allowing your organization to invest in lower-powered “thin clients” rather than more expensive traditional desktop computers. That is in addition to the increased management efficiency that centralization provides.
VDI can be done in cloud server business solution environments, although some firms choose on-premise or off-premise implementation because latency is reduced when run locally.
Choosing a server form factor that fits your physical space
Servers are available in a variety of physical form factors, which can be divided into three categories: tower, blade, and rackmount. The server case determines the form factors; related models have the same components on the inside.
1.Tower Server
A tower server is similar to a typical desktop computer, except that it contains server components. Towers, like their PC cousins, come in a variety of shapes. These make sense as first servers because they provide plenty of processing power and do not necessitate the purchase of additional mounting hardware. Tower servers have the disadvantage of taking up more room than rackmount or blade setups as more are added.
Since tower servers are typically used in homes and small offices, they are designed to be quiet and cool, generating less noise and heat. Tower servers aren’t designed for great performance, so they don’t offer high-end specifications or features. As a result, they are less expensive than other kinds of servers. Even though they provide a basic level of performance, they are popular among small businesses due to their reliability, features, and scalability.
2.Rackmount Server
Rackmount servers must be mounted on a rack chassis. A chassis, which is often several feet tall, can accommodate numerous servers placed on top of each other in slots. When you have multiple servers and want to consolidate them into a smaller space, rackmount units are a great choice.
3.Blade Server
They are similar to rackmount servers in that they require a chassis to be mounted. Blade servers are even more space-efficient than rackmount servers. Properly cooling blade servers, on the other hand, can be more difficult; keep this in mind as your server closet scales into a server room. They require a larger investment than rackmount servers.
Blade servers are intended to minimize space, use less energy, and provide more processing power. They are also tough, long-lasting, and stress-tested for heavy use. They are typically used in massive cloud data centers and for resource-intensive applications for these reasons.
Types of Servers Based on Purpose
Servers, as previously said, are capable of performing a wide range of tasks. The hardware and functionality you require will be determined by what your server is required to do. Servers are used by businesses to handle one or more specific tasks. Here is a list of common business scenarios in which a business server is used:
1.File Server
File servers are typically part of a computer network and serve as a central location for file storage. If your file server is connected to the Internet, authorized users will be able to access the files not just locally but also remotely. As a result, file servers can operate as a private cloud storage facility. Because a file server’s primary job is storage, you’ll want many hot-swappable drive bays as well as adjustable hardware/software server solutions for small business with RAID options. However, you do not need to invest money on a powerful CPU.
2.Database Server
A database server uses a database application such as Oracle, MySQL, and others to provide database services to its clients using the client-server model. The majority of websites and applications are built on top of a database layer that is saved on a database server. To act as a database server, the server must have hard drives that are rated for fast writes. Before deciding on capacity and scalability, you should consider the expected traffic and requests.
3.Web Server
A web server is a server that handles client requests on the World Wide Web. Its primary function is to store, process, and deliver web pages to clients, often web browsers. Web servers employ Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to serve files that comprise web pages to website visitors. High RAM capacity is desirable for web servers to improve page loading performance.
4.Mail Server
A mail server or email server’s function is to transfer email messages, including attachments, from one computer to another. The mailboxes for the emails are normally kept on the mail servers as well. Before reaching its intended recipient, every email is passed through a number of different mail servers.
Outgoing emails are sent using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), while incoming emails are normally received and stored using either the Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) or the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP). Microsoft Exchange, which is used by companies that use Microsoft Outlook, is an example of a mail server. Look for servers with requirements similar to file servers, as stated above, for optimal performance.
5.Print Server
A print server is a computer that links printers to client computers across a network. Its function is to take printing tasks, queue them, and send them to the relevant printers. This avoids printing bottlenecks at the printer. Print servers can also be used to enforce business policies such as printing quotas, user authentication, and so on.
In most cases, a business server solution with basic specifications will suffice as a print server. A PC can also be repurposed as a printer server. Some printers even include an built-in print server.
What is the best business server solution?
Perhaps your fall collection was a huge success. Perhaps you’ve picked up a client with sensitive information. Or maybe you’re running a resource-intensive CRM application. Whatever the cause, you’re about to embark on a pivotal moment in the history of your small business: selecting and installing your first server. But, before you make a choice, you should familiarize yourself on your options. Use this guide to learn the ins and outs of selecting the best business server solution for your needs.
1.Dedicated Servers
Dedicated servers are physical hardware that is stored on-premises or in a separate facility and are built for security and stability. They resemble desktop computers but are powered by server-grade hardware. Small businesses have the option of buying their own servers and hosting them in-house, or lease from a hosting provider who houses the equipment in their space.
Most businesses prefer to rent because it does not require a large upfront investment and typically includes maintenance and operational support. Furthermore, providers may provide backups in the case that the server is damaged.
Here is a list of some of the benefits of dedicated business solution servers:
- Security: Your dedicated server is accessible only to your employees, making it an excellent business solution if you work with sensitive data or are concerned about security.
- Compliance: This type of business server solution is also preferable for companies that must adhere to industry laws, such as HIPAA hosting security standards.
- Reliability: Dedicated servers are far less likely to face downtime since they do not rely on a live internet connection.
In general, use a dedicated server if your company requires steady, predictable growth or if you deal with mission-critical data that cannot be compromised. It is also appropriate for high-traffic websites and eCommerce stores, as well as for businesses engaged in financial trading or real-time data analytics, when downtime could result in a critical failure.
2.Cloud Servers
Physical servers, for all their reliability, have some limitations—companies may outgrow them rapidly or lack the technical know-how to run them. Cloud servers, on the other hand, are virtual, which means they can be operated via a web-based interface. They offer the following benefits:
- Rapid deployment: A cloud server can be deployed remotely from your laptop in almost instantaneously.
- External maintenance and support: It is your provider’s responsibility to manage and maintain the server, not yours.
- Low cost: Rather than investing in costly physical infrastructure, your organization pays a fee to use the cloud provider’s service.
Cloud servers are virtual, which means they can be created and managed from a web-based platform. Essentially, your supplier divides an enterprise-grade server into numerous smaller virtualized servers. Then they assign you one of those and provide you with a platform to access it remotely.
Because growing companies may be unable to estimate their computer needs several years in advance, cloud servers provide numerous advantages. They are also a wonderful option for eCommerce sites that need to handle a sudden rise in traffic or anyone who needs to access or deploy more servers quickly.
3.Hybrid Servers
See the issue with the cloud versus dedicated business server binary choice? While dedicated servers provide protection against outages and hacks, they lack the convenience of a cloud server. Hybrid servers are the Goldilocks of servers, providing a business server solution in the middle. With this option, you are guaranteed 100% server space (rather than needing to share as with a cloud server), but you will still have a virtualized server, allowing you to quickly reboot and deploy new servers.
- Low cost, high performance: The performance of hybrid servers is comparable to that of dedicated servers, but at a far lower cost.
- Rapid deployment, lower risk: Hybrid servers enable businesses to rapidly upgrade and adjust servers while maintaining some of the security features of a physical server.
Hybrid servers are an excellent business server solution for tech companies and larger businesses that employ different testing and staging environments because they make it easier to deploy new servers.
The 5 Best Small Business Virtual Server Solutions
Following are the best virtual small business solutions and How much does a server cost for small business:
1.Acronis
When it comes to server solutions for small businesses, Acronis provides some of the best protection available. This server will give tiered file filtering, data compression, and incremental data backups. The only drawback to Acronis is that it requires a three-year contract to begin, meaning that you must commit for a significant amount of time. However, if you want to provide your data with the best protection you can, Acronis is the data server for you. In addition, the server is easy to use, making sure that non-tech-savvy users can still protect their business.
2.Linode
Linode, a virtual private server, provides business owners with a privately run server that has the infrastructure set up by experts. This service effectively takes the grunt work of building the infrastructure to run your server out of your hands, freeing up your time. This service is extremely affordable, only costing a meagre $5 per month. Linode is a great option for business owners who want to have more control over their servers.
3.Avast CloudCare
This cloud business server solution is excellent for protecting your business from viruses. It offers a multi-layered protection system and is extremely easy to use. This service has the ability to connect to your mobile phone, sending you text alerts anytime your security measures need change or update to keep your business secure. Using this service, you will ensure that your data is always protected from attackers, ensuring that your business will always be kept up and running. In addition, Avast Cloudcare will ensure that you can always protect your data, providing visibility and insight into your data server’s protection.
4.ServerMania
ServerMania provides a dedicated server for your business. This server gives you more control over what happens with your data, but is hosted and run in a central database. This allows your business to control the places your data goes, while keeping the responsibility of personally running the server out of your hands.
5.SpiderOak
SpiderOak is great for you if you don’t want anyone else seeing your data. Using this service, you will be the only person capable of accessing your data, as SpiderOak can’t even access your data themselves. This service offers ultimate security, giving users complete privacy. In addition, SpiderOak offers large storage spaces at an incredibly low price, starting at $6 per month.
This company offers large storage spaces, giving users the opportunity to purchase 150 gigs in its cheapest package and offering all the way up to five terabytes. SpiderOak is an exceptional service, providing users with the opportunity to purchase complete privacy for their business. This service is truly one of the best small business server backup solutions that you will find.
List of 5 Best Server Solutions for Small Business
1.Dell PowerEdge T30
The Dell PowerEdge T30 server is the Clint Eastwood of servers, known for its stability and reliability at every level. The Dell PowerEdge T30 packs a punch with its massive internal storage capacity housed in a mini-tower chassis. The server was designed to take up as little space as possible while providing efficient and stress-free operation.
For increased collaboration and productivity, the Dell T30 consolidates applications and data from multiple PCs, workstations, and mobile devices into a single server.
Dell PowerEdge T30 key features:
- Easier file sharing, which boosts team collaboration and streamlines workflow.
- Consolidate data from various devices in different locations into a single location.
- The physical dependence on space is reduced by the small size of the server.
- Cost efficient alternative to storage.
- Easy backup and data recall capability.
2.VMware vSphere
VMware vSphere cloud-powered server supports business workloads by offering an adaptable framework for your IT infrastructure. It is a powerful, flexible, and secure server that ensures the integrity of your data, applications, and infrastructure at all costs.
Its advanced security capabilities are enabled by machine learning, which constantly updates itself as your process becomes more complicated and encounters problems. As a result, organizations benefit from increased visibility, protection, and rapid response to bad situations and incidents.
VMware vSphere helps companies in:
- Simplifying data center management and functions
- Increase business efficiency by decreasing CapEx and OpEx costs through virtualization.
- Secure IT infrastructure, data, and applications with built-in security architecture.
- Using machine learning and behavioral analytics, protect the integrity of applications running on vSphere.
- Multi-office support capability, to connect remote and branch offices through virtualization
3.NetGear ReadyNAS 424
The NetGear ReadyNAS 424 server has all of the functionality that a small business needs. File sharing and storage, automatic off-premise, on-premise, and cloud backup, and complete data protection are all included in the ReadyNAS 24.
For high levels of networking, this server was developed using the next generation Intel Atom Processor C3338 (1.5 GHz, 2 core). This server’s enterprise-grade file sharing capability and data backup and recovery feature are ideal for businesses with less than 50 employees.
Why small businesses should use NetGear ReadyNAS 424?
- It has up to 4 bays and a total storage capacity of up to 48 TB.
- Data replication at the block level and backups of enterprise data on a regular basis
- Automatic RAID protects against disk failure and exclusive snapshot technology for point in time file recovery
- A cloud storage solution that is both private and personal– ReadyCLOUD
- Comes with a free mobile app for cloud access from anywhere
4.IBM Aspera Platform
Companies of any size or industry can use the IBM Aspera Platform to securely transmit company data at high speeds, regardless of distance or network conditions. IBM Aspera satisfies companies’ increased demand for high-bandwidth transfers. The Aspera Transfer Platform, which is incorporated into the device, solves the fundamental issues that plague data movement across long-haul wide area networks.
IBM Aspera is a high-speed data transfer platform that facilitates data transfers of any type or size, regardless of location, by leveraging IT infrastructure and storage types. Aspera supports all transport paradigms and deployment models, and data is transferred at the fastest possible speed.
Why you should use IBM Aspera Platform?
- REST and SOAP APIs are used by Aspera to provide service level support.
- Direct access to cloud object storage such as Amazon Web Services S3, IBM Cloud Object Storage, Microsoft Windows Azure BLOB, and OpenStack Swift.
- Large data sets can be stored and moved between storage end-points at high speeds.
- Seamless access to different storage types
- Real-time dashboards provide centralized monitoring, administration, and reporting of the whole Aspera transfer environment.
5.HPE ProLiant Gen10
HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers assist both large and small businesses in handling challenging workloads and reducing unnecessary overhead costs. It helps businesses in resolving infrastructure management issues by forecasting and preventing issues that could cause application disruptions.
As a result, it helps in the reduction of wasted time, the reduction of OPEX costs, and the delivery of a superior support experience.
Best features of this business server solution are:
- Extensive security against data theft and attacks
- Network connection across IT infrastructure for easy collaboration
- Storage for applications, data, and infrastructure at an affordable price
- Built-in backup and recovery options
- Improved IT asset performance
Summary
At the end of the day, your security is one of the most important things for your business. You don’t want to put your information at risk of being lost or stolen, and small business server solutions like the ones mentioned above will protect your business. These servers will keep the responsibility of running a server out of your hands. If you want to protect your business, you should consider taking up one of these business server solutions. They will revolutionize your business, giving you new opportunities to expand and develop your small business.
Read The Ultimate Guide To Business Solutions
