Choosing a server, whether for personal or business use could be quite difficult. The number of options available, including the processors and hard drives, makes it difficult to settle for one item. However, this process really shouldn’t be complicated. Keep reading to discover the key points to consider when purchasing servers.
Things to Note Before Purchasing a Server
If you do not already know what a server is, it is like a personal computer. It has a CPU, storage, and memory, including other hardware components that help to store large data. The device analyzes data, manages several databases and applications, and hosts websites.
It can also do the following:
- Email hosting
- Cloud storage
- File transfer
- Data backup
- Collaboration on projects
- Virtual desktop for multiple users
If you are curious to know more about servers, you can watch this video to find out how they work.
Individual and Business Servers Buying Guide
The following steps will guide you to purchase a suitable server:
Research Your Desired Spec
The type of applications you use will determine the spec of the device. This includes processing speed, requirements for the hard drive, and the RAM. To streamline your research, do the following:
- List the applications you work with.
- Determine the number of people that will use the device.
- Read online reviews of the types of servers that can handle each application listed.
- Compile a list of servers that match your specs.
Determine the Server Location
You can either set up the device in a physical environment (your home or office) or in the cloud. Each option has its pros and cons.
If you host it in your home or office, you will only pay upfront for the cost of hardware. You will also provide your own support team, security, maintenance, upgrade, and power supply.
Hosting in the cloud offers access to a 24/7 support team, security, and the latest upgrades. Most times, you don’t have to do anything because the host service provider does all the hard work. In exchange for this service, you will pay a monthly fee.
Consider Your Budget
This is a major point to consider since the needs of each business differ. You can rent or buy your own server but your budget will determine whether you would get the cheap or expensive type.
Go for the cheap type if:
- Network downtimes won’t affect your business negatively.
- You do not mind using outdated hardware that consumes more power and has a slow processing speed.
- You do not need features like double ethernet.
- The server does not affect your website’s front-end.
Go for the expensive type if:
- You want the latest hardware that performs tasks faster.
- The device will host front-end resources that your customers need.
- You work with big data.
- You want redundancy features such as dual-ethernet.
Pricing may be a bit tricky. When you research servers’ prices, you might discover that an expensive one may cost you $150 per month to rent but around $2000 to purchase. Also, a cheap one may cost $40 to rent but $300 to purchase. Weigh your options properly before settling for a cheap or expensive device.
Choose the Kind of Server You Want
After deciding on your server host, you need to decide on the kind of server you want. This can be a shared, dedicated, or hybrid server.
Shared Server
This is like a rented space that your website or company will share with other business owners. It is just like a shared apartment. While it is cheap, there are downsides that you should consider.
First, since it is a shared network, you will experience downtimes, especially when your co-tenants have a high volume of traffic. Second, your website becomes prone to cyberattacks when a cotenant’s site is hacked. Third, you can’t run large applications since the space is limited.
Dedicated Server
Just as the name implies, only one organization can use it. It is best for mission-critical apps and high-performance tasks. It provides sufficient space for your company’s resources. However, it is quite expensive.
Hybrid Server
This is a combination of shared and dedicated servers. It provides a shared space where each user operates in an isolated operating system environment. You can give it a try if you do not use many applications. Although the device is affordable, you won’t be able to scale your website. You can visit https://www.lawinsider.com/ to read more about hybrid servers.
Go Ahead, and Purchase a Server
Now that you have decided on the specs, set up location, budget, and server type, it is time to place an order. If you want to host it in your home or office, ensure you have adequate knowledge of installation and maintenance. But if you choose a cloud-based service, make sure the service provider provides 24/7 support.
Conclusion
Purchasing servers brings to mind tons of questions and doubts. However, in this article, we simplified the entire process. The first step is to make a list of your desired specifications, then see how they fit your budget. Hopefully, the information shared above will help you make a good buying decision.
