Is A Server Right For Your Business?
used with permission from HP Small & Medium Business Site

Servers can do a lot of heavy lifting for a growing business, from securing data to enabling better sharing of company resources.  But it's sometimes difficult to know when, and if they're a smart investment. There are a few common scenarios in which a server can bring real benefits to a growing business -- read on and see if any of these apply to you.

You need networking capabilities to share files, printers or other resources
It is technically possible to set up a simple network without a dedicated server, with just a few PCs connected together. However, if you want to share databases, files, printers, or other resources, a server makes it much easier. In fact, servers are specifically designed for sharing, so you'll get better control, faster access, easier management and improved security. And who wouldn't want all that?

Your PCs are overloaded and you need more storage
If you've got a lot of files or multiple databases, it might be time to consider migrating some of these files to a server. Whether you want to replace your old computers or just improve their performance, a server will give sluggish, data-laden PCs a welcome respite by freeing up memory and storage.

You want to have in-house company email
While businesses with only a few employees can get by with using an external service for its email, such as Gmail, there comes a time when these services aren't ideal. Adding a server allows you to bring your e-mail in-house, with the dual benefits of making users' e-mail access faster and keeping sensitive business information within the company -- not on another company's servers. Plus, you can benefit from shared email productivity tools like Microsoft Outlook.

You want to conduct business remotely
If you employ telecommuters or traveling salespeople, or if you just like to work from home, a server will allow you and your employees to remotely access your company network, information and resources, anywhere and at anytime.

These are only a sampling of the signs that a server could be right for you.

The bottom line is this: if you spend a lot of time moving data around, struggling to access things you need, and are worried about security, then it's time to consider a server.