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.
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