Why you Should Procure Servers for your Business
In today’s digital landscape, having a reliable server for your business is crucial. However, servers can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to determine your exact needs before making a purchase. You don’t want to procure servers for your business only to find that they are either too powerful or insufficient for your needs, now or in the future as your company grows.
Cloud vs. Physical Servers
The first decision you need to make is whether to opt for cloud-based or physical servers. Cloud-based solutions often have a financial edge, as they eliminate the need for physical storage space and security measures to protect the servers. However, if you have adequate space and security for physical servers, they offer distinct advantages. Physical servers allow for easy access and quick reconfiguration by your IT team, which can be a significant time-saver.
Having complete control over your servers and applications means you can customise them to suit your specific needs, leading to a more optimised and efficient business operation.
Choosing the Right Type of Physical Server
If you decide on physical servers, the next step is to choose the right type for your business. There are three main types of physical servers, and your choice will depend on the size of your company, your budget, and your available storage space.
- Tower Servers: Ideal for small businesses with 15 to 20 employees. If you’re running a modest removals company, two or three tower servers should suffice. They don’t require additional cooling and are easy to expand.
- Rack Servers: Suitable for growing businesses. These servers are more powerful and require a designated area with specialised cooling systems.
- Blade Servers: The most powerful and compact, ideal for large removals companies with extensive data storage needs. However, if your business isn’t exceptionally large, blade servers might be unnecessary.
The Benefits of Virtualisation
When it’s time to procure servers for your business, consider virtualisation. This technology allows you to create multiple virtual machines on a single server, saving money without sacrificing performance. Virtualisation enables you to perform various tasks simultaneously on one powerful server, reducing the need for multiple servers, saving space, and lowering cooling and energy costs.
Pre-Made vs. Self-Made Servers
Another consideration is whether to buy pre-made servers or build them yourself. Initially, self-made servers might seem more cost-effective. However, once you factor in the cost of software, the price difference between pre-made and homemade servers becomes negligible.
Self-Made Servers: Assembling your own servers gives your IT team intimate knowledge of the machine, allowing for easier customisation and greater control.
Pre-Made Servers: These generally offer higher security and reliability, as they are built by experts who provide ongoing support. The choice between these options depends on your need for control versus the convenience and security of a pre-made solution.
Plan for Future Growth
When you procure servers for your business, it’s vital to consider future growth. Buying servers that meet your current needs without considering future expansion can be a costly mistake. While tower servers might be adequate now, investing in more powerful servers can be a smart long-term investment if you anticipate growth.
Alternatively, cloud-based servers offer the flexibility to upgrade easily as your business grows.
Make an Informed Decision
In conclusion, making the right choice when you procure servers for your business requires careful consideration of your current and future needs. Consult with your IT department to ensure you make an informed decision. At RemovalsPal, we understand the unique needs of websites for removals companies and are here to help you navigate these choices. Don’t rush this critical decision; take your time to think things through, and you will set your business up for success. Good luck!
