The first one is to use servers and the other is to opt for cloud storage. Both these options have benefits and drawbacks. As we progress toward the future, the cloud storage option is becoming more popular, but experts still believe that having hardware in-office is more secure and more cost-effective in the long run.
For those that choose the tried-and-true methods of data storage and access, let’s explore how you can find the best server for your business.
Plan with your budget
Your budget will ultimately decide which type of server you are going to procure for your business. Oftentimes, businesses will opt to rent their hardware equipment rather than outright buy them.However, this might prove more pricy in the long run than buying the server from the store. Another great method to save a lot of money and have a server of your own is to purchase used servers. Of course, used parts are not exactly “used parts” when you buy them from reputable vendors.
Most of the time, used servers are restored to their former glory via refurbishment. If you want to find the best servers for the right price, all you have to do is search for used servers on your browser. However, make sure that the used servers for sale are completely refurbished and come with a warranty.
Before committing to the purchase, carefully read the online reviews for that particular vendor to ensure that you are dealing with professionals.
Review the server's specs
Each piece of hardware comes with certain specs that elaborate on the equipment's performance. Pricier servers will run faster and allow you to run more operations, while cheaper ones will come with certain limitations.Try to strike the balance between high-performance and budget-friendly equipment. If you are not an IT expert, bring someone along that knows their way around servers and what kind of performance output you can expect from a specific model.
That being said, if you are planning to just store data, you can go for servers that are not that expensive. When it comes to data storage, all you need is capacity and speed. However, if you are planning to run demanding applications such as CRM systems, you will need top-of-the-line equipment capable of handling many processes at once.
Online vs on-premises servers
Online servers will come with monthly billings while purchasing a physical server will be a one-time expense. You can also go for dedicated server service providers if you need to run complex software. However, the benefits and the disadvantages are what separate these types of data storage and access options.
For instance, if you opt for cloud-based servers, you will enjoy accessing data from anywhere you find yourself. On the other hand, with the physical server, you will have to be in your office to access the required data.
Going on, with cloud-based servers, you will always receive regular updates while with physical servers you will have to purchase a completely new part if you want better performance out of your hardware.
In addition to that, with online services, you will never have to worry about maintenance as the providers will ensure that there are no down-times. However, if you deposit all your data on the cloud and that cloud gets hit by a cyber-attack, you will be left without your data. So, your best course of action is to have a backup of all your data on both your cloud and on-premise server.
Bottom line
Each business should ensure that they are backed by the right equipment, helping them achieve its company goals. That being said, no business can operate functionally without servers, whether that is to run complex applications/software or to store data effectively.When it comes to data storage, nowadays, businesses opt for cloud storage due to its speed and convenience. However, when it comes to running apps and software, dedicated servers are as popular as ever. That's why they might come with higher monthly costs but they are an absolute must if you want to ensure seamless business operation.