Do I need a Server?

Majority of companies continue to add workstations to their peer-to-peer network. This setup lacks security and resource sharing. Common problems experienced are trouble accessing workstations, lost of data due to viruses or spyware, or intermittent internet problems. When companies have more than 5 users on their network, they should consider investing in a network server.

Some important benefits of Server are:

1) File and Network Security

The most important role of a file server is the network security it provides. By creating individual user and group accounts, rights can be assigned to data stored on the network preventing unauthorized users from accessing materials they should not be viewing.

2) Increased reliability

Servers can be equipped with redundant power supplies hence the loss of one power supply will not affect normal system operations. A server typically uses multiple hard drives working in RAID configuration to prevent data loss. On top of that, server also has hot swappable hard drives and power supplies this allowing replacement of faulty hardware without interruption of operations. In addition, since employee’s data is being stored on network, if a workstation fails, employees can resume work quickly from another workstation by accessing the same files.

3) Central Data Storage

With a network server, all users on the network can make use of various network resources and share the resources from their desks thus increasing efficiency. Some of the common shared resources include:

• Centralized data storage (RAID Array)
• Network Attached Storage (NAS) Devices
• CD/DVD Towers
• Printers and Fax Servers

4) Virus Management

One of the greatest and common threats to your network is the possibility of infection from viruses, spyware and spam. Having good, updated anti-virus software installed is a necessity in the office. Individual management of workstation can be tedious; an anti-virus package that combines workstation and server virus protection into a single solution will increase reliability.

5) Centralized Backup

All companies should backup their data on a regular basis. By having all data stored in one location, backups can be performed reliably and quickly instead of worrying about what data is stored on which workstation in a peer-to-peer network. Common backup media are traditional tape drive, CDs, DVDs, removal storage of Network Attached Storage (NAS).