When you start a small business, it’s easy to share files by sending them over email or transferring them with a flash drive.
Using servers provides several advantages designed particularly for small businesses. It is a robust computer that stores data shared through a network, and it’s an excellent way to organize your business data and improve your productivity.
As your company grows, so should its IT infrastructure. You can no longer expand your business using just a few computers in your office. Servers are a good option for your business to support your business growth.
What is a Server?
A server is a robust computer that stores data for network sharing. The server responds to data requests from other computers by serving data, files, print, and other resources to several computers connected to the same network.
The term “Server” conjures ideas of massive computer rooms concealed inside a business’s core, maintained by IT experts in windowless offices.
However, some small businesses currently use server-based networks with fewer than five devices. A network server might be the key if your business has been slowed down by slow PCs and files saved on drives.
How Does Business Benefit from Servers?
The benefits of a server are highly dependent on the location of your hosting equipment. Regardless of deployment, a server positively affects a business and IT operations.
The following is an evaluation of the most significant server benefits.
Loading Speed
Google considers website speed one of the most essential SEO aspects when determining search engine ranking. Therefore, a fast-loading website will help your business rank better in search results. A server is the most effective solution for a complex website to load fast enough to boost your SEO ranking.
The effect of speed on your bottom line is equally significant. Here are some key statistics that show the importance of website speed in terms of conversion rates:
- Every minute your site takes to load costs you 7% fewer sales.
- A one-second delay in response time could cause an 11% decrease in page views.
- Most people only stay on a website that takes up to three seconds to load if they need to go to other sites.
- Approximately 46% of people leave an online shopping cart because the website is too slow.
Scalability Levels
Server suppliers allow users to change their dedicated server’s hardware at any moment. You can request extra processing power, storage space, or bandwidth, and the seller will configure the server to meet your needs.
A server enables you to scale up and down, relying on your needs and wants. Once you request a setup update, the IT staff will require time to order components, create the configuration, and put it up. If you have an on-premise server, specific configurations can take several hours or days to launch.
You should plan business expansion plans carefully to get the most out of this server scalability. Adapt server updates to your business plan rather than adding and removing components regularly, producing unnecessary interruption.
Network Security
One of the best things about having a server is that it makes your network safer. You can provide people’s rights according to the type and amount of data they can access to satisfy their needs by creating separate categories and accounts.
Reliability
When traffic or use increases, using a shared server will primarily decrease performance. High bounce rates and revenue loss are standard results in this scenario.
A server ensures that your website or app runs smoothly and effectively, even during peak traffic hours. Users always have a good experience regardless of how much traffic or use the server performs if the device is set up appropriately.
Data centers that host servers also provide excellent redundancy, which adds to your reliability. You are unlikely to encounter interruption even if local natural disasters, wildfires, or power outages occur.
Centralized Backup
Data loss is expected in the workplace for various reasons, ranging from equipment failure to irresponsibility. These issues can be challenging, especially if the office still needs a server.
A server can benefit since it significantly improves the data backup procedure. Your business can back up all of your data, particularly your emails, to a centralized storage location on your server, reducing the headaches of data loss and increasing office productivity.
Cost-Effective
Renting a server is a cost-effective way to acquire dedicated server benefits if you don’t have an in-house server budget or the required colocation devices. You can save money and increase your ROI by saving pricey initial equipment charges.
At the same time, the cloud and shared servers are less expensive. The server will provide far more resources and the number of people you can service without experiencing problems.
Remote Accessibility
With a server, geographical borders are no longer an issue. Your employees should be able to work remotely or access files on the server anytime and from any location.
Employees can also access their emails from every web browser on their respective devices.
Provide A Unique IP Address
Multiple users using the same IP address use a shared server. If one of the users starts spamming or using black hat SEO methods, search engines can punish the IP address, which might affect all of the websites on the server.
A dedicated IP address focuses on a business that chooses dedicated hosting. You don’t have to be worried about other users’ activities since you’re the only one in charge of the Server’s IP address. The functionality is essential for running a mail server or an e-commerce website that accepts credit cards through SSL.
A public static IP Address also removes the need for your team to update records whenever a license expires or IP addresses change.
Virus Management
A server system might make virus control a lot easier. The system admin will be able to install anti-virus software from a single PC to every workstation PC on the network, conduct a network-wide scan, and delete any detected viruses.
This level of convenience is unparalleled. A single PC can run the entire virus management process with the help of a small server system.
Expand Your Business
If you want to expand your business in the future, having a server will help you do so.
You can easily set up different devices like computers, users, and apps when you have a server. You can even add new apps to your server.
The Importance of Servers to Every Business
To run your business efficiently, investing in new technology can be important. Although most businesses today are already implementing this, many more still need to adopt this step. Many businesses benefit from using a server that helps them work productivity while keeping their data safe and secure.
A server is a computer system that uses a network to provide resources, data services, and applications to other computers. The server replies to every request from other computers. Each of the different kinds of servers available on the market is significant.
Here are some reasons why every business, particularly small businesses, requires a server:
- A server creates a solid and secure infrastructure for business information.
- Automated data backups prevent data loss and make it easy to get back lost or damaged information.
- It provides high-speed internet access over a network.
- It improves the speed with which you can gather data.
- It helps you quickly and easily configure new devices, add users, and install new computers.
- It lets you combine your email accounts from services such as Google Mail, Yahoo!, and Hotmail into a single, company-hosted account.
Conclusion
Future infrastructure updates should be considered when selecting a server for the first time. More advanced server solutions are required for businesses facing a significant increase. These solutions must be both cost-effective and suitable with storage from other providers.
Always remember that the costs of setting up a server-based network aren’t just costs. It’s an investment with a significant return. In the long run, it will give you a better result.
AUTHOR: Jennysis Lajom is an IT graduate, a chemist, an eCommerce business owner, and a Korean drama fan. Her passion for digital marketing led her to a career in graphic design, editing, and social media marketing. She is also one of the resident SEO writers in Softvire US and Softvire Australia.