Today’s business environment is extremely different than ten years ago. Organizations require flexible and reliable IT solutions. With new technology continuously emerging, data and IT are among the most critical business assets today. It is giving businesses new capabilities, better insights and much faster ways to do business.
Just like a house that needs a strong foundation, an IT environment needs the right infrastructure in place to meet the ever-growing and ever-changing business (and technology) landscape. With several server options to choose from; It can be an intimidating task to choose the best server solution for your business:
Onsite vs Offsite Data Storage
There are two primary options available to business when it comes to data backup: onsite or offsite. Utilizing onsite technology, typically involves housing data in servers within your office or building. While third party data centers allow businesses to rent space for their servers and network equipment for a monthly fee. Offsite data storage grants you access to a team of experts, and redundant backup systems to keep your business online. When you manage your equipment onsite you are responsible for maintaining the environment to make sure that your equipment is running properly. Also, you are at the mercy of the building for accessing your equipment.
How to choose the best server solution for your business?
The best way to understand whether your business needs dedicated servers, colocation or cloud services is to consider which of these is the most beneficial to you:
Dedicated Servers
A dedicated server is a single physical server or servers, housed in an off-site data center that is entirely dedicated to one user. These servers are known for their high performing features in processing power, storage speed, and connection to high-speed internet. If your business needs a large amount of processing power, then dedicated servers is the right choice. One of the biggest advantages of dedicated servers is that you do not need to purchase your own server. But instead you pay a monthly fee that will include everything that you need to keep your server up and running. Typically, you can purchase these on a month to month contract, however most companies offer longer contracts upon request.
Colocation
Colocation is reserved for long term IT infrastructure requirements. Typically, with colocation you lease a secured space in a in a data center facility with power, cooling, and connectivity, while retaining full ownership and complete control of your equipment, including physically maintaining the hardware. This involves the largest capital expenditures and sourcing efforts from your team.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting makes applications and websites accessible using cloud resources. Unlike traditional hosting, solutions are not deployed on a single server. Instead, a network of connected virtual and physical cloud servers hosts the application or website, ensuring greater flexibility and scalability. With cloud hosting, you rent the equipment, space, and manpower to manage it and keep it running. One of the key benefits of the cloud is cost-effectiveness, no upfront costs are involved. Services are being provided to businesses on-demand, meaning you only pay for what you use.
What to consider before you choose a server for your business?
Your primary concern is: What problem do you want to solve?
- What is your budget? Once you have verified that a server meets your functional requirements you must also make sure you are not paying for anything you will not utilize.
- Determine if you should rent or buy your server.
- What hardware do you need, and do you want control of your hardware? If you choose to buy, you will be responsible for the physical server itself. You will need to determine whether your existing infrastructure will be able to power your servers, and whether that same infrastructure can support future growth.
- When deciding which server is the best fit for your business, scalability is an important factor to consider. Businesses should always choose servers that enable growth. Take this into consideration before you choose a server environment for your business. What will your needs be in the future?
- A key part of deciding which server is right for your busines is understanding what will be required to keep a server functional? Selecting ongoing support and maintenance for your server is crucial.
Still not sure about dedicated servers, colocation, or cloud for your infrastructure? Check out our recent infographics on the benefits and advantages for colocation, cloud and dedicated servers. Click here to read.
Determining which applications are best suited for your business, whether it may be dedicated servers, colocation, or cloud. Keeping mind what the requirements you need for your business(needs) to create the most effective and efficient infrastructure for your business.
Having the right IT infrastructure will help to deliver the business results needed to succeed. Netrouting can help determine the right infrastructure for your business. Please contact us at sales@netrouting.com or +31 (0)88 270 02 00
