WHAT IS SERVER?
In simple terms, it is a powerful computer that is used to serve information and software to employees, customers, and other computers. For example, if you have five employees in an office each working on a different computer, they should all be able to access the same software and documents. These are served from a central computer rather than having multiple versions of the files stored locally on each machine.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS:
Whether you build or buy your server, unless you have a dedicated IT team, you will need to know how everything fits together. In this section, we will walk you through how to build a business server, get it all set up, and how to build the ideal server room.
Building a business server
Servers typically come in three different forms – rackmount, tower, and blade. A tower server looks similar to a home PC but contains server components that are more robust than a consumer computer, allowing them to run 24/7 without interruption. Rackmount and blade servers are installed onto a chassis making them highly expandable and good options for saving space, though both are more expensive than tower systems.
Every server contains specific hardware that determines its resource capacity, in particular, CPU (central processing unit) size, hard disk storage, and RAM (random access memory). You may also wish to incorporate backup hardware components such as hot-swappable drive bays and a redundant power supply, as well as ECC (error correcting code) firmware that detects and corrects errors on the fly to reduce downtime.
The exact specifications of your server will depend on what you need it to do. For example, looking at some common uses:
A server providing database services would prioritize disk space and a hard drive capable of fast write speeds, as well as support for RAID to provide reliability.
A file or email server would benefit from multiple hot-swappable drive bays, but the CPU is not too important.
A web hosting server (which works together with a database server) would have higher RAM requirements and would benefit from hardware redundancy.
How to set up a server for a business?
While the exact process of setting up a server for an SMB will vary based on your chosen hardware and operating system, there are some common steps you will need to follow.
Prepare
Before you begin, document your network. Record the names of users, IP address, hostname of each computer, serial numbers, and locations. Check both the hardware specifications and software requirements of your server. You may find that you need to upgrade the operating systems of computers on the network in order to connect them to the server.
Install your server
If your server came with an operating system preinstalled, you can connect it to the network and begin configuration.
Configure your server
As soon as possible after installation, set the server backup (you may need an external hard drive), set up remote access to the server, and set sharing options. Set the server as a domain controller to allow all computers in the network to join the new centralized environment and to allow the server to authenticate user credentials.
Complete the setup
Add a local admin account to each PC or Mac and connect them to the server. Set up printers and connect them to the print server. Organize and upload the data and applications you wish to have on the new server.
Building a server room
Depending on how much space you have and your hardware choices, setting up a dedicated room to house your server is a worthwhile investment. Besides isolating noisy servers away from employees, you can ensure that everything is properly organized and set up to function optimally.
Ideally, use a room with no windows and the capacity to install cooling equipment and backup power.
Invest in the right equipment
While it might be tempting to use a desk or shelf to store your server, the benefits of investing in a rackmount far outweigh the costs. Racks keep your equipment secure, organized, and make it easy to rearrange server units.
You will also need a cooling system to ensure that high temperatures don’t damage your hardware. Consider installing an A/C unit that can be left on continuously, or better still, two units on separate circuit breakers to allow for a redundant supply.
Even for a smaller office server setup, you will need at least a lock and key to protect your expensive equipment and valuable data from theft or tampering. If your budget allows, consider installing a security camera. A backup power supply is also highly recommended to keep your network and business running without disruption.
Cable management is an important, but often overlooked, aspect of setting up a business server. Although it requires a little extra work, an RJ45 patch panel can be used to terminate Ethernet cable runs and can provide up to 24 ports. Cable ties are also an effective and inexpensive way to keep cables organized and out of the way.
How to set up a business network?
If you are investing in a server, it makes sense to consider your whole office network at the same time. This will ensure that it meets your current needs and lays the foundation for your business to expand into the future. Essentially, a network is a group of interconnected devices, often made up of computers, printers, scanners, and network drives.
Choosing what's right for you
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to setting up a business network. Instead, think about the specific requirements of your business, such as:
The size of your office
Number and type of devices your business uses
What applications your business runsWhat files employees need to share
How you will protect your network
Your future expansion plans.
A key consideration when setting up your network is whether to go wired or wireless. While a wireless setup gives you more flexibility in terms of your office layout and design, an Ethernet connection (wired) is generally more reliable, faster, and less expensive.
Setting up your network
To create a network, you will need to connect the following components:
Server. Every network should have at least one server.
Switches. A switch is a component that connects the devices on your network and allows them to communicate. You will have the choice of managed and unmanaged switches, but SMBs often opt for an unmanaged switch.
Routers. A router connects different networks together, such as connecting your office network to the internet or creating an intranet.
Cables. Whether you opt for a wired or wireless network, you will still need cables. The common choices are copper or fiber optic - fiber optic is more durable and provides faster data speeds.
Get business server antivirus protection
Whichever way you decide to set up your network, it will likely contain valuable data and business information so an important consideration is how you will adequately protect it. Cyberthreats evolve every day and SMBs are often an easy target for cybercriminals. A simple way to protect your business is by installing a comprehensive cybersecurity package that includes server antivirus protection.
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DISCLAIMER
The information is provided by Tecquisition for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If you have any feedback, comments, requests for technical support or other inquiries, please mail us by tecqusition@gmail.com.
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