As your company grows and you add more stuff, you’ll need an in-house server to maintain your office network, so your business runs smoothly. However, with so many options, it can be confusing for you in terms of giving it a start. Setting up an in-house server for a small or mid-sized business (SMB) does not have to be complicated.
Your server is the foundation of your company, and it must be secure in the long term. Servers are generally used to host documents and run internal email systems for those who are unfamiliar with them. However, a user error can compromise the server due to inadequate security if you don’t keep regular antivirus upgrades. A password leak can be another way to compromise your company’s core.
- Things To Consider While Setting Up An In-House Server
Before setting up an in-house server, you should consider a few things, such as the type of server you need, the operating system you will use, the level of security you require, and the amount of traffic your website or application will generate. The following sections will help you determine which type of server is right for your requirements:
- Electrical Architecture -Cables And Cords
This is the first and foremost thing to be considered while setting up a server. Ensure that you have the proper electrical outlets and backup power supplies. The server will also need an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in case of a power outage. So, choosing a 10 gauge extension cord helps to ensure the server does not overheat.
- Type Of Server
The type of server you need will depend on the size of your business, the number of users, and the applications you will be running. For small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, a small form factor (SFF) or tower server will suffice. An SFF server is less expensive and takes up less space than a tower server.
Perhaps, you might require a rack-mountable server if you have a medium-sized business with up to 250 employees. Such servers are designed to be installed in a 19-inch network equipment rack, whereas Blade servers and mainframes are available for large businesses or enterprises with more than 250 employees.
- Cooling System
A server emits a lot of heat, so it’s crucial to have an excellent cooling system in the workplace. The facility should have redundant cooling systems if the server is located in a data center. In case the server is located in an office, ensure enough airflow around the unit.
- Internet Connection
Consider how your server will connect to the internet. You will need a high-speed internet connection with a static IP address if you’re running a website or web application. A slower internet connection will suffice if you just use the server for email and file sharing.
- Operating System
Next, you need to determine which operating system you will use. For servers, the most popular options are Microsoft Windows Server and Linux. If you’re unsure which one to choose, you should talk to an IT professional or do some research online.
- Security
When it comes to security, there are many factors to consider. First, you need to decide what level of security you need. A basic firewall will suffice if you’re just running an essential website or email server. However, running a more complex server or web application requires a more robust security solution. You also need to consider who will have access to the server. If you’re running a public website, anyone can access the server. However, if you’re running a private server for your company, only authorized users should have access.
- Traffic
If you’re running a website or web application, you must ensure your server can handle the amount of traffic you expect. If you’re unsure how much traffic your site will generate, consider consulting a professional IT service provider that can offer you the proper guidance.
- Storage And Backup
You should determine how much data you want to store on the server and how you want to store it. Much different storage and backup options are available, so you must research online before committing to any backup available in the market.
- Peripherals
In addition to the server, you also need to think about peripherals and consider what kind of mouse, keyboard, and monitor you want to use. If you have a spare desktop, you will likely have a spare monitor and keyboard to go with it. You may even use your existing computer if you’re not using a laptop and are willing to transition back and forth while getting things up and running. These will only be required until the server is operational. Having a monitor and keyboard on hand for future server debugging and upgrading is quite handy.
Conclusion
If you have decided that an in-house server can be the ideal option for your business, there are still a few things to consider before making the switch. If you haven’t determined yet, go through the prerequisites detailed here. You should understand what it takes to set up and maintain an in-house server and whether or not it’s the right choice for your small business.
