Six signs your business needs a server

Six signs your business needs a server

A network server allows your company to run centralised applications, provides a safe place to store files and makes it easier to control how your IT system is used.

But buying and setting up a server isn’t a small investment. So here are six signs that it might be time to take the plunge:

• You want to share files and applications. Are your staff constantly emailing files to each other, or having to find creative ways to share data? Have you reached a point where your customer database needs to be available to several people?
• You need more storage capacity. Your hard drives are creaking at the seams, you have CDs full of data stacked up in cupboards, and your filing cabinets are overflowing with paper. Sounds familiar? You could fit all that – and plenty more – onto a server.
• Your IT is spread out and difficult to manage. If you have added extra computers and software to meet business growth, you could easily end up with lots of different pieces of equipment, running different versions of software and due for replacement at different times. Adding a server is a good opportunity to consolidate.
• Your staff require remote access to data and resources. With data and applications on a central server, it’s easier to enable and control remote access. Mobile workers can log in from their laptop or smartphone via your company’s internet connection.
• Losing a laptop would mean losing important data. Companies without servers tend to store vital information on individual computers, meaning if a laptop gets lost or stolen, you can lose key data too. With a server, everything can be stored centrally.
• You need to collaborate more efficiently. With a server, you can run centralised collaboration tools that make it easier to work together. For instance, you can set up a central workspace containing documentation, plans and feedback on a project.

Is it time your business had a server? Leave a comment and let us know where your company stands.

• How to do more with your network server
• Network servers briefing
• Learn more about servers from the Dell Small Business Solutions Centre