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If you are running a network at your current business, or thinking of upgrading to handle projected loads then you are probably wondering what network server to get. These marvellous pieces of business technology are essential to everyday operations, but they change very frequently. Choosing one isn't very hard; you just use the same formula you use for choosing anything else. Find what fit's your needs and get it.
Of course there are a few other things to consider. Not just any old network server will do. Some are better at certain tasks than others, and some don't have many upgrade options. When looking for hardware always look at the upgradeability of the equipment. After all upgrading is cheaper than buying new, and it extends the operational life of your machines.
Choosing a network server to fit your needs mainly depends on what your needs are. As I mentioned above, some servers are better than others at different tasks. Some servers specialise in massive amounts of connections to your network, and can be ideal if you are a web host. Others work better transferring massive amounts of media files such as video clips and pictures.
You also may just need a good old fashioned file server to keep track of your database. Upgrading these machines depends on the type of machine you are using. Simple file servers will often be very similar to a desktop pc in size and layout. You can install better CPU's, memory, and hard drives like you would any other desktop. When you get to the larger server types though, things change.
You may have heard the term blade server in recent years. A blade server is essentially a giant box. This box has so many slots that you can slide blades into. Each blade has additional processors, and memory installed on them. So when you want to upgrade these you simply buy another blade and slide it in. Your only limitation is the amount of slots you have. This type of server is usually in service for a long time. Since you just buy the blades to upgrade it, it can last for many years.
This brings up another thing for you to consider. New models and processors come out every year. When looking at a network server think about what you want to buy, before you buy it. If you are going to upgrade with every technological advancement then you will not want to invest in extremely expensive models. However if you prefer long term solutions you may by a current gen model and invest in it heavily over the years. Either method works, but it's really a matter of personal preference.
In closing a network server is a very important piece of hardware to be looking at buying. You have to balance your budget, your needs, your future needs, and the abilities of what you want. This tightrope walk can be difficult for some but there are makes and models for everything out there. So whether you need a new blade server to keep your domains running properly or you just need a replacement file server for your database you will find the model right for you.