Once a small business starts reaching more than 5 PCs, it’s a good time to begin considering the benefits of setting up your own server for storage, networking, security, and website hosting.

As you add more computers and other devices to your office that you need to interconnect, just using a peer-to-peer network becomes less efficient. Servers offer fast and efficient sharing of all files, plus provide a central location to store your company’s important data.

SchrankLABS has guided many small businesses in Southeast Wisconsin and beyond in setting up their first server. It can be intimidating for many at first, but we streamline the process to make it easy and provide continued IT asset management with proactive maintenance and monthly onsite visits.

We can also help companies do a cost/benefit analysis, comparing what they pay for a variety of different services that could be handled by a server with the server setup and operating cost. Many are surprised at how much they save.

How can a server save you money? Should you go with a local on-premises server or a cloud-based server? What can you do with your own server?

In this article, we’re going to try to take the mystery out of what getting your own small business server means and answer all those questions and more.

Local Server vs Cloud Server

One decision to make when you decide it’s time to get your own server is whether to go with a local or cloud server. Both have their pros and cons, and both can provide the same functions.

Local Server Pros & Cons

Pros:

• You have physical control over your backup
• You don’t have to go through a 3^rd party to access your data
• You can access the information without an internet connection
• Cost effective

Cons:

• Initial outlay may be more for the hardware
• If it goes down, you have to fix it yourself unless you have an IT service plan
• In case of a natural disaster, it’s more susceptible to data loss

Cloud Server Pros & Cons

            Pros:

• Lower initial startup cost
• Storage can be added as you need it
• Can initiate the backup/restore from anywhere
• In case of a natural disaster, your data is offsite and safer

            Cons:

• Over time costs can be higher than a local server
• You’re reliant on the cloud storage company for access and storage capacity
• You can’t access it without an internet connection

Important Benefits a Server Offers Your Business

Getting your own dedicated server is an important decision, but it’s one that can potentially save your company money and improve efficiency. And if you have a partner like SchrankLABS on your side, setup and administration is going to be simple.

Here are some of the benefits you can realize once you decide it’s time to get your own company server.

Streamline & Consolidate Your Resources

Are your tech subscriptions adding up? Do you have a monthly bill for your email service, another for your website, and another for your anti-virus program? “Application creep” happens when you start adding on various web-based services from different providers, and the total bill can add up fast.

When you have your own server, you can use it for multiple applications that you host yourself, so you eliminate unnecessary subscriptions and streamline your IT operations.

Security You Can Control

When you control your own server, you have a more secure environment for yours and your clients’ files since you’re not relying on outside parties that have copies of your data. Security can be implemented server-wide that also protects your connected computers and devices.

Central Repository for Documents

Do you have various versions of the same document spread across multiple computers or mobile devices? Does your staff have to constantly email files back and forth? A server can act as a central repository for all your company files, with accessibility permissions set up so your team can access what they need anytime.

This means if someone needs the latest copy of a product brochure, they can grab it easily from the server, no need for inefficient back and forth emails or trying to find whose computer it’s on.

Increase Performance of Computers

Another benefit of using a server as a main repository for all your company files, is that individual computers are freed up without needing to store as many documents on them. A server also provides more processing power which can free up memory for your devices, allowing them to perform better.

Hosting for Websites, Email, Databases

According to Forbes, “no website means losing business.” Have you ever had your website go down and been on hold for hours waiting to get through to your website provider? All the while wondering how much business you’re losing?

You can eliminate that stress by using your server to host your own website, emails, and more. Not only can you easily monitor website uptime, you can easily add domain names as you wish without the extra cost of signing up for another hosting plan.

Interested in Learning More About Getting Your Own Server?

If you’ve been thinking of getting a dedicated server for your business but weren’t sure where to start, give us a call!SchrankLABS has a team of friendly experts that can answer all your questions and provide productive guidance. Reach out at 262-347-3199 or schedule an appointment online anytime.