Dear IT Expert,
I run a small
business. My office has a peer-to-peer network now. A lot of
people have told me that I should put in a server, but I’m not
sure why. Why do I need a server? What will it do for me that I
can’t do now?
-Apprehensive in Akron
Dear Apprehensive,
Peer to peer networks can work effectively for up to 2 or 3
computers however a server can offer many important benefits to
a small business owner with 2, 3, 4 or more computers. A Client
Server network utilizes a centralized “computer” called a Server
to store central software programs, data files, email messages,
etc. The advantages of a Client Server network over a peer to
peer network can be broken down into five major areas:
1) Fault Tolerance
Servers have redundant disks (more than one—usually two,
sometimes three), redundant power supplies, redundant network
cards, redundant processors, and error correcting memory that
prevent data loss and/or downtime in the event of hardware
failures. In peer to peer networks data is usually lost if there
is a hardware failure and must be recovered from a backup (if
there is a backup.)
Servers are usually connected to Uninterruptible power supply
devices (UPS) that allow servers to run during power outages and
perform graceful shutdowns during extended power outages. This
ability also prevents data loss/corruption. Most peer to peer
networks do not have this safety feature.
2) Disaster Recovery
Servers provide the ability to quickly recover from a disaster.
This ability stems from all data being centrally located and
backed up to removable media that is stored at an off site
location. In the event of a fire, hurricane, flood, etc. that
destroys or damages the business’ equipment/building, critical
business data and applications can be restored to alternate
hardware from this offsite backup. Note: Most small businesses
that experience a disaster go out of business within the
following 12 months.
3) Security
Data stored on a server can be secured through encryption and
access control lists. Additionally file access can be logged for
auditing. Data stored on a peer to peer network is not as secure
as data on file server due to limitations of the pc’s operating
system.
4) Application Support
Servers provide many productivity and business enhancing
features that are not available in a peer to peer network. These
applications include centralized e-mail, shared calendaring,
internal and external websites, e-commerce, collaboration, CRM
applications, remote access and many more.
5) Performance
Servers provide fast access to centralized data and generally
have faster processors and more memory than systems in a peer to
peer network.
So if you are a small business owner with two or more pc’s
looking to leverage technology to improve business and employee
productivity consider upgrading to a Client Server environment.
All the best,
Your IT Expert at PC On Call
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