Servers are specifically designed to hold, manage, process and send data. The technology that powers them:

• Adds extra reliability with redundant hard drives or power supplies
• Processes data faster and more efficiently with the capability of two or more processors
• Offers added file protection and security
• Helps eliminate network data bottlenecks
• Can be configured to handle multiple services, such as e-mail, Web site and applications
• Scales to your growing business needs

Desktop PCs, on the other hand, are built to run user-friendly operating systems, office applications and other desktop tasks. In short, both are engineered for entirely different purposes.

So the question is when do you know that your business needs to move beyond the desktop? If your business consists of three to four staff members who share files across networked PCs, access the Internet or use e-mail, you may not need a server yet. However, once your business has five or more employees, a server-based network will provide a central location of all data, improving management, collaboration, protection and migration of all your business-critical data. In general, if you need a system that processes, shares or manages data, you’ll need to purchase a server.

Other reasons you may need a server:

• Can’t always locate files stored on individual PCs
• Want to centralize all your documents, spreadsheets, records, financial data, etc.
• Have numerous dial-up accounts for Internet access and want to share broadband access
• Want to host your own Web site and e-mail system
• Need to share printers
• Want to simplify the backup process
• Need to run business-critical applications on more than one PC

Find the perfect match
Now that you’ve determined that a server is right for your business, it’s time to start planning and assessing your current and future needs. A little planning goes a long way and can make for significant savings and proper equipment fit. Do keep in mind that although servers can cost more than desktops, they are built to do more.

Consider some of the following questions to get started:

• What issue are you trying to solve?
• What kind of software do you need for the number of employees?
• How much hard disk space does your data require — today and tomorrow?
• Would you like assistance with the server setup?
• What type of maintenance level and support would you prefer?