Does Your Small Business Need a Server?

A small business does not automatically need an onsite server. The right approach depends on the applications you use, where your data lives, your internet connection, access requirements and recovery needs.

Start with the applications

List the systems your staff need and ask each software vendor which deployment options it supports. Some applications depend on a local server; others are designed for a hosted service. Check how remote staff, printers and specialist equipment connect before choosing a platform.

Compare onsite, cloud and hybrid options

• Onsite: may suit specific local application or equipment requirements, but requires hardware, maintenance, power protection and a recovery plan.
• Cloud: can reduce reliance on local server hardware, but still needs access management, connectivity, licensing and data-protection decisions.
• Hybrid: combines local and cloud services where requirements justify the extra management.

Compare ongoing support and recovery costs as well as the initial purchase. A cheaper installation can be expensive if nobody owns patching, monitoring or recovery.

A server is not a backup guarantee

Redundant hardware can reduce some failure risks, but it does not eliminate outages, accidental deletion or compromise. Separate the server design from your backup strategy and define what must be restored, how quickly and who tests recovery.

Questions to answer before buying

1. Which applications require a server and what does the vendor support?
2. Which staff need access, and from where?
3. What happens if the internet, power or hardware fails?
4. Who maintains the system and checks the backups?
5. What will migration, support and eventual replacement cost?

PCFIXIT can discuss hosted infrastructure, cloud migration and backup and recovery as part of an agreed assessment.

Get help with the next step

Send PCFIXIT an enquiry or call 07 5522 1120. Tell us what is affected and how it is interrupting your work. We will discuss the suitable support option, availability and scope before you proceed.