A server is a computing device that delivers data and services to other programs or computers within a given network. With that being said, as businesses develop and grow consecutively, servers become an integral part of their operations. This is because of the need for storage of the increasing data and information in your organization. When large companies require a server solely to perform one specified task, they often tend to maintain their own individual servers. In the case of small businesses, they can use a powerful server to perform multiple functionalities at the same time. In addition, the extensive usage of the internet has also played a crucial role in making servers a part of modern computing. Most importantly, when you face difficulties in managing your server, there are organizations that offer outsourced server management and you could approach them for assistance. Now, most websites and applications connected to different businesses use several types of servers and some of them are mentioned below.
Types of Servers
1. Proxy Server
A proxy server functions as a connection between the client and the host server. While sending a request to the resource server by the client, a proxy server masks the source of the request and in that way, the client and the responding server do not have to be connected to one another directly. Besides, a proxy allows the encryption of data while sent over the internet in order to ensure its security. Also, a proxy allows filtering out harmful network data and can be used as content control software.
2. Web Server
A web server is generally a computer software that accepts requests via HTTP. While HTTP distributes webpages, the web browser can initiate communication by sending a request to the server. Widely preferred by many businesses in this digital era, it is used to store and process websites. It responds to the client’s requests for web pages or web-related services sent from browsers running on the client’s computer. In addition, Nginx servers and Apache web servers are the commonly used web servers.
3. Application Server
Application servers are designed to host and operate various business applications. With the help of virtual connections, it connects the end-user to software applications. Besides, consisting of computer programming language, runtime libraries, database connectors, and more, application servers allow the user to build web applications and server environments. DNS (Domain Name System) servers and mail servers are two types of commonly used application servers today.
4. File Server
File servers help in the general purpose of storing and distributing files for multiple users. Also, the transfer of files over the private network of an organization offers more safety than a normal personal computer. This basic type of server allows secure backups and helps in faster retrieval of data thereby enhancing the integrity of your data and information. In this way, a file server hardware can improve performance and thereby help smoothen your business operations.
5. FTP Server
While relocating files from one computer to another, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server provides high file security as well as transfer control. Also, with FTP as an internet service, it is easy to download log files to your remote PC or upload HTML pages on the HTTP server. Besides, users can manage the accounts and start or stop the FTP server with the help of easy to access control interface. Most importantly, the secure file transfer and availability of the user callback function to send notifications make the FTP server even more reliable.
6. Database Server
Database servers are generally used for the purpose of storing and managing databases while providing access only to authorized users. The data can be accessed with the help of query labels and this data is then provided to the requested user. Besides, with large storage space, the database server runs various database applications independently of any database architecture. Some of the most common database server applications are Informix, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle.
7. Virtual Servers
When compared to physical servers, virtual server deployment has numerously exceeded over the past few years. This is because of the enhanced scalability and increased efficiency of virtual servers. Besides, with the ability of each hypervisor to run hundreds, or even thousands, of virtual servers all at once, most organizations tend to go for it. In addition, they are used for several applications such as web design and development, accessing a file remotely and more.
Steps for Server Maintenance
Server maintenance is extremely necessary for any business since a server failure may result in a broken network. Thus with proper server maintenance, your business can enhance productivity while minimizing downtime. Now, here are some important steps in server maintenance:
1. Check whether your backups are working
2. Look for application updates
3. Analyze server utilization and disk usage
4. Observe RAID controller alarms
5. Update your control panel and operating system
6. Check system security and determine hardware errors
7. Check user accounts and change passwords frequently
8. Analyze remote management tools
Conclusion
Servers have become an important part of many big and small business organizations. Now, when you find it hard to manage your servers, you could always approach any organization that offers server management services. Additionally, based on the type of servers, you would find different server management services. For instance, if your business needs a managed VPS, choose from any VPS management company based on your organizational demands. While smart server maintenance offers many advantages to your business in means of productivity and revenue, peace of mind is the greatest merit.
