Setting up a server for your small business will become a requirement once your business grows. A server helps you in the efficient running of your office network. However, you might have doubts regarding setting up a server, especially with a number of options available. Before discussing the initial server setup, let us get to know about servers in brief.
Basically, a server is a computer but a powerful one capable of serving information to the computers of your employees, customers, etc. Thus, it provides multiple users with access to the same data and eliminates the disadvantages of using different computers that are not connected. You might have to set up a server when you have more than two computers for your business. And when you do set up a server, you and your employees will be able to access data from anywhere, and you will have better control over giving access. Furthermore, hiring an initial server setup and management company might be beneficial in the long term to manage your server.
To choose a server for your small business, take into consideration the purpose it will be serving. It can be for email or website hosting, data backup and recovery, data storage, and so on. Still, proxy servers are considered suitable for any business. Also, you will have to decide whether to choose an on-premise server or a cloud server. Both come with their benefits and limitations. So go for the one that suits your business. A consultation with the best server setup company in your area can assist you in making the decision easier.
Usually, servers come in a tower, rackmount, or blade form. The server setup process might vary according to the chosen server form as well as the operating system. Yet, some steps are performed commonly, and it is as follows.
Preparation: Prior to setting up your business server, you need to prepare by documenting your network. The documentation can include user names, IP addresses, locations, hostnames, serial numbers of all computers. Besides, check software as well as hardware requirements so that you can carry out upgrades if necessary. During this step, ensure that you have everything needed for the installation.
Installation: You will have to install and set up the operating system for your server if the server has no preinstalled operating system. It can be performed by inserting an installation media like DVD or USB and following the directions. And if it already has an operating system, configure it after connecting to the network.
Configuration: Once the installation is over, start configuring your server by setting up a server backup. Then set up the remote access and sharing options for the server. Make the server a domain controller and enable computers to connect with the server through authentication.
Completion: To complete the server setup, add a local administrator account for each computer before connecting them to your business server. Connect other devices like printers to the server as well. Finally, upload the data you want on the server and organize the data that already exists. And if you hire a company to set up a server, make sure it is a 24x7 technical support company for maximum uptime.
