When a business expands from a few employees to over ten, a standard peer-to-peer networking model will eventually become insufficient for your needs and you will need to upgrade to a server.
Using a dedicated server with a windows server standard operating system comes with many benefits for your business.
A server will allow you to take complete ownership of your data so that you can store it securely and access it quickly. A server will also allow you to control who accesses your data, provide better security, and give you more control over your network’s shared resources.
Here are six reasons why you need a server for your business.
1. File Sharing and Security
The most common role that a server has is enabling file access controls. This means that individuals have full control over their data and who is allowed to access it. For instance, you can share documents, store private documents, and permit read-only on others with file access controls.
A server also protects your data with built-in firewall protection and security-enhanced remote access, which stops unauthorized users from getting into your network.
2. Virus Management
The greatest threat to your data (besides data loss) is infection from spyware, viruses, ransomware, and spam.
A server enables the administrator to deploy anti-virus software, run scans, and manage spam filters from a single PC. A single security application makes security management easier because the entire network will be scanned as a whole. The administrator can also install security programs across the entire network.
3. Backups
If you’ve ever lost data, you know exactly how annoying it is. Having a properly configured and tested backup is the best way to prevent data loss – and having a server can certainly go a long way to achieving that. Depending on your business’ needs, a cloud-based backup solution is a good way to ensure that you never lose your data.
3. Print Services
If someone in the office is always printing and using up all the color toner, a server with Microsoft print services can give you full control of who prints what, and if they have access to color printing.
4. Hosting Applications
If you want to host on-premises applications like Quickbooks, having a server becomes an absolute requirement. Some applications, like Quickbooks, were not designed with the internet in mind, and you could corrupt the application’s entire database.
Hosting applications on your own server also has the added benefit of being able to access your applications even if you’re offline – which is great if you have an unreliable internet connection.
5. Windows Active Directory
Regulatory agencies such as PCI DSS and HIPAA have requirements that include setting up password policies, enforcing endpoint encryption, and setting up audit trails – however, it’s virtually impossible to meet these requirements without a domain controller. A server running domain controller functions will help you meet these regulatory requirements.
6. One PC Can Work Like Multiple Systems
A server can work as the router, NAS device, backup storage drive, and a firewall. The functions of multiple devices can be virtualized and run simultaneously on the same machine.
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