Upgrading a server is never easy. There are a number of legitimate reasons for actually doing it, however, and these are certain reasons that should not be dismissed too lightly. Perhaps the server is failing, either from a faulty part or a software issue. The most common reason, however, is because the server is outdated and the newer software will not run on that particular hardware.
So you have a good reason to switch, but how do you go about making the actual switch? What do you look for? Below are a few pointers that you will need to take into account when you are getting ready to invest in a brand new server.
Price
This one is actually pretty obvious. If you don’t have the money then making a worthwhile purchase is going to prove pretty much impossible. However, there are some instances where you need to have a top of the line server. If you find that you are short on cash for things you actually need, then you’ll definitely need to rethink your budget! Servers aren’t cheap, so you have to really do your research and make sure that you understand exactly what your business requires and what you can afford.
Space
Okay, this is a big one. There are two basic types of servers out there, and they are the rack mount server and the tower server. The tower server is quite similar to the standard PC, and the rack mount server is actually a very slim computer that can be mounted on a rack to save space. If you have the space for a standard tower then this could be an extremely viable option. There are some disadvantages to doing either one of these however, so do some research, review the area you have available and find the most suitable option for your business.
Disadvantages of the Tower Server
- As mentioned before, the tower server is heavy, cumbersome, and in spite of all that, it’s not impossible for someone to just walk in and steal it.
- If not properly cooled, they can cause an unbearably hot server room.
Disadvantages of a Rack Mount Server
- Yes, they are small, and that means they can be easily lost, especially if on a rack with a lot of other servers. There is nothing more annoying than forgetting the IP address of a particular server.
- They cannot be upgraded, meaning that the hardware they came with is the hardware they stay with, save for the hard drives which can usually be hot-swapped.
As you can see, it’s a rather hard decision in any case. Before you make an upgrade you’ll want to assess your needs. Yes, rack-mounted servers are nice, and they are pretty, but if you want to be able to upgrade in the future then you will definitely want to purchase a tower model.
Check the different pros and cons of the server types, and make sure that you ask around to see what others prefer. Yes, every brand is going to say that they’re the best out there, but it’s up to you to determine which is best for you. Don’t worry though, you will definitely know the right server model when you see it!
