What is a Server PC System? A server system is one that other business PCs connect to in a business, where all programs are installed, and then shared by the other office PCS, so it is a more powerful system than a typical office pc. It needs more memory and larger hard drive storage space, and a much more powerful Processor.

The most important difference is that a good business server system is configured with a totally different type of hard drive system, called RAID. A RAID configuration allows for TWO hard drives, so that the 1st drive is “ mirrored “ to the 2nd Hard Drive ( an Identical Copy of the 1st Drive ).

This is very important because it means that when a hard drive “ crashes “ ( or dies ), the 2nd Hard Drive automatically takes over and your business continues to run, WITHOUT any down time. Not only does the drive take over for the “ crashed “ hard drive, it REPORTS THAT THE OTHER DRIVE NEEDS REPLACEMENT. So, you have time to have the bad drive replaced, and then re-configured again.

If you think that simply backing up your data files is all you need to do for your business, you need to THINK AGAIN. Backing up all your work files is smart, and something every business needs to do. BUT, if your hard drive actually crashes, and you think that simply having your data ready to restore is going to be a quick job, this is what you need to consider.

First, someone ( with experience ) will need to install a new hard drive. Second, an experienced person will need to re-install Windows, and then all the drivers for your system ( video, sound, modem, network, and any other devices ). At this point, you will already have anywhere from 2 to 4 hours invested in getting your system running again. Third, all your business software will need to be installed which can take anywhere from half an hour to even two hours time. Fourth, you must then re-install all the software for any printers, scanners, that connect to the Server. This process can take another hour or so. Fifth, you must now restore all your data files. That process can take several more hours if a lot of different business programs are being used. Sixth, your email settings must be re-installed. And, unless you somehow knew how to make backups of your Outlook files, those are LOST. Seventh, and probably most time consuming, is that now all network properties must be re-set. And that includes making sure that all PCS on the network are connected to the Server, and then making sure that all drives are mapped correctly. Also, all file sharing and printer sharing properties must be re-set to the original configuration ( which was lost when the hard drive crashed ). This work will typically take an average of one hour per PC in your office, IF you are a trained network person.

So, just because you may have backed up your data files ( documents, Quick Book files, etc ) there is MUCH MORE WORK TO BE DONE TO GET YOUR BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. THERE IS TYPICALLY AT LEAST 6 TO 8 HOURS OF WORK INVOLVED TO COMPLETE THESE STEPS.

If your business can go for 6 to 8 hours without using your Server, then you are fine. Since most Business People can NOT afford to be “ down “ with their computer system for any time at all, then you need to CONSIDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOUR BUSINESS WHEN YOUR HARD DRIVE FAILS.

A GOOD RAID SERVER, BUILT AND SUPPORTED BY OUR COMPANY CAN HELP YOU AVOID THAT ISSUE ENTIRELY. WE CAN CUSTOM-BUILD A SERVER TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS.

For More Information on Servers, Server Pricing, or to order a Server for your business - Give us a call or stop by today!