The server is a critical component in every IT infrastructure. It handles all business data and network needs, guaranteeing seamless communication and operation execution. The demand for an effective IT team grows as your business expands. You will find that setting up a server for your small business has more advantages than relying on other providers.
The answer to how much does it cost to set up a server falls between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on many factors. All businesses should focus on investing in a server to link all the computers and company data through a single network. Here is everything about the average cost to set up a server and why it is not a cheap project.
What is a Business Server?
A business server is a computer dedicated to managing, processing, storing, and sending data across different computers in the same network. Its primary role is facilitating data sharing among company employees and executives. Your server should ensure all the data transferred across the network is secured and that data processing is done efficiently.
There are dozens of benefits associated with businesses having private servers. It has now become a necessity for modern firms to help keep up with the competitive industries. However, the high cost of installing and managing a new server has made small businesses reluctant to include this feature in their IT departments.
Why Should You Set Up a Server for Your Small Business?
Network and File Security
The biggest concern in peer-to-peer networking has to be security. Most channels used to share company data traditionally do not guarantee unauthorized users have no access to the information transmitted. Setting up a private business server will help restore confidence that company data cannot leak to unauthorized parties.
A secure server allows seamless data sharing while ensuring the files transferred via the network can only be accessed by the relevant individuals. The system will enable you to create user accounts that only allow access to those authorized.
You can prevent any of your stored data from getting stolen and strengthen the network by setting up a private business server today.
Enhanced Reliability
The reliability delivered by a private server for your business is better than peer-to-peer networks. Since the servers use additional power supplies and hard drives, functioning is not interrupted even when one of its components stops working. Some of these components are hot-swappable, meaning you can interchange them without disrupting the system.
Failures in your IT department expose your business to catastrophic threats. Since all employee and client data is stored in your servers, your workforce can get to work regardless of location or device.
If an employee’s work computer dies, they can effortlessly connect to the network with a different device and download all the files from the server.
Network Resources Centralization
An outstanding feature of a server-client network is that it possesses all the network resources. Centralization means all computers in the network have access to all the help from the server. If you have your printers connected to the network, printing a document will only require you to connect your computer to the device and start sharing the file to print.
Network resource centralization guarantees enhanced efficiency in your business. Consider setting up a business server to increase the efficiency of your day-to-day operations.
Virus Threat Management
Your business network is exposed to various viruses, malware, and spyware, posing a significant threat to business data. If using a peer-to-peer configuration, you will need to install antivirus software on all devices in the network to secure the connection.
A server-client network makes it easy to manage virus threats since you can use a solid antivirus package to secure the network and all the connected devices.
By setting up a new server for your business, you can save on server costs and guarantee premium virus threat management for your network.
Backup Centralization
Backup is another significant consideration when managing business data. Having a private server for your business makes data backups more manageable. Since the server stores all the data in the connected devices, creating a backup on the cloud server will take less time and effort.
What Factors Determine the Cost of Setting Up a Server?
Hardware Cost
The hardware cost of its components significantly influences the final cost of a server. Using solid-state drives is costlier since its moving parts are fewer, faster, and more reliable. A mechanical hard drive creates a less expensive alternative but has a higher chance of compromising performance and efficiency.
Software Cost
Consider software server costs when budgeting for a server installation. Deploying a windows server on your own is expensive. You can find local suppliers offering adjustable monthly licensing at a cost.
You are required to pay $4,000 per server if using a Windows Server OS while Linux is free. Ensure all devices are connected before you run the installation program.
The system will also connect to any connected devices like printers, providing you access to additional features.
Building and Maintenance
The total cost of a server does not end after installation; you still have to maintain the system. The server might need three to five hours of maintenance servicing every month to guarantee all programs run smoothly. It might cost you somewhere between $150 and $300 for monthly server monitoring and upkeep.
What Components Make Up a Server?
Form Factor
The form factor is one of the critical components of a server, and it focuses on the casing you will need your setup in. Form factors come in different types; tower, rack, and blade. The space you have and how many servers you want are two significant factors that determine the ideal form factor for your small business server.
Processor
The processor is also a pre-built server component and helps determine the number of processes executed simultaneously. Almost all digital devices have a processor in their build.
A server’s processor features a unique configuration that allows them to communicate with other servers. Here are questions to answer before settling on a processor:
- How many cores do you require in each processor?
- Between a single and double processor, which one fits your operations?
Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM is another component that significantly determines your server’s pricing and efficiency. It allows running multiple servers virtually while simultaneously hosting more people under the same network.
Storage
File storage is crucial in your server configuration since it houses all your company data. Identify the space you need and the type of drive you want before deciding on a storage device. Traditional spinning hard drives are more cost-effective but slow, while modern SSDs are faster but expensive.
Power Supply
Your physical server should have a backup power supply unit to provide energy in case of power failures. Ensure you have a reliable power supply unit to avoid unwarranted breakdowns.
What Are the Different Uses of Business Servers?
For Storage
Data storage is the leading and most common use of a dedicated server. It may cost your small business around $5,000 to $10,000 to set up a server for your 20 employees.
Companies with more data require a more significant data center for archival, 3D design, and video editing, and setting up a server can reach up to $20,000. Purchasing a server becomes more expensive as you need more storage space.
For Virtual Machines
A not-so-popular role of servers in most businesses is setting up multiple virtual machines. A company with numerous virtual machines allows you to run different extensive applications on one physical server.
Your dedicated server setup project will be more expensive depending on the number of virtual servers you need to run and the required bandwidth.
If not careful, you are likely to over-engineer your server. Try finding the perfect configuration to provide enough power to execute your operations to avoid overspending.
For Remote Desktops
Small business servers also help create the perfect environment for remote desktops. It is like having a loud private cloud server for your small company.
Since the setup allows multiple employees to run their instances on windows, expect to pay more for remote desktops. It will cost you around $15,000 to $20,000 per server if you have 20-25 employees.
For Specialized Tasks
It is common for businesses to need a server for specific tasks. The server is explicit to a particular business application like accounting tasks and works to increase the function’s efficiency. How much you pay depends on the service requirements expected to run the specialized function properly.
How to Set Up a Server
Select Server Hardware
It is not a challenge for servers to perform a wide variety of tasks, but they are more effective when handling specific functions in a business. Your server is only as effective as the fitted hardware, making core hardware selection vital when setting up a server.
Your choice of hardware and features will significantly depend on how you plan to use it in your small business environment.
Under hardware, you must identify the ideal form factor for your server. You can choose between the Rackmount, Tower, and Blade server. Pay more attention to the CPU size, RAM, and hard disk storage before choosing your server.
Identify the Server Operating System
Servers need specialized and more robust operating systems to support several users simultaneously. You must find the ideal operating system for your server as it plays a significant role in price and server usability.
Find a Server Location in the Office
A dedicated room to store your small business’s dedicated server can help maintain a friendly working environment for your employees. A separate server room also increases security by controlling physical access to the server, allowing you to regulate data security risks.
A typical server room should have no windows but features cooling equipment to manage temperature settings. Size is also a consideration; the space should be big enough to allow easy access from the front to the back.
Server Configuration
Installing the server operating system is the first step before you can begin configuration. The installation process is as simple as running the initial setup program on your device. Depending on the server’s function, the configuration steps may vary.
Implement Server Security
The server is crucial for every small business, and you should ensure you implement high-quality and reliable security measures. They are susceptible to hackers since the hardware’s disruption can negatively affect your business’s daily functioning.
Hackers can attack your stored data from multiple servers from different angles. If connected to the internet, Web and mail servers can be targeted by malware and compromise company data. Lateral intrusion from your internal network is a risk for servers not connected to the internet.
You can improve server security by;
- Setting up and maintaining a firewall
- Ensuring you back up all critical data
- Perform network security audits regularly
- Establish virtual and physical access controls to limit server access
- Activate home server intrusion detection and prevention systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Having Your Own Server Worth It?
Every business owner should consider having their own server as a business. A private server guarantees higher performance and helps save on company resources. It also helps with disaster recovery by enforcing automated data backups.
Is Running One Server Expensive?
It is relatively cheaper to run one server than most individuals assume. The average price of running a single server in the US is around $731 annually.
How Long Can a Server Last?
The potential lifespan of a small business server is 7 to 10 years. Rack servers guarantee reliable functioning for not more than six years, while integrated systems can last up to 10 years. However, your maintenance routine significantly determines your server’s lifespan.
Are There Disadvantages to Setting Up a Server?
The advantages of having your own server outweigh the disadvantages. Some disadvantages are increased server costs, challenging transitions, single point of failure, and software support quality.
Conclusion
At one point or the other, businesses need to invest in a server to streamline their operations. Although setting up a server is complicated and tedious, finding the latest hardware exposes your company to many benefits. Our article has all the information you need to set up a minimal server and integrate it into your operations.
