Your server computers are the core of your network- and regardless of who you are or what you do, your specific needs should determine what you have. We recommend the right server and software for your size, application software mix, personnel, and projected growth. You may require anything from the rack-mount, fault-tolerant, multiple server configuration on the left to a desktop computer you already have with sufficient redundancy added. Who you are dictates what you need.
 
Servers need to keep your data safe, available, and available quickly. Here's what you should consider:
 

Data Redundancy:

  This can be anything from two forms of backup, through redundant disks and power, to clustered servers. But whatever it is, it needs to be done well. Expensive doesn't guarantee effective without that.  

Data Availability:

  A combination of hardware redundancy and disaster recovery. For a small office, downtime may be acceptable. For an e-commerce site, it's not. Various forms of hardware duplication and software backup determine how fast you get back online- or whether you ever go off.  

Performance:

  Enterprise database software needs powerful servers, small office applications usually don't. Software should be chosen carefully. Most new servers are fast enough for a small office. But even some "real server" hardware that's commonly sold may not be, and for some uses, the challenge is getting a server that's fast enough. We do both large and small applications well.  

Hardware vs. "Virtual Servers"

 Networks often require multiple servers. The right server hardware will run multiple software "servers", and in many situations lead to huge savings. Ask us whether you can benefit from "server virtualization."  

Support

Servers are complex, and critical to businesses. You need support that's always available and technically able to not just install software and set up the server, but troubleshoot the complex software and hardware interactions that will arise.  

Cost:

  Needs no explanation. Choosing a server that's right for your business is the best way to control this. It's a technical choice, and business owners who don't understand the technology may be both fearful of not spending enough and reluctant to spend too much. Computer vendors would certainly rather see everyone get a "real server," whether they need one or not. We'll sort it out for you, fairly.
 

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An enterprise server runs server-specific software, typically some version of Microsoft Windows Server 2008. But for smaller companies, the choice of whether to use Windows Server or Windows 7 / XP Professional is a real one. The efficiencies of a Windows "Domain" schema are most effective for managing many computers at once. They take some effort to implement, though, so we consider the cost-benefit ratio. The single user "Professional" versions of Windows are licensed for up to 10 connections, and can be used effectively in some situations. But though Microsoft allows those 10 connections, their own marketing strongly suggests they believe a domain is more effective after 5 users or so. We think that's right- if the people who set up a network know how to take advantage of Windows Server's management features. We do, and this keeps computer administration time down to a minimum.  

As a rule of thumb: if you have three computers and you have Windows Server, you didn't know or weren't told enough about choosing which Windows. If you're at 8 to 10 computers and none are running Windows Server, your network integrator didn't know enough. If either is your situation, we can help you save by making your network administration (and purchasing!) far more efficient.  

 

It doesn't matter what the application is- businesses need reliability and predictability more than performance, price, or anything else from their workstations. So that's what we provide. Whether you need a powerful workstation for CAD, video production, or engineering, or inexpensive office-work PCs, we have system that will help your business.  

Larger enterprises need standardization and manageability. Our Intel-only workstations use common hardware platforms and standard peripherals, manageable both by classic SNMP and through newer management platforms that utilize Intel's vPro technology (including Intel's own Active Management Technology). Components are readily available, industry-standard, and inexpensive.  

Smaller businesses without IT staff don't need manageability, but the reliability and consistency that come with Intel platform are still important. (And we do sell only Intel, though we gave AMD a chance a long time ago. For more, read our Intel vs. AMD sidebar.
 

As with servers, buying only what you need keeps a lid on IT costs, and we'll recommend the right hardware for your users and software environment. Software is the biggest factor determining the hardware you need. We'll show you which options increase user productivity, which help maintain smooth business operation, and which have little benefit for you.