Take a look around your office. Are there more than four or five computers networked together? If so, how do you manage those computers to ensure that your company data stays safe?

Growing companies often add workstations to accommodate new employees or enhance their computing power. Unfortunately, they sometimes forget to consider the network setup, which makes a big difference in system security and reliability. Networking your workstations together in a peer-to-peer configuration can work with a few machines, but once you have half a dozen and more you may find yourself struggling to back up and secure each individual computer. If this predicament sounds familiar, it may be time to consider investing in a network server.

Role of the Server

A server is a machine designed to store, manage, and deliver data to the workstations in your network. Servers are typically more powerful than your average workstation and offer redundant hard drives and hot-swappable components. While a regular computer can serve as a network server, it may not offer the kind of scalability and security that a server can provide.