A Guide to Computer Server Set-Up for Small Businesses

Keeping up business operations is a monumental task for individuals with little technological experience. Most small business owners will feel prompted to hire IT professionals to set up their servers and follow up whenever an issue they may not know comes up.

Setting up a computer server can seem like a complex process, but it can be simplified by understanding what servers for businesses need most.

With the following guide on setting up servers, small business owners can understand how to set up their own server systems without requiring outside help:

What is a Computer Server?

Before going into the details of installing a server for business, it is necessary to adequately define what a server is.

A server is a computer designed solely for a specific purpose. Contrary to ordinary desktop computers, servers are made with durability, longevity, and longer working periods in mind.

Many businesses make use of these devices to store important files or to access services and functionality on different computers within the same network.

Having a server operate in your business may be a good move depending on the size of the business. Large-scale businesses may need large servers capable of running multiple operations at once, but smaller businesses may just need a tower and small devices like routers. There are also many considerations to be taken when it comes to setting up a server for a business.

Computer Server Rack

Servers can be a very important device when it comes to running a business’s operations, but there are many important things to decide on when setting up a server system.

The first major factors in planning for a server are deciding the server’s equipment and location. It is important to know what equipment will make up the server to know what the space where the server will be located, as these will determine the requirements needed for the space. There needs to be sufficient spacing between the equipment and, potentially, between the server and the work environment.

Choosing to go with a rack mount for the server is a viable option for businesses.

Rack-mounted servers are a good option because they optimize cooling and airflow options, allowing them to run more efficiently and effectively. Having the server operate on a rack mount in a space such as a closet helps facilitate device organization, prevents damage from trapped heat and dust, and keeps devices from weighing down others.

There are many server rack options available to fit the needs of as many businesses as possible. Some racks come in different forms allowing for different levels of accessibility and protection, while different sizes are available for businesses that need larger systems or smaller devices.

Taller racks are recommended for businesses planning on or actively expanding their operations, while smaller systems can use adjustable rear brackets or separate adjustable mounting kits to make the best use of space.

Computer Server Room

Following decisions on server location and type, it is vital to consider the operating conditions for the servers to run optimally. It is of crucial importance that the environment around the server be organized so that nothing can impede or damage it.

One of the major strategies to protect the run of servers is to ensure proper cooling for the server room. This can be achieved by installing an AC unit in the same room as the server, adding fans and blanking panels to the server rack, and designing a cold aisle system where the heat would move away from the cold the server needs.

Proper organization is a necessity for a server room.

Labeling the different devices and connections in the server is vital for people to work with servers without requiring years of experience. Some of these labels can contain the name of the device, instructions for installation and replacement, and the proper procedures for cleaning.

The use of labels ensures efficient operations will continue running after cleaning procedures or changes in hardware occur while also preventing the need for the services of an IT professional.

Ensuring proper power delivery to the server system is one of the last steps needed for setting up a server system for a business. To do this, it is important to determine the server’s power capacity and consumption, including the voltage and amperage of the circuits, with a power consumption calculator.