Your small business has grown substantially the last few years and now you have discovered the need for a server. This is a big decision, after all, servers are not part of your expertise. You wonder just what type and size server is right for your business. You have questions concerning system storage and brand names. For example, you wonder how IBM products differ from HP. Well, here are just a few basics on servers to help you through this crisis.

While a desktop computer is designed for one person who needs an operating system to run applications, a server runs an operating system designed to support many users. It’s purpose is to run multi user applications like email, messaging and print servers. Your server enables users to share information and equipment and you can enhance your system security.

Now, most small businesses begin with a file and print server. Basically, these servers store files and data and are able to manage printing services. But to choose the server that will best fit your business, you need to answer a few questions. For example, you need to know how many employees you will have on the server now, and if more will be added in the near future. It is also important to access the amount of data you will store on the server. These all might seem like basic questions, but the answers to them will help in making a decision about the type of server you need for your business.