Your server is essentially the heart of your IT systems. It’s what allows multiple different users to operate on the same system, with the ability to access the same files and information.
Servers can also be a huge expense. They are expensive to buy in the first place, and they take a significant amount of energy to run. You also need to consider the energy it will take to keep them cool, as well as the costs of regular maintenance.
Choose the right server for your business
The most important thing that you can do is choose a server that is the right one for your business. There are a few things to take into account here:
- Ascertain how much memory your servers will realistically need to have, based on the amount of data you currently need to keep safe and how much you will need as your business grows over the next few years.
- Carry out the same process for the number of users. How many does it currently need to support, and how many is it likely to need to support in the future.
- Think about whether it’s actually necessary for you to have an on-premise server, or whether you could keep your data secure in a cloud-based solution managed by a third-party provider. For a lot of businesses, this is a great way to cut down on costs.
- Servers need regular servicing. Be sure that you have accounted for the cost of this in your cost projections.
Power-efficient solutions
The three main types of servers that you can get are tower, rack, and blade. Tower servers are generally the easiest to set up and maintain and are sufficient for the needs of most small businesses. Rack servers typically consume the most energy, and they often aren’t all that efficient. Blade servers are designed for businesses with a need to store and access high volumes of data.
It’s worth ensuring that you get a server that has a variable speed fan. This means that it will kick in when the servers are working hard and need a little extra help staying cool, but they won’t be running all the time. This can save you energy, and also prevent wear and tear on your servers.
Energy contracts
One of the most effective ways to save money when thinking about energy-intensive servers is to ensure that you are on the cheapest possible energy contract.
Shop around to ensure that you are on the best deal based on your usage. Check out utilitybidder.co.uk for help with this.
Keeping server rooms cool
Finally, keeping the server room cool will help to ease the load on the fans, which will save energy. It will also keep your servers healthier for longer.
Your servers should be in a windowless room so that you don’t need to mitigate for the warmth of the sun, and it should be climate-controlled by an air conditioning system.
You can also save a surprising amount of energy by keeping your cables tidy! Having your cables tidied away means that air can flow more easily around the room, keeping your servers lovely and cool.
