What is a server? What is a server and how does it work?
The server, in a simple way, can be considered a kind of computer, which contains one or more powerful processors, which operate in a similar way to domestic machines, allowing processing and execution of solutions requested by the user.
The differences are mainly in the field of power of each one of them: a server has more power than our desktops and notebooks. The broadcast images of data centers often show a series of servers that resemble the desktops that many still have at home. Therefore,
it is not uncommon for many lay people to associate these two elements. It is important to point out that, most of the time, it does not even physically resemble this machine. Servers emerged due to the need to have network computers for specific uses, mainly to offer services centrally.
In this way, it becomes unnecessary, for example, to install a tool on each machine in a company — it is enough that it runs on the server and the various computers are networked with it to obtain the results.
Some examples of server usage can be:
1-internet hosting;
1-local file storage;
3-providing ERP applications for the organization;
4-email services;
5-database service;
6-payment systems;
7-telephony applications;
8-use of the Internet of Things (Internet of Things or IoT), among others.
Servers: main concepts.
When we talk about servers, some concepts start to appear with more evidence, correlated with this theme. Let’s talk about the main ones below.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is currently one of the main concepts linked to servers. This is because it is a significant technological advance, in which the organization’s data is stored on external servers, which are not under the control of the business.
Supplier companies can thus provide data hosting, security protocols and resources remotely. This way, it is not necessary for your company to physically maintain them.
Client-server architecture
This model allows the distributed application of tasks and work functions between clients and the server, being one of the central ideas of network computing. This is because it allows for centralized routing and access to information circulating in the location.
It is, therefore, an application architecture distributed in modules. In this architecture, the server is occupied with maintaining the data, while the client obtains the information and forwards it to the storage location.
web hosting
Another commonly used term, when we talk about servers, refers to web hosting. This is linked to website hosting. Imagine if, for example, every person who wanted to have a website needed to have their own server. Laborious, isn’t it?
To resolve the issue, the concept of web hosting arises. In other words, a company that offers the service so that someone can host their website locally, avoiding the creation of their own server.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a server?
But what are the advantages and disadvantages of using servers? We will show each of these points below.
Advantages of Using a Server
software licensing costs are reduced as there is no need to purchase one for every computer. For large companies, operating with more than 100 machines, it can be a considerable cost;
infrastructure expenses can also be reduced, as some applications can migrate to the server, whether physical or in the cloud, instead of running on machines, avoiding computers with more robust resources; increased internal security, as the protocols will be used on the server and not on the users.
Thus, it is possible to centralise data security actions. In addition, it’s easier to implement access controls on servers, another critical measure of protection;
portability: content migration, as well as backups, becomes more practical, as all information is centralised in the same place;
IT outsourcing made easy: with this, it is possible to achieve a truly efficient service outsourcing, allowing greater efficiency in the activities carried out by an external company.
Disadvantages of Using a Server
Just from the numerous positive points, the use and adhesion of servers also presents some disadvantages. See the main ones:
unnecessary cost for small companies: for those that operate with few users, the purchase of a server may be superfluous;
if there is a dependency of the applications in the company’s internal use, if it undergoes maintenance, the solution will stop running and your business will not be able to use it, paralysing internal activities;
a security breach affecting servers can affect every machine in the enterprise.
It is important to consider, on a case-by-case basis, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a server. In situations where it is essential, ways to get around conflicts should be sought.
Those who work in this area in organisations will have the expertise to guide their partners on the best way to overcome this challenge.With this guide we’ve brought you, you can advance your knowledge of what a server is, how it works, its main concepts, and the advantages and disadvantages involved in using it. We hope it was useful for your studies!
