You know your company is growing when you need to install a "real" computer file server instead of having a spare desktop computer serve as the repository for your company's files and applications.

Why buy a server?

Instead of having your staff access the same files stored across multiple workstation computers, they can turn to the server. With a server, you have an efficient way for users to share, manage, and back up your most critical files.

Don't yet use a server? If your office numbers over 10 people, or if the loss of your business's data would be catastrophic to your business, it's probably time to start shopping.

Investigating server requirements

Speed.
A server will need a much faster processor -- probably even more than one -- than your average desktop computer. Make sure you go with at least a Pentium III chip -- a Pentium III Xeon is preferable.

Even if you start off with just one processor, make sure the server has an additional slot to pop another in when the need strikes.

Memory.
There should be plenty of room for RAM, too. Starting off with 256 megabytes is perfectly reasonable.

But make sure you have room to grow - you may want space for as much as a few gigabytes of RAM ultimately.

Hard drive.
Unlike a regular computer, a server's hard drive will be accessed constantly, so it's got to be top of the line. Look for no less than 9 GB and a 10,000 rpm (revolutions per minute) access speed.

Hard drives should also be hot-swappable, meaning they can be removed while the computer is still running so there's no downtime.

Power and cooling.
Normal desktop power supply isn't designed to handle the multiple hard drives typically found in a server. Plus, more hard drives means more activity within the server.

And activity can get hot. Servers should have enough fans to keep things cool inside the box. (Unlike most desktops, servers have software that monitors how cool the machine is kept.)

Redundancy.
Provide extra insurance by being redundant -- not only with power but with storage. It's best to set your computers up in what's known as a RAID array (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks - though they aren't so inexpensive).

The most standard of these is a RAID 5 system, which means your information is spanned over all the disks in the array. So in the event of failure of one drive, you lose no data (although the disk should be replaced immediately).

On top of being redundant, businesses should also take the precautionary step of backing up their hard drives nightly.

Where to buy a server

You'll need to work with a value-added reseller (VAR) to help you find someone to create a system for you. And not any VAR will do. Make sure the one you select has been certified in the type of network you intend to run and has had ample experience with servers.

For more info on questions to ask a VAR, click here.

Pricing

Brace yourself -- servers ain't cheap. Dual-processor capable servers are priced, on average, between $7000 - $12000.

This typically includes 3-4 drives, about 256 MB of RAM, and a redundant power supply.

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