Managing a business without servers can be difficult in this world of data-driven strategies and automation.
Here’s the problem, though.
There are so many types of servers to choose from. Shared-resources servers are the cheapest, but they are not good in terms of privacy and performance. On the other end of the spectrum, you have dedicated servers and VPSs (Virtual Private Servers.) While they offer the best performance, flexibility, and security, getting and maintaining one cost a lot.
There is also the question of where you would like to keep the server. You can get one from a data center or keep it on your premises. If your business has a good network infrastructure, you won’t have trouble setting up a business server at your business premises. Therefore, you will have physical access to the server in addition to typical benefits like extra storage and business email. We shall discuss this aspect in detail.
Small business servers, better known as SMB servers, seem to bring the best of both worlds. You can set up a small-sized server to cater to the different business needs, such as storage, email, syncing, collaboration, etc.
The HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10 Tower Server is an excellent choice for small businesses seeking a high-performance, scalable, and versatile server solution. Here’s an overview of why it stands out:
High Scalability and Power: This server is designed for maximum scalability and power, making it an ideal choice for businesses anticipating growth and increasing IT demands.
Advanced CPU Options: With support for up to two Intel Xeon processors, the server offers robust performance that can handle various business applications, from networking and data processing to more complex computational tasks.
Ample Memory and Storage: The server comes equipped with 16GB of ECC RAM, providing reliable and error-correcting memory capabilities. Additionally, the availability of 8 SFF (Small Form Factor) drives allows for significant storage expansion, catering to growing data storage needs.
Efficient Cooling and Attractive Design: Despite its powerful performance, the server includes multiple fans for efficient cooling, ensuring stable operation under heavy loads. Its design doesn’t compromise on style, making it visually appealing in a professional setting.
Pros:
Highly expandable design suitable for a growing business.
Ability to work with powerful Intel Xeon CPUs for robust performance.
Scalable performance options to meet varying business demands.
Cons:
The server is relatively expensive, which might be a consideration for small businesses with limited budgets.
In summary, the HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10 Tower Server is a strong investment for small businesses looking for a server that combines power, scalability, and reliability. While its cost may be higher compared to other options, its performance capabilities and expandability make it a valuable asset for businesses planning for growth and requiring a server that can keep up with their evolving IT needs.
The HP MicroServer Gen10 Plus Tower Server is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for a compact yet powerful server solution. Here’s an overview of its strengths and potential drawbacks:
Compact and Versatile: Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for businesses with limited space, without compromising on the ability to handle various roles and tasks.
Powerful Processor: Equipped with an Intel Xeon E-2224 processor, capable of reaching speeds up to 4.6GHz, the server offers robust performance suitable for various business applications.
Ample Memory: With 32GB of DDR4 RAM, which is expandable, the server provides sufficient memory to handle demanding tasks, ensuring smooth operation and efficiency.
Generous Storage Capacity: The server comes with 8TB of storage, further expandable through 4 SATA drives. This ample storage capacity is ideal for businesses with significant data storage needs.
Aesthetic and Practical Design: The server’s design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical in terms of dimensions, making it easy to fit into different business environments.
Pros:
Compact size for easy accommodation in various business settings.
High performance suitable for a range of business applications.
Excellent expandability options for RAM and storage.
Cons:
May not be the most budget-friendly option for small ventures with tight budgets.
In summary, the HP MicroServer Gen10 Plus Tower Server is a solid mid-tier server option for small businesses that require a balance of performance, expandability, and compact design. While it may require a slightly higher investment, its features and capabilities make it a worthwhile choice for businesses seeking a reliable and versatile server solution.
The Dell PowerEdge T40 Server is a commendable choice for small businesses seeking an affordable and efficient server solution. Here’s a detailed look at its advantages and limitations:
Affordability: One of the key strengths of the Dell PowerEdge T40 Server is its affordability. It offers satisfactory performance and features at a price point similar to a high-end PC, making it accessible for small businesses with limited budgets.
Efficient Performance: Equipped with an Intel Xeon E-2224G processor clocked at 3.5GHz, the server provides efficient performance for various small business needs, including networking and storage.
Compact and Energy-Efficient: The server is designed to consume minimal power and space, making it ideal for businesses with limited physical space or those looking to reduce energy costs.
Sufficient Storage: The base model includes a 1TB SATA HDD, offering ample storage for many small business applications. While not the largest storage capacity, it is cost-effective and sufficient for basic storage needs.
Ease of Setup and Management: Dell’s intelligent features make the server easy to set up, manage, and maintain, reducing the need for specialized IT skills.
Pros:
Cost-effective solution for small businesses.
Efficient performance with a reliable processor.
Minimal power and space requirements.
User-friendly setup and management.
Adequate connectivity options.
Cons:
Limited expandability options, which might be a drawback for businesses looking to scale up in the future.
In summary, the Dell PowerEdge T40 Server is an excellent option for small businesses needing a reliable server with standard performance and basic expansion capabilities. Its affordability, combined with efficient performance and compact design, makes it a suitable choice for businesses with straightforward server needs and limited budgetary or space resources. However, businesses anticipating significant growth may need to consider servers with greater expandability options.
The Dell PowerEdge T40 Server is a commendable choice for small businesses seeking an affordable and efficient server solution. Here’s a detailed look at its advantages and limitations:
Affordability: One of the key strengths of the Dell PowerEdge T40 Server is its affordability. It offers satisfactory performance and features at a price point similar to a high-end PC, making it accessible for small businesses with limited budgets.
Efficient Performance: Equipped with an Intel Xeon E-2224G processor clocked at 3.5GHz, the server provides efficient performance for various small business needs, including networking and storage.
Compact and Energy-Efficient: The server is designed to consume minimal power and space, making it ideal for businesses with limited physical space or those looking to reduce energy costs.
Sufficient Storage: The base model includes a 1TB SATA HDD, offering ample storage for many small business applications. While not the largest storage capacity, it is cost-effective and sufficient for basic storage needs.
Ease of Setup and Management: Dell’s intelligent features make the server easy to set up, manage, and maintain, reducing the need for specialized IT skills.
Pros:
Cost-effective solution for small businesses.
Efficient performance with a reliable processor.
Minimal power and space requirements.
User-friendly setup and management.
Adequate connectivity options.
Cons:
Limited expandability options, which might be a drawback for businesses looking to scale up in the future.
In summary, the Dell PowerEdge T40 Server is an excellent option for small businesses needing a reliable server with standard performance and basic expansion capabilities. Its affordability, combined with efficient performance and compact design, makes it a suitable choice for businesses with straightforward server needs and limited budgetary or space resources. However, businesses anticipating significant growth may need to consider servers with greater expandability options.
The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 Tower Server Bundle offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for small businesses, especially those seeking a balance between cost and performance. Here’s an overview of its key advantages:
Cost-Effective Performance: The ThinkSystem ST50 is notable for its affordable price point, making high-end server performance accessible to small businesses with limited budgets. This cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage for companies looking to upgrade their IT infrastructure without overspending.
Powerful CPU: Equipped with an Intel Xeon E-2124G quad-core processor, capable of reaching speeds up to 4.5GHz, the server can handle a variety of business applications, from data processing to running complex software.
Ample Memory: With 32GB of unbuffered RAM, the server provides substantial memory capacity, enhancing multitasking and overall system responsiveness.
Adequate Storage Capacity: The inclusion of 3 SATA drives allows for flexible storage options, catering to the data management needs of most small businesses.
Value-Added UPS Bundle: The bundle includes an APC 1500VA UPS, providing an added layer of power stability and protection against data loss during power outages. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses that require uninterrupted server operation.
Pros:
Compact design, making it suitable for small business environments with limited space.
Bundled UPS adds value and reliability.
Good expandability options to accommodate growing business needs.
Cons:
Limited connectivity options may pose challenges for businesses requiring more advanced networking capabilities.
In summary, the Lenovo ThinkSystem ST50 Tower Server Bundle is a solid option for small businesses looking for a reliable, high-performing server solution at a reasonable price. While it covers the basics well, including a helpful UPS bundle for stability, businesses with specific connectivity needs might have to look for additional solutions or upgrades.
The HP ProLiant DL380 Gen 10 Business Server is an excellent choice for small businesses requiring a high-performance server. Here’s an overview of its advantages and potential limitations:
Outstanding Performance: The server is built for performance, equipped with an Intel Xeon Silver 4110 Octa-core processor, which ensures efficient handling of a wide range of demanding business tasks.
High Memory Capacity: With 64GB of RAM, the server offers ample memory, which is crucial for businesses running multiple applications, large databases, or engaging in data-intensive processes.
Substantial Storage: The inclusion of 4 SATA drives allowing for a total storage capacity of 7.2TB makes it suitable for businesses with significant data storage needs.
Efficient Design: The HP ProLiant DL380 Gen 10’s design allows it to integrate seamlessly into existing network infrastructures without requiring significant modifications to heating or cooling systems.
Energy Efficiency: Despite its high performance, the server is designed to be energy-efficient, helping businesses save on power costs.
Pros:
Powerful processor capable of handling demanding business applications.
Large memory and storage capacity to meet various business needs.
Suitable for scalable storage and network expansion.
Cons:
High cost, which may be a limiting factor for small businesses with tight budgets.
In summary, the HP ProLiant DL380 Gen 10 Business Server is a high-end option for small businesses that need a server with robust performance capabilities. While its price point might be high, the investment could be justified for businesses that require a powerful and scalable server solution to handle intensive workloads and large-scale data management.
The HPE 873830-S01 ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 is a notable option for small businesses looking for a cost-effective and compact server solution. Here’s why it’s advantageous:
Affordability: One of the most significant benefits of the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 is its affordability, making it accessible for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
Decent Performance: The server is equipped with an AMD Opteron X3216 Dual-core processor, providing adequate performance for standard server roles in a small business environment.
Sufficient Memory and Storage: With 8GB of RAM and a versatile SATA drive, the server offers enough memory and storage capacity for basic business operations like file sharing, basic application hosting, and data backup.
Compact Design: The MicroServer’s small footprint makes it ideal for businesses with limited space. Its compact design allows it to fit comfortably in small offices or workspaces.
RAID Support: The server’s support for RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations enhances its capabilities as a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) server, providing improved data reliability and performance.
Pros:
Cost-effective for small businesses.
Standard performance suitable for basic server tasks.
Compact size suitable for small office spaces.
RAID support for enhanced data storage and protection.
Cons:
The processor might be slower compared to more powerful alternatives, which could be a limitation for more demanding applications.
In summary, the HPE 873830-S01 ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 is a practical choice for small businesses needing an affordable, basic server with a small footprint. While it may not offer the high performance of more advanced servers, its features and capabilities are well-suited to typical small business needs. Its RAID support and compact design further enhance its appeal for businesses looking for a simple, effective server solution.
The Dell PowerEdge T20 Server is a strong contender for small businesses seeking a performance-centric server without a hefty price tag. Here’s an overview of its strengths:
Optimized Performance: The T20 Server is designed for high performance, making it suitable for a variety of roles, including domain management. Its optimization for different business tasks ensures efficient handling of various applications.
Powerful Processor: It comes equipped with an Intel Xeon E-3 1225 v3 Quad-core processor with a clock speed of 3.2GHz, providing robust performance for small business needs.
Ample Memory and Storage: With 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, the server offers fast data processing and sufficient storage capacity. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are known for their speed and reliability compared to traditional hard drives.
Expandability Options: The inclusion of 2 SATA drives allows for easy expandability, enabling businesses to increase storage capacity as needed.
Bundled Software: The server comes bundled with Windows Server 2016 Essentials and Windows Active Directory, offering additional value and convenience for businesses setting up their IT infrastructure.
Pros:
Offers solid performance with a fast processor and SSD storage.
Reasonably priced, making it accessible for small businesses.
Suitable for various business server roles.
Easy to expand with additional SATA drives.
Cons:
As of the provided details, there are no significant drawbacks worth mentioning. However, businesses with specific high-end needs might find the server’s capabilities limited.
In summary, the Dell PowerEdge T20 Server is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for a reliable, performance-oriented server at an affordable price. Its combination of a powerful processor, fast memory, SSD storage, and bundled software makes it a well-rounded option for various business applications. The server’s expandability further ensures that it can grow with the business’s evolving needs.
The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is a versatile and powerful server option for small businesses, particularly valued for its expandability and performance. Here’s an overview of its key features and benefits:
Balance of Performance and Scalability: The server is equipped with an Intel Xeon E-2224 processor, which offers a base clock speed of 3.4GHz and can turbo up to 4.6GHz. This makes it capable of handling various intensive tasks and applications.
Ample Memory: With 32GB of RAM, the server can efficiently manage multiple roles and handle demanding workloads, making it suitable for businesses with diverse computing needs.
Compact Design: Despite its powerful capabilities, the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus has a compact design, saving valuable office space while still delivering high performance.
Excellent Expandability: One of the standout features of this server is its expandability, with support for up to eight SATA drives. This allows businesses to scale their storage capacity as their data needs grow.
Preinstalled FreeNAS: The server comes with FreeNAS preinstalled, an open-source network-attached storage (NAS) operating system that offers a user-friendly interface and robust data protection features.
Pros:
Rich in management features for enhanced control and monitoring.
Preinstalled FreeNAS for easy setup and efficient data management.
Excellent expandability options for storage and memory.
Compact form factor suitable for small business environments.
Cons:
The server is on the expensive side, which might be a consideration for businesses with limited budgets.
In summary, the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is a highly recommended option for small businesses looking for a server that combines performance, expandability, and efficient data management. While it may require a higher investment compared to some other options, its features and capabilities make it a valuable asset for businesses needing a reliable and scalable server solution.
The HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10 Performance Tower Server is a robust and versatile server designed to meet the needs of small businesses looking for a balance between performance and scalability. Here are the reasons why it is considered a good choice for small businesses:
1. High-Performance CPU: The server is equipped with the Intel Xeon 4208 CPU, which offers powerful and reliable performance. This processor is well-suited for business tasks that require computing power, making it ideal for running critical applications and handling data-intensive workloads.
2. Adequate RAM: With 16GB of RAM, the server provides sufficient memory capacity for multitasking and running applications efficiently. The combination of a high-performance CPU and ample RAM ensures that the server can handle demanding tasks without slowdowns.
3. Scalability: The HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10 offers scalability options, making it adaptable to the evolving needs of your business. It features four SATA drive bays, allowing you to expand storage capacity as your data requirements grow. This scalability is crucial for accommodating the increasing volume of business data.
4. Reliability and Support: As part of the renowned HP ProLiant lineup, this server benefits from HPE’s reputation for reliability and quality. Choosing an established brand like HPE ensures that you can rely on the server’s performance and durability. Additionally, HPE provides comprehensive after-sales service and support, which is essential for businesses that depend on their server infrastructure.
5. Versatility: The HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10 is versatile and can serve various roles within a small business. Whether you need a file server, application server, or database server, this tower server can be configured to meet your specific requirements. Its flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of business applications.
While the HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen10 Performance Tower Server may come with a relatively higher price tag, the investment is justified by the exceptional performance, scalability, and reliability it offers. It is a server designed to support the growth and demands of a small business, making it a valuable asset for businesses that prioritize performance and expandability.
Small Business Servers, also known as Servers for SMBs, are dedicated servers customized to meet the needs of small and medium businesses. A Small Business Server can either be available on the cloud or hosted on the business premises. Business servers, including small business servers, perform various tasks such as secure email services, file sharing, data backup, cloud storage, site & SaaS hosting, etc.
For instance, as an organization, you may need a secure email system for communication. Similarly, you may have to install SaaS products regularly. Depending on the industry, your business servers will help you with virtualization and network-access collaboration.
Despite all these options, small business servers are not that costly. Small business servers have a low price-tag compared to dedicated servers you can lease from web hosting providers. At the same time, the common issues with shared hosting, especially regarding performance and security, will not bother these servers. So, you have the best of both worlds in the long run.
3. Why Do I Need a Small Business Server?
We already mentioned a few advantages of having a small business server. Here are some reasons to get a cloud-based or on-premises Small Business Server.
First, you can use a Small Business Server for diverse needs. Some of the standard options are:
File hosting and sharing
Website hosting
SaaS product hosting
Hosting an eCommerce site
Enable Remote Access and VPN
Regularly back up data
Enable network-wide collaboration
As you can guess, you can customize these features for maximum results. For example, you can create many integrations between your Small Business Server and other services/products. In the end, you can expect a noticeable boost in productivity. We should also remember that small business servers do not cost as much as dedicated servers. Maintenance (in the case of on-premises servers) is also minimal in SBS packages.
Now, we will move to the bigger question.
Hardware or Cloud — Choosing the Right Server for SMBs
Now that you have decided to get a Small Business Servers, you also have to make a choice:
Between Cloud-based servers and On-premises servers.
Cloud-based Business Servers
A Cloud-based Small Business Server is a service you can avail of. You will have access to a server, but you will not have physical access.
Depending on your requirements and flexibility, you can get a Business Server in Managed or Unmanaged mode.
If you choose the Managed mode, the infrastructure provider will handle updates, upgrades, security, etc.
On the other hand, if you want maximum control over the server, you must get an unmanaged business server.
As you can guess, you will have to pay a hefty monthly amount for the mentioned services. For companies that use many server-based services, these amounts may be hectic.
On-premises Business Servers
An On-premises Business Service is a server you set up within your business infrastructure. It could be connected to the Internet, but a web connection is not a necessity.
Since you can purchase the server by yourself, options are plenty.
For instance, you can select the processing power, RAM, network bandwidth, and other business server features.
And you do not have to worry about monthly subscription fees. However, you may need to set up a security and server management team.
However, you need to ensure a few things. First, your server should have a 24*7 network and power backup. A powerful internet connection is a must. We think it will be easier for most organizations to arrange these days.
In the end, cloud-based and on-premises business servers have their share of benefits and limitations. Since we are talking about a business server with optimal performance and low costs, we believe an on-premises server is the better option. You get several advantages such as,
Physical access to the server and related resources
It’s a long-term investment that can save money
It’s suitable for on-premises collaboration and sharing
The Business Server can be used with utmost privacy
We think these reasons are compelling enough to choose an on-premises small business server over a cloud-based business server.
And, if you are looking for one of the best small business servers for your office/workspace, you are in the right place.
In this guide, we have compiled a number of the best small business servers you can find in the market. Don’t worry; we have included products from different subcategories.
Shall we check out those servers, then? We have followed a comprehensive approach when finding the best servers for small businesses. We referred to both hands-on and customer reviews to ensure the quality of the products we recommended. You can also see that we have recommended products from different price ranges. So, if you do not want to spend a lot on a business server, you can choose a more affordable option.
4. Verdict
We believe you could find a potential server for your small business. As you have seen, we have included an incredible variety of price, performance, and capabilities options.
For instance, you can find many NAS servers which work better for NAS infrastructure needs. Alternatively, you can choose a multipurpose server and set it up for NAS requirements.
Before we end, we like to mention that a business server is a long-term investment. So, short-term monetary constraints should not affect your decision.
In the end, the products we recommend will not disappoint you in terms of quality.
Marcus is a cybersecurity analyst with a focus on VPN and proxy services. As the founder and driving force behind a prominent VPN and proxy website, Private Proxy Guide, Marcus has emerged as a trusted authority in the digital realm. With a passion for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, he has played a pivotal role in educating and empowering individuals and businesses to safeguard their online presence.
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