Notes

Do You Need Your Own Servers For Your Small Business?

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Many small business owners can benefit from cloud-based storage solutions, even if they don’t look like clouds.



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Brandshake Creative, an Atlanta-based web design and graphic design company, believed that a dedicated server for business was essential for many years. Rama Roy said that "until the late 2000s there was no question" that a dedicated server was necessary. Our server was a significant asset that was not only depreciable but also our IT person was one of the largest expenses. We practically had him on speed dial for things like upgrading the operating system, setting up new users and dealing with inevitable glitches."



Brandshake, along other small businesses with similar goals, replaced its server several years ago with a cloud-based storage system. Cloud solutions have advantages for many small business owners. They're cost-effective. Data is accessible instantly from anywhere. Backups are regular and reliable. The service provider usually employs a team consisting of skilled professionals who are available 24 hours a day to resolve any issues. If a company decides to host its software applications (QuickBooks and the Microsoft Office Suite) in the cloud, it can cut down on hardware costs by buying less robust computers for local workstations. These computers don't need a lot of storage nor processing power. Security is an important consideration for firms that require credit card information from clients or other sensitive information to be kept on file. Larger companies may reach a point where it is more practical and economical to buy servers and hire IT staff in-house. Businesses that require constant internet connectivity will want to consider what the consequences could be in the event of a loss of connectivity to a cloud-based service provider.



If you're still not sure if you should invest in your own servers for your small business, explore the links on the next page for information that will help you make a decision that's right for you.



How does the Internet work



More Great Links



Consumer Reports - Cloud Storage Services Comparison



Federal Trade Commission - Protecting Personal Information, A Guide for Business



Cloud Computing: The Pros and Cons



Rackspace.com



Sources



Brown, Michael. "How to Choose a Server for Your Small Business." PC World. March 21, 2012 (April 26, 2015) http://www.pcworld.com/article/251993/how_to_choose_a_server_for_your_small_business.html



Lynn, Samara. "Small Business Technology: Step-by-Step Guide for Getting Started." PC Magazine. Oct. 25, 2012 (April 26, 2015) http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386537,00.asp



Marks, Gene. "Do You Replace Your Server or Go to the Cloud? The answer may surprise you. Forbes. April 29, 2013. (April 26, 2015) http://www.forbes.com/sites/quickerbettertech/2013/04/29/do-you-replace-your-server-or-go-to-the-cloud-the-answer-may-surprise-you/



Mombrea, Matthew. "Should You Create and Host Your Server Using a Shared Hosting Provider?" Free 51 IT World. May 3, 2013. (April 25, 2015) http://www.itworld.com/article/2833029/it-management/should-you-build-and-host-your-own-server-using-a-co-location-.html



Mombrea, Matthew. "When to Use Cloud Platforms and vs. Dedicated Servers." IT World, Nov. 9, 2012. (April 26, 2015) http://www.itworld.com/article/2832631/cloud-computing/when-to-use-cloud-platforms-vs--dedicated-servers.html



Roy, Rama. Personal Interview. Brandshake Creative April 25, 2015.



Wall Street Journal. "How to Keep Your Online Information Secure - Some Basics." (April 26, 2015) http://guides.wsj.com/small-business/technology/how-to-keep-your-business-information-secure/


Website: https://free51.net/