One of the biggest challenges faced by small to mid-size companies is picking the right storage solutions for applications and data. This is often because they are not familiar with the difference between a cloud server and a normal server and the pros and cons that come attached to each option.
Normal servers are physical servers that you host in your place of work while a cloud server is a virtual system that can store large amounts of data, automate business process operations and allow the user to customise the server as per their specifications.
What is a physical server
A physical server as the name suggests is a server that operates on a system such as Windows or Macintosh. This physical server is similar to the desktop with many more improvements such as raid controllers and multiple network cards. Physical servers are very large and come with numerous powerful components. Although they have been losing popularity in recent years, they still remain a viable option for many. This is because physical servers allow hosts to attach numerous websites to a single account, allowing the server to run different sites at the same time.
Pros of a physical server
It is more powerful than a virtual server
If you are choosing between a physical and a virtual server with the same parameters, the physical server is more likely to provide better results. When virtual servers face technical difficulties, they can be hard to fix as they are not physically present in the workspace. If a physical server has any performance issues, they can be fixed by the in-house IT staff. In addition to this, a user does not require an internet connection to access the information on the server.
Easier maintenance
Physical servers are easier to maintain than virtual servers because they are stored inside the company. Hence the server can be maintained at a lower cost than a virtual one as it is easier to find someone to manage the system. Moreover, there are certain applications that run better on a physical server than on a virtual server.
Cons of a physical server
Harder to manage
Physical servers are harder to manage than virtual ones, especially when there is a system failure. Unlike a virtual server, which is automatically backed up, physical servers are often challenging to back up. Hence, when the system fails, restoring the information from backup is not always possible. This delay in access to information during downtime can affect the efficiency and productivity of the organisation as it can take more than eight hours for the system to be restored completely, especially if it is critical. Very often, companies can create a cluster of two or more servers to avoid this issue. But this only increases costs for the company, making physical servers cost-ineffective.
They are not scalable
As companies grow, they would need more server space to store their information. With a physical server, upgrading the storage space can only be completed with additional downtime. The only way to avoid the downtime is to upgrade to a completely new server which can be very expensive and will lead to unexpected service migration and downtime.
In addition to upgrades, it is challenging to test out a new application or sales configuration on a physical server. For many businesses, being able to test out new hardware is crucial as they are constantly trying to adopt new technology to increase efficiency. In contrast, virtual servers offer more flexibility when it comes to testing applications.
Cloud server
A server is a system that has the ability to include a multitude of servers under a single entity. People often refer to this as storing the information ‘on the cloud’. A virtual server has the ability to include information from different resources in physical hubs around the world and use the cluster file system to allocate storage. They also use a decentralisation process, so when there is a system failure and downtime, the information can be migrated easily. Although the physical unit is a bare metal server, clients of the server do not access the operating system or the unit but rather the virtual space that they are paying for.
Pros of a cloud server
Easier to manage than a physical server
Virtual servers are much easier to manage than physical servers for many reasons. For one, a physical server is a component that needs to be physically installed in the workspace and requires a lot of supervision and management. Not only is this expensive for the company, as they would also need to hire extra IT staff to ensure that the hardware and peripherals of the server are functioning properly, but it is also very time-consuming.
On the other hand, a virtual server takes its drivers from the parent host meaning that it does not require special installation and is very cost-effective for the company.
Easy to backup and restore information
When it comes to a physical server, the server owner has to configure applications and decide what should and shouldn’t be backed up. However, with a virtual server, all the information on the server is automatically backed up. Therefore, if there are any system failures, the backup can be restored immediately. This ensures that there is no time wasted during a downtime. Additionally, any RAM or CPU upgrades can be completed with no downtime.
Cons of a cloud server
Investment costs
When adopting a virtual environment, a company may incur additional expenses in extra hardware that may need to be purchased depending on the system they use. However, this is not an issue for many companies as the problem can be avoided by employing a service provider who can reduce this cost with monthly server leasing plans.
Training on the virtual system
A company with a virtual system needs to employ staff who have expertise in the software. For a client, a virtual server works the same as a physical one as they have the same access to the information but with a virtual environment, there are a few applications that are not easily adaptable. Hence, the IT department in the company needs to be made aware of what is and what is not compatible with the virtual software.
Should your business use a physical or cloud server?
The three important factors to consider when choosing between a physical or cloud server are the advantages of each server, the scalability and the needs of the business. A physical server has raw performance for data storage which is a necessity if there is a heavy computing workload. On the other hand, organisations that operate in a cloud environment can have scalable workloads with efficient backup and restoration. A third option is for companies to have a hybrid system that allows a business to avail the strengths of both a physical and a cloud server.
When it comes to a physical and cloud server, no one server is better than the other. The type of server your company chooses depends on the needs of the business. If the company requires more processing power, a physical server is a good option as they are very large and come with powerful components. However, if the company does not have IT staff and does not want to spend money on the maintenance of a server, a cloud server is a better option as all the information is taken from the parent host and automatically backed up and restored. The Dell Precision Workstations are great laptops for both people and organisations that play the additional role of being servers.
