Servers for Small Businesses
April 30 2007
When two or more computers are connected together, they are networked. Networked environments fall into one of two categories: peer-to-peer or client-server networks.
A peer-to-peer network allows two or more PCs to pool their resources together as equal individuals. Resources like disk drives, Internet connections, and even printers become shared resources accessible from each networked PC. Peer-to-peer systems work well in very small environments, where initial costs and simplicity are priorities but security, system management and information-sharing control are not. The main problem with a peer-to-peer environment is that it becomes prohibitively complex with the addition of extra stations or shared resources.
As the other basic option, we have client-server based networks. These environments feature a centralized "master" computer (the server) that "hosts" the system's services and resources (data, programs, email, faxing and printing, etc.). The premier advantage of a client-server environment is that it allows for centralized control -- control over user access, security and monitoring, back-up procedures (disaster recovery), and, most importantly, your data. Adding new workstations to the network and allowing collaboration between them are far simpler than in the peer-to-peer model.
Why wouldn't every business want this? As you might guess, set-up cost is the main drawback. Since client-server networks are usually more complicated to set up and administer, their initial costs tend to run higher. But when you add in all the additional features, efficiency, security, and time saved, a client-server environment begins to look very attractive!
So what's right for you? Of course, that depends on a number of factors. However, if you have more than four computers, you place a high value on your business data or you require special features not offered in a peer-to-peer environment, a server might be for you!