The processor is the main brain of any server. It is the Central Processing Unit or CPU. Many of today's servers have powerful processors that allow them to function efficiently and reliably. Some of the most desirable processors have multiple cores that allow the server to execute thousands of bites of code in a moment.
Random Access Memory or RAM is a type of short-term memory unit that helps a computer system store data as it works. That data is stored using data and machine code. To work, a processor needs RAM to read and write data quickly. That's because RAM cuts down on the time needed to fetch data from hard drives, allowing servers to handle multiple instructions quickly. When processors execute a program, that program will sit in the RAM. As a result, the efficiency and speed of RAM directly impact how well that program operates and runs.
Storage refers to a way to store data for longer periods. Servers need storage to maintain necessary files for executing machine code. That includes all the instructions the server needs, including libraries, databases, system operating files, and website data (among others). The type of storage used depends on the needs and requirements.
One important detail about storage is that a single storage device can significantly impact a server's performance (good or bad). When a storage component fails, all the websites hosted by that server will fail. This is why most servers use a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID). RAID stores the same data in various places on numerous hard drivers or solid-state drivers, protecting the data in situations where a failure could occur.
The final component of a server is bandwidth. Servers process and deliver over a combination of networks, including LAN or Wan. Servers need to have high bandwidth to manage a larger number of clients and requests in a short period of time.
AI functionality and applications within servers are growing and new capabilities are continuously being added. It is important to review a server for its current and future ability to interact with and use AI functionality.
Current uses of AI within servers include load balancing, security, predictive maintenance, resource optimization, and data management. AI can predict traffic patterns and distribute workloads, identify and mitigate security issues by detecting anomalies and analyzing patterns. AI’s ability to analyze data can be used to predict and take proactive action whether for maintenance, allocation of resources or making massive amounts of data useful for research, application or storage. AI is important to consider as it makes servers more efficient, secure and supports less downtime.
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Protocol
This is the first portion of the website address. It is the hypertext transfer protocol, HTTP or HTTPS, that starts the URL. It works as a communication route for the server to interact with the browser.
Server name
The next portion is the server's name. A domain name server (DNS) translates this domain name into the IP address for the location where the website is hosted. This step tells the system where to go.
File name
The final component is the file, which could include images, graphics, font, CSS, HTML, and other components that create the requested website.
Now that we know the most common server types, let's understand how each works.
A web server runs a website and apps. It does this through client programs such as Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, or Opera.
3 functions of a Web server:
• Store data and web content
• Process data and content requests
• Deliver content to the person requesting it
Web servers support protocols such as FTP, HTTP, and SMTP, which allow communication between network devices. Examples of web servers include Microsoft Internet Information Services (ISS) and Apache HTTP Server.
Mail servers focus heavily on email storage and management. There are various protocols used for both sending and receiving email. Servers use Post Office Protocol (POP3) to store and receive emails and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to send emails.
3 functions of a mail server:
• Responds to requests from a user who wants to send an email from another computer
• Delivers the mail to the intended party
• Retrieves that email when requested
Mail servers can handle various tasks, including receiving and sending emails, forwarding them, and locating them.
A rack server is a server mounted within a server rack. It is used in data centers and larger, enterprise-level computing environments. Rack servers are highly scalable, allowing them to grow with your specific needs.
3 important aspects of a rack server:
• They are available in different form factors, called the "U” standard.
• Can support specific needs in areas of memory, storage, graphics, and networking.
• It will have a higher-performance processor, more storage and memory, and better graphics and networking cards.
Check out Lenovo’s rack servers to explore the various options available.
A tower server is a standalone unit that can be used upright or vertically. It typically provides processing services to a network and is often ideal for business-level use. Because of their more flexible housing structures compared to other types of servers, such as rack or blade servers, tower servers are best for environments with some space limitations.
3 key features of a tower server:
• Provides a way to grow over time with a lower initial budget or entry point in terms of cost
• It is ideal when there is no dedicated server room, because they are more compact and efficient, and they do not require specialized cooling or mounting features.
• Can handle a wide range of tasks, including file and print needs, email serving, database management, and virtualization platforms.
Explore the options in Lenovo tower servers designed for your specific needs.
A cloud server is a physical or virtual infrastructure hosted remotely by a cloud service provider. It works to deliver applications and process information. Many are created using virtualization software that divides a single physical server into multiple virtual servers. These servers work through an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) model.
3 key features and functions of a cloud server:
• Features infrastructure that may be physical, virtual, or a mixture, but has all the same capabilities of an on-location server
• Allows for the processing of significant workloads and can store large amounts of data
• Provides automated services through API demands
Check out the cloud server options provided by Lenovo to determine how they can work for your needs.
Edge servers are computing systems at the edge of a network, which means they are near data sources and the users. They work to process local data, which helps reduce latency and improves the system's security and efficiency.
3 features of an edge server:
• They are available in numerous forms, including CDN edge servers, on-premises edge servers, and device edge nodes.
• These are common in modern IT ecosystems, including IoT, 5G, and distributed application uses.
• These are some of the most efficient options because of their location, and they can be used in designs such as smart cities or autonomous vehicles.
To see more of the benefits of edge servers, check out the options available from Lenovo.
A mission-critical server is key to the organization's mission, such as an online banking system. As a mission-critical server, any failure may result in a large-scale issue and impact crucial activity for that organization.
3 key features of mission-critical servers:
• Must be best-in-class when it comes to reliability with uptime that meets workload needs.
• Are critical to the survival of a business and organization, which means any interruptions will impact the business or organization substantially.
• Must be carefully selected based on the workload and objectives
Lenovo offers some of the best-in-class mission-critical servers available today.
Supercomputing servers are some of the largest and most powerful servers, because they handle much higher work. This type of system tends to provide a high level of performance compared to a traditional computer. Though there are various applications, they are often used for large research projects or data-intensive solutions, such as complex protocols to access data.
3 functions of a supercomputing server:
• Provide a high level of performance with reliability.
• Reduce the time involved in reaching a solution or gathering information.
• Process calculations and data at a very high rate of speed, allowing them to handle complexities with ease
Explore the options in Lenovo's supercomputing servers designed for the most intense workloads.
A multi-node server is designed for two or more independent server nodes. These share a single enclosure and one or more power supplies. In these servers, power is distributed among nodes. This advanced configuration optimizes scalability and performance.
3 key elements of a multi-node server:
• These are advanced configurations designed to improve performance and scalability in various applications.
• Distribute responsibilities across multiple independent nodes, which are sometimes a complete computer themselves.
• Grow and adapt as needed when needed.
Explore the options in multi-node servers at Lenovo today.
Blade servers were originally designed to condense the size and weight of servers. They are thinner, have smaller servers, and easier to replace. This modular server enables multiple servers to be housed within one area. If a failure happens, the server blade can be removed and replaced – or additional blades added to scale up services.
3 key elements of a blade server:
• Blade servers reduce power consumption because the chassis provides power to multiple servers.
• These servers also enable high-processing power for the space they take, allowing them to work well for data centers.
• Blade servers are “hot swappable,” which means one server can be swapped for maintenance easily.
Their compact design and ability to be easily integrated into a data center make them a popular choice for businesses looking to optimize space and energy efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Server for My Business
From the server operating system to the level of reliability, there are numerous factors to consider when choosing a server for your needs.
Consider the various types of servers based on how they are used:
• What they do: Web servers host web pages, making it possible for people to use the web and run applications.
• Who needs them: Businesses that want to maintain a website or those who offer an app to their users benefit from a web serve. Those creating a customer-facing website, for example, that allows customers to access content should have a web server.
• What they do: Mail servers manage email storage and transmission, collect and distribute email, and encrypt the transfer process for added security.
• Who needs them: You may benefit from a mail server to establish or grow IT infrastructure and security within your business. It offers more robust protection over standard mail servers.
• What they do: A rack server requires a vertical, low-profile enclosure within a cabinet to provide security and simplify cabling across all network components.
• Who needs them: Most commonly used in data centers and enterprise-level computing environments, they are ideal for scaling industrial and commercial applications.
• What they do: Tower servers are space-efficient and more affordable. They are also flexible in their use and application.
• Who needs them: These servers are best for organizations with modest IT needs, and they are good for small and midsize companies who want to meet their needs affordably.
• What they do: Cloud servers offer remote hosting and virtual infrastructure, reducing high upfront costs to purchase and ongoing maintenance costs. Cloud servers can be purchased as a server, which can help to reduce maintenance costs. Hybrid setups are offered on and off-premise which means service and maintenance can be flexible.
• Who needs them: Your team needs remote access to data and servers from various locations, which is applicable to both personal and business needs. Your business is looking to out-source some IT functions, various applications need to interact with your data, or data backups off-site are important.
• What they do: Deployed locally, edge servers can handle very fast, real-time processing and security.
• Who needs them: Used in everything from self-driving vehicles to IoT environments for monitoring equipment, patients, or conditions, they are versatile in their overall use.
• What they do: They perform the most essential functions of a business that cannot be interrupted.
• Who needs them: Hospitals, call centers, banking, finance organizations, data storage centers, and businesses or organizations that rely on systems for communication and functionality.
• What they do: These are high-performance servers that can take on complex tasks and make them easier to navigate and manage, even with heavy computations.
• Who needs them: Anyone conducting scientific research, weather forecasting, aerospace applications, exploration for oil and gas, or any business that needs highly advanced calculations.
• What they do: These servers enhance scalability and performance by working with large volumes of data needed to analyze, process, or store volumes of data.
• Who needs them: Any organization that needs data analytics support or users navigating big data, including software developers and testing, online gaming, and other high-level applications.
• What they do: Blade servers are compact and space-efficient server solutions that are good for those who need ample processing power but have limited space.
• Who needs them: Businesses that deal with larger and diverse workloads, including midsize or large companies and those operating demanding applications, benefit from these applications.
Making the Final Decision
Before you make the final decision, define your business goals and requirements. Consider what your company needs right now. Think about the current and expected IT infrastructure of your business, as well as any future growth expected. Then, basic requirements based on processing power and security must be established. Once you do that, focus on the budget. If you're simply not sure, consult with an IT professional for tailored solutions at Lenovo.