This is a very common question among small businesses, so let’s start with a quick definition of what a server is. A server is typically an on-premise, high-performance piece of hardware that is combined with a high-end, server-based operating system that is used to store data and centralize resources (what a mouth full). When done properly, all computers point to this server to access files and application data while hardware/software redundancy keeps a high level of up-time for your staff. There are numerous benefits to this type of centralization, but it doesn’t come without a cost.

Every small business owner has lived some version of this story. An employee who performs a critical business function experiences workstation failure. Sometimes its ransomware, sometimes a hard drive fails. No matter what the underlying reason, the result is the same and money is being lost every second. Purchasing a Replacement Computer Seems Simple Small business owners aren’t the type to let something like this deter them. They solve a thousand problems like this every day. When the problem is, “we just need to buy a computer," many business owners are inclined to quickly acquire one from a local retailer or handy e-commerce site. When you buy a new PC this way you feel confident in your purchase if it has the needed hard drive space and the salesperson confirms or online specs show that it meets your business needs. You get it back to the office and submit a request to the IT department or service provider to set it up as soon as possible. Crisis averted, on to the next fire the day brings. It’s true this computer has the requisite hard drive space and power to do any job your employee requires. It’s a brand-new computer. It has a warranty with the manufacturer. However, there are differences between business and consumer-grade computers not apparent in the specifications.