What Does Server Management Consist Of?
Companies and businesses can no longer get away with storing sensitive information solely on paper. Technological and digital advancements have enabled the creation of powerful servers and cloud applications, which can be accessed virtually from any location, provided that you have the right connection.
Servers not only store information; they also play an important role in the flow of communication between companies and individuals. They are not, however, failsafe or tamper-proof.
Servers require regular maintenance so that they can operate at their maximum capacity, while at the same time remaining secure and free from threats and cyberattacks. This falls into the category of server management experts.
Keep reading to learn more about what server management typically consists of.
What Is Server Management?
Server management entails maintaining and monitoring servers, so that they can operate optimally, while at the same time remaining safe from attacks and unauthorized penetrations.
During a typical server management system process, the experts will mainly focus on the software, hardware, security, and backup components of the server.
The main objectives of a server management service include minimizing downtime, and slowdowns, creating a secure server environment, and ensuring that the server operates optimally, and with the ability to continuously meet the demands of the establishments that it serves.
What Are Server Management Services?
Managing servers has a huge impact on the overall performance of the entire IT infrastructure. Whatever happens within the servers, impacts nearly everything that a given department handles.
Here is a brief look at specific details that are generally considered during a typical server management exercise:
Hardware Management
Effective server management begins with the right hardware. The proper functioning of every aspect of a server is always based on the proper functioning of the hardware.
The most common hardware components of a server that are checked during a maintenance exercise, include the hard disks, RAM, the central processing unit, and other components that connect through the motherboard.
During hardware management, the experts will monitor these resources individually, and optimize them accordingly, to minimize the possibility of overworking any of the available resources.
Software and OS Update Installation and Management
Servers depend on software to function. As such, the software powering each server, is also subject to constant monitoring and maintenance.
The software usually requires regular updates not only for optimal operations, but also to mitigate threats that may be targeting it.
Security Updates
Security is an essential aspect of every IT infrastructure, and this includes servers. A server management system will be featured in every management exercise, with the following key concerns:
- Installing security patches to further secure the server
- Installing and updating the antivirus software
- Encryption of sensitive data storage
- Setting up password policies and access control
- Installing log, SIEM, and SOC monitoring protocols
- Incorporating any other tools and procedures required by the relevant compliance authorities, and the industry’s best practices
Data Backups
Data backup is a critical concern for most companies and businesses. Data is expensive to acquire, and some are so vital that companies cannot afford to lose them.
The loss or destruction of data has the potential to cripple the company’s operations, until the data is recovered.
For these reasons, a typical server management system will include regular data backups, to ensure that the organization will always have access to its vital data whenever it is needed.
Who Needs Server Management?
If your business operates servers, whether physical or virtual, then you are a candidate for server management system services.
The services required may sometimes be direct or indirect. The differences between the services you require will be determined primarily by the type of server that you have. This does not, however, apply to clients who run shared hosting or managed virtual server hosting, since there are always third-party service providers, tending to the server management needs of such clients.
If you operate a private virtual server, then your server management requirements may be mixed. The hardware aspects of the management will remain under the control of the third-party provider. The software, however, may be partly or wholly managed by the customer.
Benefits of Server Management
If you are wondering whether managing servers professionally is really important, then here is a brief look at some of the benefits you will enjoy:
Round-the-clock monitoring
With server management services, you will be assured of round-the-clock monitoring. This will ensure that issues are detected before they occur, and in case of any problems, they will be resolved before they cripple the operations of the organization.
Professional security management
Continuous professional server administration will help ensure that the server is well-protected from both internal and external threats.
Once you deploy proper server management services, all the security aspects of the server will be up-to-date, leaving very little room for exploitation by hackers and other cybercriminals.
Server Audits
Regular check-ups on the server will provide vital insights into the performance of the server, as well as offer guidance on future server strategies.
With a good server management service provider, you will receive regular audit reports for more informed decision-making.
Easy scalability
It is possible to create a more flexible IT environment by simply adding new elements to your server.
If you are using the services of a professional server management company, then you can easily install new IT infrastructure, leading to minimal downtime, and quick implementation.
Other benefits that you will enjoy with server management system services in Montreal, include quick responses in case of downtime, timely upgrades and updates, and expert assistance from qualified professionals.
Conclusion
Effective server management is a must for your business. It is necessary in preventing downtime, mitigating performance issues, and minimizing the impact of potential security breaches.
Without the correct server management strategy in place, you risk ending up with a variety of devastating consequences for your business.
Hire server management system experts in Montreal, for turnkey solutions developed by experienced IT professionals, designed to manage your server-related concerns.