SERVER

What Is a Server? Why Are Servers Important?

What is a server? What is the role and purpose of a server? In the era of Industry 4.0, any business that wants to exist and grow needs a modern information system aligned with current trends. However, to maintain and operate an IT system effectively, the server is something businesses cannot ignore.

To help businesses better understand server systems, in this article, BPO.MP will provide the most important information to support businesses in making the right decisions.

What is a Server?

First, let’s find out what a server means. A server is a computer connected to the Internet or a computer network, equipped with a static IP address and high processing power. A server is where people install software to allow other computers to access and request services and resources.

If you are still unclear about what a server is, you can understand it simply as a computer with superior features capable of processing and storing much larger amounts of data compared to a regular computer.

What is a server used for? This is a common question. It is used to store and process data on the Internet or within a computer network. The server is the foundation of all Internet services. Any Internet service—such as apps, websites, games—requires a server to operate properly.

Formation and Development of Servers

Formation process of servers

We often hear definitions of what a server is; however, few people know where servers originate from. The term server comes from the algorithms “Black-box” and “Queue”. It is an algorithm that processes input data and returns results to users.

Development process

To understand the development of servers, consider the following milestones:

• 1981 – The first server computer was IBM VM (LIST SERVER)
  The first LIST SERVER ran on IBM’s BITNET virtual system, allowing users to collaborate via email.

• 1991 – NeXTCube, the first World Wide Web (WWW) web server
  Built on a device called NeXTCube, with the following specifications: NeXTSTEP operating system, 256MHz CPU, and 2GB hard drive.

• 1994 – ProLiant, the first rack-mounted server by Compaq
  ProLiant Series was the first rack-mounted server, equipped with an Intel Pentium II Xeon 450MHz processor, 256MB RAM, and a 24X CD-ROM drive.

• 1998 – Sun Ultra II
  This is the type of server that anyone researching servers should know because it served as the platform for Google. Sun Ultra II was Google’s first server.

• 2001 – The first modern blade server, RLX Blade
  Developed based on RLX Houston technology by former Compaq employees. HP later acquired RLX in 2005.

• 2008 – PS3 Cluster distributing GPU computing
  Sony PlayStation®3 system included a 3.2GHz broadband CPU, 60GB ATA hard drive, 256MB RAM, and RSX 550MHz GPU with network connectivity.

• From 2009 to present – Cloud servers and beyond
  Servers have become “de-physicalized”, meaning they are no longer tied to physical hardware. With virtualization technology, the concept of servers no longer requires specific physical configurations.

Most Common Types of Servers Today

Based on the above definition, we can answer the question: what is a server? So, how many types of servers are commonly used today, and what are their purposes? Based on manufacturing and deployment methods, servers can be categorized into three main types:

Dedicated Server

Anyone who has learned about dedicated physical servers knows that this type of server operates on its own hardware and supporting components, such as CPU, hard drive, network card, RAM, etc.

Cloud Server

This is one of the most common types of servers. It is created from multiple physical servers and a SAN storage network. If you want to use a server but do not have enough budget to invest in a physical server, you can consider using a cloud server.

VPS (Virtual Private Server)

A VPS is created by dividing a physical dedicated server into multiple virtual servers using virtualization technology. VPSs are similar to physical servers, but multiple VPSs share the same hardware resources.

Classification by Server Function:

Web Server

A web server stores website data or information and creates a connection environment so that users can easily access the website. If you are learning about server classification, do not overlook the web server. The HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) connects the server to clients. Website content is mainly displayed in HTML format.

Database Server

This server is installed with database management software to process, manage, and retrieve data quickly and efficiently. Common database management systems: Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, etc.

Mail Server

A mail server allows you to send and receive emails. When using an email client on your computer, the software connects to POP or IMAP servers to download mail and SMTP servers to send mail.

FTP Server

If you are researching server classifications, you should also know about FTP servers. FTP servers allow remote access via FTP software such as FileZilla, CuteFTP, etc.

DHCP Server

A DHCP server assigns IP addresses, creates default gateways, and configures network parameters for client devices using the standard DHCP protocol.

DNS Server

A DNS server is responsible for domain name resolution. It translates domain names into IP addresses and vice versa.

What Is the Role of a Server?

In the digital economy era, businesses focus on improving and developing online business models. Without understanding the importance of servers, businesses will struggle to compete online.

The main role of a server is to provide, store, and process data before transferring it to client computers through the Internet or LAN. Servers are designed to run continuously and only shut down for maintenance or when an issue occurs.
Servers are the most important component in managing, storing information, and operating business software. When using a server system, businesses only need to optimize the server hardware and do not need to invest heavily in individual workstations.

For individual users, servers also serve to store, process, and operate core system data.

A server is an essential component of the Internet revolution. When resources are distributed across the system, servers act as the place that “collects” and “stores” them. All of this ensures the final goal of serving users.

How Does a Server Work?

The Client–Server model is commonly used. In this model, client computers send requests to a server. The server processes the requests and sends results back.

Operating Principle

In the Client–Server model, the server accepts all valid requests from the Internet and returns results to the requesting computer. A computer that sends a request and waits for a response is considered a client.

A protocol is a set of rules that both the client and server must follow to communicate. HTTPS, FTP, TCP/IP, and other common protocols are used.

Only when you understand how a server works will you understand that all clients must follow a protocol set by the server to retrieve information. If the request is accepted, the server collects data and returns it to the client. Since servers are always ready to receive requests from clients, as soon as the client sends a signal and the server accepts it, the server will return the result as quickly as possible.

Impact of servers on business operations and daily life

Impact of servers on business operations

In the era of Industry 4.0, all business activities are based on the Internet; therefore, websites play the role of providing services and selling products to customers. Behind every website, there is a hosting service on a specific server that directly affects customer access. It can be seen that understanding what a server is and using a good server can help improve the friendliness and user experience of a website.

Impact of servers on daily life

Currently, when you search for a keyword on Google, you can quickly find hundreds or thousands of corresponding results. This proves that Google has an extremely powerful server system that helps users easily find what they need.

Criteria for choosing a server

Performance

If you require high performance and speed, you should choose a dedicated physical server (Dedicated Server) to avoid network congestion and many risks compared to using shared resources (Shared Hosting).

Cost

If you are an individual or a newly established small business, you only need to use inexpensive Hosting packages, such as Business Hosting or renting a VPS, because they are affordable and easy to manage.

Flexibility and scalability

If you clearly determine the purpose of using a server and do not focus on performance but value flexibility and scalability, renting a VPS is a suitable choice due to its ability to switch and upgrade to handle higher traffic.

Security

Currently, some hosting service providers have added DDoS protection services, and some hosting services are integrated with this technology. However, if you want to ensure that your website operates smoothly and is not compromised by malicious users or spammers, you should learn about DDoS attack technology.

Benefits of renting a server

What is server rental? Server rental is a service that provides network equipment, server hardware, storage, security, etc. Some benefits of renting a server:

• Quick server setup and deployment: To save costs on purchasing and configuring servers and equipment, you should rent a server from providers because they have technical teams to support you during the rental period.

• Easy to upgrade and expand: When using server providers, upgrading and scaling when needed becomes simple; just contact a reputable server rental provider to register according to your needs.

• Easier budget management: Knowing the classifications of servers, instead of managing an entire server, you only need to pay monthly or yearly fees, and these costs are publicly listed on the provider’s website.

Frequently asked questions

What is the appropriate location for placing a server?

Servers and other network devices are usually stored in racks or enclosures at the business or company site. These areas help isolate computers and sensitive equipment from people who should not access them.

Why must servers be turned on at all times?

If you understand the role of servers, you will understand that they are always kept on to continuously provide the required services. When a server fails, it may be disastrous for network users and businesses relying on the service. Servers are usually configured with fault tolerance to reduce these issues.

How do you connect another computer to a server?

The local network connects the server to a switch or router where all other computers in the network are located. Other computers can access that server and its features when they are connected to the network.

Conclusion

In today’s highly competitive environment, understanding what a server is and its role in business helps us understand how important it is. Proper server management in businesses and organizations contributes to smoother operations and helps maintain the company’s reputation. If you already know what a server is and are wondering where to buy one, BPO.MP is a reputable and high-quality provider of servers and workstations that you can consider.