Looking for a new server or server updates, but worried about the price tag? Whether you’re starting a new business, replacing a server that was constantly getting overloaded, or moving in a different direction with your company, a server update can be a huge decision that comes with a steep dollar amount attached. Your server is an important part of your system design and flow, but that doesn’t mean it needs to take up more than its fair share of your budget. Here’s our guide on how you can save on server costs.
Evaluate Your Current System Before Getting a New One
If you already have a server that is currently or was recently in use, that means you have valuable data about your system that you should evaluate before scrapping the old and going in blind to get a new server. Consider what areas of your business could be consolidated, from the server’s perspective, and what requires the most time, attention, space, and bandwidth. This evaluation can be specific down to the physical level of your server. For example, can you rationalize each piece of hardware? Do you really need more processing speed? Do you have more memory than is necessary for your circumstances?
Realistically, you only need to buy what you need when it comes to server maintenance, memory, storage, and other related aspects of your server’s processing. This means that you may need to find a better plan if your service provider only has certain tiers that are farther apart, and you need a place somewhere in the middle. You don’t want to spend money on what you don’t need. You may find it useful to consult with a professional for your evaluation of your server and its management.
Refurbish What You Have
Even when you’ve determined it’s time for a full or partial server update, that doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar for every aspect of the server to be all-new. Incorporating used server parts is a great way to save on your server with both money and time.
Not every server needs to be brand new to be serviceable; actually, refurbished servers often have the advantage of being familiar and used to completing regular processes. You may find great deals on effectively the same parts you would get from buying new components.
Consolidate Your Storage and Consider Modular Software
Consolidating your storage is one of the most important ways to save on server costs. Your server is holding a lot of data, so it’s important to consider whether you really need all of it. If you carefully classify and optimize your data, getting rid of what you don’t need, your server will be more efficient and less expensive. Also, when you have software assets, you likely have a variety of elements that you don’t use. There may be modular software alternatives that will be less complicated to use and come with the significant bonus of reducing server maintenance costs.
The less complicated your processes are, the less it costs to upkeep your server. Be realistic about what you use and what works. You may change your processes from time to time, and what software you keep active on your server should reflect that. Adopting new technologies doesn’t need to mean server cost increases. If you effectively integrate technology and fully leverage your new capabilities, you can maximize efficiency. Plus, if you have old software aspects or programs you are no longer using because of the new technology that you have now integrated into your processes, removing that software and storage from your server can keep you from paying for obsolete materials.
Recognize What’s a Great Deal
It can be tempting to go for the “bargain” server host or the cheap hardware because it costs less upfront. However, the increased maintenance and shorter lifespan of those measures will likely cost you much more in the end than simply going with quality. So, a “great deal” is not always what costs the least initially.
Remember too that industry trends will affect not just what you need from your server but also what your server can offer you. Don’t forget to periodically reevaluate and adjust your server expectations as necessary. If you add a new component to your website, you may need to consider its effect on the server. Even small changes can necessitate recalibration. Don’t be afraid to divert resources to server upkeep; that will often become that “great deal” for you in terms of return for your investment. The better managed your server is, the less it will cost and the more efficient it will be.
Save On Your Server
Considering how to save on server costs really means carefully considering each aspect of your server’s past, current, and future performance that you have projected and that you want to have. The more careful and proactive you are with server maintenance and upkeep, the more successful you’ll be in efforts to save money where you can secure a lasting great deal.
