Are On-Premise File Servers Difficult to Maintain?

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November 3, 2021 Business

One of the reasons modern business owners choose cloud-based software over on-premise servers is because they require zero maintenance on the customers’ end. That begs the question: are on-premise file servers really that difficult to maintain? The answer is complicated.

Several factors can determine how difficult maintaining a server can be for your team, but even low-end equipment requires specialized expertise and expanded resource time. If you already want to hit the ejectors seat, we have a few alternatives for you. If not, keep reading.

Low-Cost Alternatives

Let’s take a look at two low-cost solutions you may want to consider for your business.

Private or Public Cloud

The most well-known low-cost data saving and sharing alternative is cloud-based computing. While several companies offer their own cloud alternative to on-premise servers, many of them seem to forget their prime market: remote and international employees.

Many file server providers don’t have a mobile component despite promoting their product to remote employees. If you want true remote file access that doesn’t slow down your connection, CentreStack’s Gladinet component can help increase employees’ mobile productivity while keeping client data secure. Plus, you save time and money thanks to their quick deployment.

Hybrid Cloud Solution

A hybrid cloud solution is another alternative that cuts down on your on-premise server maintenance. Most companies, including Gladinet, will let you integrate with your on-premise servers to ensure that you’re covered with a backup during an outage or after a natural disaster.

When your business uses a physical and Internet-based file storage option, you’re less likely to experience significant workflow downtime, leading to higher profitability for your company.

On-Premise File Server Maintenance Overview

Secure file transfer has come a long way since the 1970s, but the tried and true on-premise file server is still good enough to keep up with your needs should you feel you require one.

Why Conduct Server Maintenance?

Taking good care of your servers will save you time and money while increasing their life spans. Upkeep will prevent you from having to buy a new server and moving your data to another permanent home. Good server maintenance also boosts the productivity of your servers.

Properly monitored servers give you the assurance that if anything goes wrong, you’ll have the chance to recover lost data, so it’s important to stay proactive with server maintenance.

What’s Included in Server Maintenance?

Server maintenance should be conducted at least once a month in 1 to 2-hour stretches. If you draft a server maintenance plan beforehand, you’ll be able to do the following in no time.

Monitor network temperature applications
Examine file permissions
Assess hard drive space
Check server log files
Install software patches
Examine software features
Update antivirus software
Check for security alerts
Perform a comprehensive backup

If you’re still on the fence, know that on-premise servers offer businesses several benefits.

Why Choose On-Premise File Server?

An on-premise file server may be expensive, but its positives are worth the initial investment. When it comes down to it, we believe on-premise file servers are the best option because:

Security is top-notch and can integrate with services like Active Directory.
Firewall configuration is relatively straightforward.
Servers and software can be fully optimized for your business needs.
Software updates are almost entirely within the administrator’s control.
Administrators are offered greater flexibility and control over access permissions.
On-premise servers present the most transparent data custody.
Logging and reporting are fully customizable.
File transfer is fast and can be enhanced with software.
Encryption and compression settings are fine-tuned for speed optimization.
Scaling is easy because administrators can customize bays.
While more expensive, businesses still have control over their costs.

After reviewing these benefits, you may feel that the costs and man-hours associated with maintaining an on-premise file server are more than worth it for your company.