Technical information

6
Server Segmentation
Despite the baffling range of servers on the market today, it is possible to separate them into clear categories, each of
which meets differing business needs. Many experts would agree on the following:
Entry level: For dedicated everyday workgroup tasks where capital cost is more important than future expandability.
Workgroup: Able to perform workgroup tasks relatively cost effectively but with good scope for expansion and disk
resilience.
Departmental: Mainstream, relatively affordable server with very good expansion capability for CPU, memory and I/O,
plus excellent resilience features.
Enterprise: Power base server with outstanding expansion of CPU, memory and I/O, plus excellent resilience features.
Datacenter: Top of the range power base server with maximum expandability and resilience, for the most demanding of
applications.
However, equally, if not more important is the consideration of applications. For example, small companies, as well as
large multi-national conglomerates use web servers. The specification of the server will therefore depend on the number
of users and the mission critical nature that the organisation places on the use of the Internet. This may necessitate
varying levels of resilience available only on “enterprise” level servers for example.
Server Application Segmentation
The following list provides an outline of the differing levels of server usage.
Infrastructure servers (generic, high volume)
File server
Data/File transfer server
Print or Fax server
Directory service server
Terminal Server (MSTS, Citrix)
Name server
Web Internet (front-end servers)
Firewall or gateway server
Company Intranet server
Proxy server
Workgroup (generic - high volume)
Mail and messaging server
Departmental Intranet server
Replicated application server (customised, high volume)
Replicated Branch Office or Site server
Replicated departmental server
Departmental server (customised - low volume)
Application development server
Departmental application/database
Call centre server
Company application server (customised, - low-volume, often mission critical)
E-commerce server
Data Warehouse server
Company OLTP server
Decision support server
ERP server