What is the life span of a server? It’s a question we get at Fuse pretty often. While it always depends on the function and exact specifications of the server in question, we can give a general average of about 4-6 years.
Should I get the best server on the market?
When you are thinking of purchasing a server, what do you think you should look for? Many think they should get the Cadillac of servers because they will last longer or accommodate company growth better; however, that is simply not true in most cases. While you absolutely want to accommodate for future growth, you can do so without breaking the bank. You can also purchase a server with upgrade potential in mind. That way, as your company grows or your uses for the server grow, you can then cost effectively upgrade.
Of course, being the geeks that we are, we would love if every client had multiple servers with all the cutting edge technology and a floating virtual environment. The sad part of that though, is only us technicians would see the benefits both technically and financially. For that reason we always stress for clients to find the server that is not necessarily on the bleeding edge of technology but one that actually fits their business needs all while keeping those future needs in mind! These days you can get a power house of a server that will definitely meet the 4-6 year life span, without breaking the bank. But be aware that you can also go overkill, which you will not feel in the future, or not necessarily increase the lifespan of said server.
My Future Needs? Functionality Changes Everything!
Today you may look at your shiny new server and think this is going to last me forever, but the simple truth is that you will not want that server forever. Let’s use 4-6 years as the example here: think about your technology 6 years ago…did you have that Android phone? What about an iPad? Did you think 6 years ago that you would need those devices? So the very simple truth is not that your server won’t perform the functions it does today, but that you won’t want it to 6 years from now. There will be new technologies, new items your business depends on, and you will want or may even need a new server with that functionality because of what it will do for your business.
Bottom Line
Fuse’s success depends on our client’s success and we feel that every business should have the technology that fits their needs, and not NASA’s. While our expertise stays on the bleeding edge of technology, we don’t always feel a client should be sold that if they will never benefit from the end results it provides. When Fuse installs a server, know that it is a server that will give you those 4-6 years of service, and you will actually feel the benefits from the speed and functionality of that server. You will never be oversold or undersold when you purchase a server with Fuse as your partner.
