Hardware is something companies go through on a regular basis – no matter what you do, if it involves a computer or Internet network, you are always going to need to budget for upgrades, replacements, and new purchases. There are countless options on the market, and many new server vendors, so it can be complicated and challenging to determine exactly what IT hardware options will work for your business.
There are numerous factors to consider. What can you afford? You should be aware that inexpensive is not always better – sometimes you pay less and get less quality, without the customer service and guarantees that can turn a problem into a solution quickly. You get what you pay for, so it may be wise to invest a bit more into a company that can help you out along the way. Developing a good relationship with a vendor is a great way to make high-quality hardware affordable in the long run.
You also need to consider whether a general purpose server or application-specific server system is appropriate for your company, based on what you do. Do you want to stick with Tier-1 rather than Facebook’s Open Compute Project (OCP)? It can be challenging to make these decisions, especially if your company is growing and changing.
If you are struggling with buying new hardware, and are not sure exactly what you need to tailor your server specifications to your business, you aren’t alone. Companies in many industries are dealing with the same issues. Take your time to research hardware options, and if you find you are lacking the knowledge and time you need to do this, don’t be afraid to outsource. In the end, you should be focused on getting the best hardware, for a reasonable price, from a quality, customer-oriented server vendor.