A server is a piece of hardware or software that delivers services or capabilities, such as data sharing or computing, to other devices or programs. Devices that use the server’s services are referred to as “clients,” and this architecture is known as the “server-client model.”
The server-client architecture typically employs the request-response model, in which the client sends a request to the server, which performs some activities and then returns a response to the client.
In our definition of servers, “software” refers to virtual computers that share hardware and processing resources with other machines. The virtual servers may be located on your actual server or in the cloud. The hardware, on the other hand, refers to the physical servers in your offices, which will be the topic of this blog post.
As previously said, servers may execute a wide range of functions. The hardware and functionality you require will be determined by the tasks that your server must do. Businesses utilize servers to carry out one or more specified tasks.
Here are some of the main server business ideas you can try out in 2024:
Server Business Ideas: Our Top Picks
1. Develop a File Server
File servers are central storage locations for files within a computer network. If your file server is connected to the Internet, authorized users can access the files from both the local network and remotely. File servers can serve as private cloud storage. A file server’s major job is storage; thus, you’d want many hot-swappable drive bays and configurable hardware and software RAID options. However, you do not have to invest money in a powerful CPU.
2. Data Server
This business idea employs a database application, such as Oracle or MySQL, to provide database services to its clients using the client-server approach. Most websites and applications are built on a database layer that is stored on a database server. To act as a database server, the server must have hard disks with rapid write speeds. Before deciding on capacity and scalability, you should analyze the expected traffic and request volume.
3. Web Server
A web server is a server that handles client requests on the World Wide Web. Its major job is to store, process, and deliver web pages to customers, who typically use web browsers. Web servers use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to send files that make web pages to people who visit the website. For web servers, a large amount of RAM is required for faster page load times.
4. Mail Server
A mail server or email server transfers email messages, including attachments, from one computer to another. Mail servers frequently store mailboxes for emails. Every email is routed via several different mail servers before reaching its intended destination.
Outgoing emails are transmitted via the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, while incoming emails are typically received and stored using either the Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) or the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP). Microsoft Exchange is an example of a mail server, and it is used by enterprises that use Microsoft Outlook.
5. Start a Print Server business
A print server, sometimes known as a printer server, is a network-based device that links printers to client PCs. Its function is to take printing tasks, queue them, and route them to the proper printers. This eliminates printing bottlenecks at the printer. Print servers can also help enforce company standards like printing quotas and user verification.
In most circumstances, a server with simple characteristics will suffice as a print server. It is also feasible to use a PC as a printing server. Some printers even include a built-in print server.
6. Domain Controller Server Business
A domain controller server stores and verifies all usernames, passwords, access levels, and security settings. The most typical example is Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in a Microsoft Windows environment, which is in charge of authenticating and authorizing all users and machines, assigning and enforcing security policies, and installing or upgrading software.
When a user logs in, Active Directory verifies the login credentials and determines if the user is an administrator or not. Given today’s hardware specs, you won’t be investing much in a domain controller. The basic requirements should be adequate for easily managing the users that any small to medium-sized firm may have. However, you may require virtualization capabilities on your server.
7. Application Server business
An application server is a server that is used to run an application. Centrally hosted applications increase speed during peak demand, make application updates faster, and lower the organization’s total cost of ownership (TCO). For executing shared software on an application server, you should search for a server with enterprise-grade Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) storage bays and ECC memory.
The Most Profitable Service Business in Technology
1. App Development
We live in a world of sophisticated technology. Mobile app creation for various devices and operating systems is one of the most lucrative small enterprises.
Applications have altered the user experience. Both large and small firms are taking advantage of the movement. Virtual assistant services, for example, were transformed by the use of these apps.
Aside from coding, you should understand how to improve apps and fix bugs. Many people have learned how to do this by taking online courses.
If you’re looking for amazing business ideas, keep in mind the cost of developing an app, as well as the fact that the app-making industry is expected to increase significantly in the future.
2. IT Support, Technology Consulting, and Repair
We use technology every day. Individuals and businesses rely on technical methods for practically everything. This means that IT assistance has the potential to become the most successful business of all.
Know-how is the most significant aspect of this small company plan. If you know how to use technology and have mobility, you can start your own business tomorrow.
You can select one or more services, including support, advice, and repair. Or you could specialize in a single gadget or piece of software. In either case, IT will undoubtedly be a profitable business.
3. Software Development
Developing software necessitates specialized technical expertise. As with other online business ideas, taking an online course can help you gain the knowledge you need to design your software. Alternatively, you might outsource your software development job to a reputable software development company.
Then, selling that software to other companies will be profitable. Software developers will experience faster job growth than any other occupation. These are the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ expectations.
As a business owner, you can concentrate on developing specialized software for specific niches. Doing so will undoubtedly give you an advantage.
Business Ideas for Tech Entrepreneurs
1. Internet Service Provider
With the world’s digital transformation, the Internet has become an indispensable service. The market is still growing, and there are plenty of prospects for new players like you, so you should consider starting an internet service provider business right away.
Whether you want to start small or compete with the giants, you’ll need to set up servers, cable lines, and other equipment. It’s a good idea to conduct research and get answers to often-asked topics such as how much investment is required, how you plan to generate cash, what the legal and technical challenges are, and how to find clients.
Some people believe that the internet is unprofitable because it is so easy for users to switch networks. However, if you understand how to properly position your products and services, consumers will be more likely to stick with you.
2. Web Hosting Service
Almost every firm in the world now needs its own website, which is fueling rapidly growing demand. The world-wide web hosting sector is predicted to double in size by 2029, with revenues of $355 billion. This is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, and you can enter it today and ride the wave to great success.
First, you’ll undoubtedly want to brush up on your knowledge, and there are many free and low-cost online courses available to help you get started. Next, you’ll probably want to engage one or two technicians to handle the hard work of web hosting and website services.
Finally, before you begin selling your services, make sure you have the necessary licenses and certifications.
You’re now ready to begin hosting websites and offering an essential service to innumerable businesses.
3. Cybersecurity Company
Ensuring cyber security is one of the most difficult hurdles to digital transformation. As a result, the demand for cybersecurity expertise has been increasing. The cybersecurity market in the United States is expected to develop at a 9.79% rate from 2024 to 2028, reaching a market volume of $113.80 billion by 2028.
If you have white hat hacking talents, founding a cyber security company could be a great career choice for you. White hats, or ethical hackers, prevent cyber threats in real-time. Aside from ethical hacking, it’s beneficial to learn computer forensics and comprehend cloud security, blockchain security, internet of Things security, and AI. Having good communication skills will also offer you an advantage.
Before you can establish your business, you must receive the necessary certificates. You should also ensure that your firm is legally compliant. With adequate training and the most up-to-date tools for protecting data and computer systems, you can easily achieve success in this profession.
4. Drone Business
Drones are one of the world’s fastest-growing industries; therefore, now is a wonderful moment to start a drone business. The worldwide drone market is predicted to reach $260 billion by 2030, as drones become more widely used for pleasure, deliveries, surveillance, agriculture, and other applications.
You might create your own business, work from home, and earn a solid life while helping people enjoy their lives and grow their enterprises by utilizing this cutting-edge technology.
The first and most important step will be to examine your local and state legislation and determine which sorts of drones can be used for what purposes. Next, identify which market niche you want to target, whether it’s for recreation, surveillance, or videography.
From there, you should probably obtain some training so you can demonstrate the drones to potential consumers. At this point, all you have to do is create a website and begin marketing, and given how quickly the industry is expanding, you might soon have people knocking down your door.
5. Live Scan Fingerprinting
On TV police dramas, criminals are still fingerprinted in black ink. However, in real life, the great majority of fingerprinting is now done digitally. As technology progresses and security concerns grow, demand for more complex identifying techniques has increased dramatically, which is why the live scan fingerprinting market is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years.
Now could be an excellent time to launch your own scanning business; get in early and ride the wave to huge success. However, there are several obstacles to overcome. The first step to becoming certified in fingerprint rolling is to study your state’s handbook, get fingerprinted, and submit your application to the Department of Justice.
Once that’s done, simply register with your local police agencies, and you’ll be ready to begin offering mobile fingerprint scanning services throughout town.
6. EV Charging Stations
If you’re a forward-thinking entrepreneur, you’ve considered starting an electric vehicle (EV) charging station business. It’s a prudent investment; the market for EV charging stations is likely to expand dramatically in the coming years as more automakers release their electric vehicle models.
Not sure where to begin? You can start small, by installing one or two charging outlets. You can progressively expand your business by opening more locations and stations. A network of charging stations across the United States will make electric vehicles more viable.
Before you open your charging station, make sure you follow your state’s laws and regulations. You should also research the market and discover what other charging stations are offering. You can easily attract clients if you can provide faster charging times and more efficient batteries.
Conclusion
The server business ideas you choose are mostly determined by their purposes, i.e., the apps you intend to execute on them. The second significant consideration is the number of users or traffic. For example, if you only need a file server for ten or fewer users, a network-attached storage device (NAS) or a consumer-grade home server will suffice.
However, if you need to maintain a sophisticated database, you will require a more robust rack or blade server with a large (12-core or greater) CPU. If you need an application server, you must refer to the framework-specific requirements (Java, PHP,.NET, etc.).
Ideally, you should plan for three to five years. If you merely plan for current consumption without considering future expansion, you will quickly outgrow your server hardware far before it reaches the end of its life.
Choosing the correct business server allows you to prevent bottlenecks caused by storage or server access issues. With some research and forethought, you may prevent both overpayment and performance issues.