How to Buy Server Hardware and Avoid Costly Server Failures

Server hardware is the backbone of your IT infrastructure, and ensuring it runs smoothly is crucial for uninterrupted business operations. However, knowing when and how to buy server hardware, managing installation, and mitigating the risks of server failure can be challenging, especially if IT isn’t your core business. That’s where partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), like Verity IT, can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore not only the best practices for purchasing server hardware but also how working with an MSP can optimize your investment, reduce risks, and handle the complexities of server management.

Understanding the Risks of Server Failure

Server failure is a major concern for businesses of all sizes. When a server goes down, it can cause disruptions that halt operations, lead to data loss, and tarnish your business’s reputation. According to a study by Gartner, the average cost of IT downtime is $5,600 per minute, which equates to around $300,000 per hour of downtime. That’s a substantial financial burden, one that many businesses can’t afford to risk.

Server failure is often due to hardware issues, power supply malfunctions, or outdated equipment. Partnering with an MSP like Verity IT can help minimize the risk of these failures by ensuring that the right server hardware is chosen, installed, and maintained effectively.

Why Buying the Right Server Hardware Matters

Not all server hardware is created equal, and making the wrong purchase could set your business up for frequent server failure and expensive downtime. This is where Verity IT steps in to assess your current and future needs, guiding you through the process of purchasing server hardware that aligns with your business goals.

How an MSP Helps You Buy Server Hardware

Partnering with an MSP like Verity IT offers several advantages when you’re ready to buy server hardware:

1. Accurate Sizing for Your Needs
   One of the most common mistakes businesses make is under or overestimating their server needs. Verity IT can analyze your business’s specific workload, user base, and future growth to recommend the perfect server configuration. This avoids wasted investment in oversized servers or performance issues from undersized ones.
2. Vendor Partnerships and Expertise
   MSPs often have partnerships with leading server hardware vendors, giving you access to premium equipment and potential cost savings. Plus, MSPs know which server brands and models offer the best reliability and performance. When you buy server hardware with an MSP’s help, you’re not just purchasing equipment — you’re leveraging years of industry knowledge and proven solutions.
3. Preventative Maintenance and Monitoring
   Once your servers are up and running, ongoing maintenance is key to preventing server failure. MSPs like Verity IT provide 24/7 monitoring and proactive maintenance services. This means they can detect and address potential issues before they lead to downtime.
4. Handling Complex Installations
   Server installation and configuration can be complex, especially for businesses that don’t have a dedicated IT team. Verity IT handles everything from the initial setup to ongoing management, ensuring your systems are optimized for performance and scalability.

How to Buy Server Hardware: What to Look For

When you’re ready to buy server hardware, keep these critical factors in mind, and let your MSP guide you through the process:

1. Reliability and Durability
   High-quality, durable servers are a must to minimize the risk of server failure. MSPs like Verity IT will recommend reliable hardware from reputable brands with strong warranties, ensuring long-term performance and support.
2. Processor and Memory
   The CPU and memory are the heart of any server. Verity IT ensures your server’s CPU and RAM are adequate for your current needs and capable of scaling as your business grows.
3. Storage Solutions
   Whether your business needs SSDs for faster data access or more affordable HDDs, Verity IT can help you choose the right storage configuration. With their help, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like insufficient storage space or choosing unreliable components that increase the risk of server failure.
4. Redundant Power Supplies and Cooling Systems
   Power and heat are common causes of server failure. MSPs like Verity IT recommend redundant power supplies and robust cooling systems, reducing the likelihood of downtime caused by electrical or temperature issues.

Avoiding Server Failure with an MSP

Beyond choosing and installing the right server hardware, partnering with an MSP like Verity IT offers an additional layer of protection against server failure:

• Regular Health Checks: MSPs perform routine health checks on your servers, identifying potential problems early.
• Patch Management: Outdated firmware or software can cause instability. Verity IT ensures all patches and updates are applied as soon as they’re available.
• Disaster Recovery Planning: In the unfortunate event of server failure, MSPs help develop and execute comprehensive disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime and data loss.
• Scalability and Growth Planning: As your business grows, your server needs will evolve. Verity IT helps you plan for future growth, ensuring your infrastructure can scale efficiently without frequent costly upgrades.

The Cost of Server Failure and Why Prevention is Key

The impact of server failure extends far beyond immediate downtime. According to ITIC, 81% of businesses experience downtime that lasts one or more hours when a server fails, costing both money and productivity. In severe cases, repeated server issues can even erode client trust and harm your brand’s reputation.

Working with an MSP like Verity IT ensures you have the right server hardware and preventive measures in place. While buying quality server hardware might seem like a significant upfront investment, it’s nothing compared to the potential cost of repeated server failure and the resulting downtime.

How to Choose an MSP for Server Management

Choosing an MSP to manage your server hardware is just as important as the decision to buy server hardware itself. Here’s what to look for in an MSP:

1. Proven Experience
   Ensure the MSP has a track record of success in managing server hardware for businesses like yours. Verity IT, for example, has extensive IT support experience across various industries and understands the unique needs of different businesses.
2. 24/7 Support and Monitoring
   Your servers run 24/7, and so should your MSP. Look for an MSP that offers round-the-clock support and network monitoring to detect and resolve issues before they lead to server failure.
3. Tailored Managed IT Solutions
   Every business has different IT support needs, and a good MSP provides customized solutions that fit your specific requirements. Verity IT works with you to assess your business’s needs and develop a tailored server hardware and management strategy.

Buy Server Hardware the Smart Way with an MSP

Purchasing and managing server hardware doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By partnering with an MSP like Verity IT, you can make informed decisions, avoid server failure, and keep your business running smoothly. With expert guidance on sizing, installation, and ongoing management, you can focus on growing your business while leaving the technical details to the professionals.

Don’t let server failures disrupt your business. Whether you’re looking to buy server hardware for the first time or upgrade your existing setup, Verity IT is here to help you every step of the way.