What is server management? In the context of strong technology development, server administration is one of the important and indispensable jobs in businesses. However, not everyone clearly understands server administration and related tasks. In this article, VinaHost will help you answer questions about Server Administration, as well as compare in detail popular administration software today.

1. What is Server Management?

Before learning what server management is, you need to clearly understand the definition of a server.

Server is a system including hardware and software, used to store and manage data for other computers on the network. The server is usually connected to the network and operates continuously 24/7, or has a downtime of less than 0.1% to ensure the operation of the services it provides.

Servers often operate on a Client-Server model, in which the client computer connects to the server and shares resources from the server. There are several popular server types, including:

Database Server: stores and manages data for applications.
Game Server: provides an environment for players to interact with each other.
Email Server (Mail Server): provides email services.
File Server: stores and shares files.
Web Server: provides web services.
Print Server: provides printing services.
Application Server: provides services for applications.

So what is server management? Server management is the establishment and maintenance of stable operation of the server system. The work of a server management includes:

Design and implement server systems
Install and configure the operating system as well as necessary services
Manage system resources (CPU, RAM, storage capacity,…)
Monitor and monitor system operations
Troubleshooting and system maintenance

In traditional server systems, users usually do not need to care about administration, because this work is performed by the server provider. However, traditional server systems often have many limitations on user management rights, making upgrades, installation and troubleshooting difficult.

Currently, with the advent of virtual private servers (VPS), users have full rights to administer and install the system. This helps users easily control and improve the performance of the server system. But this also requires users to know how to administer the Server or hire staff who know how to administer.

Also Read: What is VPS? | Unveiling the Power Behind Virtual Private Servers

2. Server Hardware Components

Here’s the breakdown of each server’s hardware in a simple and straightforward way:

2.1. CPU

The CPU is the “brain” of the server, executing commands and processing data.
Designed for performance and reliability, often with multiple cores and high processing speeds.

2.2. RAM

RAM temporarily stores data that the CPU needs to access quickly.
Determines the server’s multitasking ability and directly affects performance.

2.3. Hard Drive

Store data permanently using hard drive or SSD.
Provides capacity for operating systems, applications and user data.

2.4. Network/Port

Network ports to connect to the network and internet.
Supports different speeds and protocols.

2.5. CPU temperature

Manage CPU temperature to maintain server performance.
Use a cooling system to reduce temperature and maintain stable operation.

Each of these components plays an important role in server performance and reliability. The intelligent design includes redundant components and cooling systems to ensure continuous operation, even under heavy loads or in harsh conditions.

Also Read: What is a Proxy Server? | How does it works?

3. How does Server Management work?

Server management includes a series of tasks and processes to ensure the server operates efficiently, securely, and reliably. Here’s how it’s typically done in server management:

Initial setup and configuration

Configure the necessary initial hardware, operating system, and software based on the requirements of the application or service that will run on the server.
Adjust configuration to optimize performance, security, and resource allocation.

Monitor and optimize performance

Track important metrics such as CPU, RAM, disk, network and uptime.
Tuning to improve performance, including software settings, resource allocation, and handling performance issues.

Security management

Apply patches and updates regularly to protect against vulnerabilities.
Monitor and detect untrusted activities, protect against attacks.

Backup and restore

Perform regular backups to ensure data safety.
Prepare a plan to restore data quickly in case of a problem.

Maintenance and upgrades

Perform maintenance tasks to maintain stable operation.
Upgrade to improve performance or expand storage capacity.

Troubleshooting and support

Provides technical support and troubleshooting.
Diagnose and fix problems to minimize downtime.

Documents and reports

Maintain detailed documentation on configuration and procedures for reference in management and maintenance.
Generate regular reports to evaluate performance and suggest improvements.

Scalability and planning

Assess and plan to meet resource expansion needs.
Ensure the server can handle increasing resource requests.

Effective server management requires implementing modern processes and tools to ensure smooth and secure operations, which can be performed by in-house IT teams or service providers.

Also Read: What is a Dedicated Server? | How Does a Dedicated Server Work?

4. Types of Server Management

Server management may vary based on location and management method. Here are the three main types:

4.1. On-Premise Server Management

Servers are located and managed at an organization’s facility or data center.

Featured:

Organization owned, maintained and managed directly by IT staff.
Full management of hardware configuration, software settings and security.
Requires large initial investment in infrastructure and ongoing maintenance costs.

4.2. Cloud Server Management

Servers are hosted and managed by a cloud service provider (CSP) off the organization’s premises, often over the internet.

Featured:

The server is a virtual version running on public or private cloud infrastructure.
The CSP is responsible for hardware provisioning, maintenance, security updates, and expansion.
Organizations pay for resources based on usage, providing flexibility and cost savings.

4.3. Hybrid Server Management

Combines both on-premises and cloud models to meet specific business requirements.

Featured:

The organization maintains some servers on-premises and uses cloud services for others.
Use the cloud for scalable workloads and retain on-premise servers for requirements such as securing sensitive data.
Optimize performance, cost, and compliance by integrating these two environments.

Each type of server management has its own advantages and considerations, tailored to security requirements, scalability, budget constraints, and the nature of the application or service being hosted. Organizations often choose to use these methods in combination to create a flexible and efficient IT system that fits their business goals.

Also Read: What is a Cloud Server? | How does a Cloud Server work?

5. Essential Server Management Tasks

Here are important server management practices to ensure they operate smoothly, securely, and efficiently:

5.1. Hardware Management

Regularly monitor hardware components such as CPU, RAM, disk drives and network interfaces to detect problems or performance degradation early.
Perform routine maintenance activities such as cleaning fans, replacing damaged parts, and ensuring the cooling system operates properly.
Plan and execute hardware upgrades to improve performance, expand storage capacity, or replace old hardware.

5.2. Software Management

Install and configure operating systems, applications, and software updates according to best security practices and standards.
Apply patches and updates periodically to fix software vulnerabilities and bugs, ensuring system security.
Track and manage software licenses to ensure legal compliance and avoid issues related to unlicensed software.

5.3. Security Management

Implement strict access control and authentication measures to prevent unauthorized access to the server.
Set up and maintain a firewall to control incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting the server from illegal and malicious access activities.
Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to detect and mitigate potential security threats.
Perform periodic server scans to detect and fix security vulnerabilities and minimize risks.

5.4. Data Backups and Recovery

Develop and implement a comprehensive backup strategy that includes routine data, configuration, and critical system images.
Periodically test backups to ensure the integrity and availability of the recovery process.
Develop and maintain an emergency recovery plan to be ready to restore data and servers in the event of a catastrophic failure.

5.5. Performance Optimization

Monitoring and analytics: Continuously monitor performance metrics such as CPU, memory, disk, and network to understand and optimize server performance.
Performance tuning: Fine-tune configuration, resource allocation, and software settings to improve performance and save resources.
Expansion planning: Anticipate future resource needs to ensure servers can accommodate growing workloads without sacrificing performance.

These activities play a critical role in maintaining server performance, security, and reliability in any environment, whether it’s on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment. Regular monitoring, active management, and adherence to best standards are critical to ensuring servers operate efficiently and meet organizational requirements.

Also Read: What is a Tower Server? | Everything you need to know

6. The Benefits of Effective Server Management

Effective server management brings many important benefits to businesses and organizations:

6.1. Enhanced Website Performance

Optimized resource allocation: Effective server management ensures resources such as CPU, RAM and disk space are allocated efficiently, increasing response times and improving performance.
Performance tuning: Regularly monitor and adjust server configurations and software settings to help detect and fix performance issues, ensuring smooth operations even during periods of highest traffic point.

6.2. Improved Security and Reliability

Proactive Security Measures: Effective server management includes implementing robust security protocols, regular updates, and applying patches to protect against threats such as malware.
Stable operation: Well-managed servers are less likely to experience problems and disruptions due to regular maintenance, monitoring for potential problems, and quick remediation when problems arise.

6.3. Reduced Downtime and Costs

Minimize downtime: By monitoring server performance and health, administrators can detect problems early and deploy remediation before they become major problems, thereby minimizing unplanned downtime.
Cost Savings: Effective server management helps optimize resource usage, reduce energy consumption, and avoid significant costs associated with emergency repairs or data recovery due to server error.

6.4. Scalability for Growth

Dynamic resource allocation: Managed servers are configured to handle increasing workloads and traffic as the business grows, thereby supporting expansion without affecting performance or user experience.
Integrated cloud usage: Cloud-based server management facilitates rapid expansion by allowing organizations to provision additional resources on demand, supporting business growth and responding flexibly to changes in work demands.

Effective server management, whether performed by an in-house IT team or by a managed service provider (MSP), is critical to maintaining infrastructure reliability, security, and performance. It not only improves operational efficiency but also contributes to better customer satisfaction and overall business success.

7. Server Monitoring Tools

7.1. System Monitoring Tools

Nagios: Extensive open source monitoring tool used to monitor server and network health, providing alerts to administrators about critical issues.
Zabbix: Comprehensive monitoring for servers, networks, and applications, supporting automatic discovery and customizable alerts.
PRTG Network Monitor: Real-time monitoring of network devices, servers and applications, providing customizable dashboards and detailed reports.
SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor: Monitor server health, performance metrics and application dependencies, providing insights into infrastructure performance.

7.2. Security Monitoring Tools

Splunk: Real-time analysis and monitoring of security events, logs, and network data to detect and respond to threats.
Snort: Intrusion detection and prevention system (IDS/IPS) analyzes network traffic to detect suspicious activities and potential threats.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Tools: Includes IBM QRadar, ArcSight, and LogRhythm, which aggregates and correlates security events across an organization’s IT infrastructure.

7.3. Performance Monitoring Tools

Dynatrace: AI-powered monitoring for cloud and on-premises environments, providing insights into application and infrastructure performance.
New Relic: Monitor application performance, infrastructure, and user experience in real-time, with automated root cause analysis and alerting.
AppDynamics: Provides application performance monitoring (APM) and real-time analytics to optimize performance and user experience.
Datadog: Cloud-based monitoring and analytics platform that integrates infrastructure metrics, application performance, and log management.

These tools help organizations effectively monitor and manage their server infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, security, and reliability. Depending on specific needs, organizations can combine these tools to build a comprehensive monitoring strategy.

Also Read: What is Server Administration? | The Future of Server Administration

8. Choosing the Right Server Management Solution

8.1. In-house vs. outsourced server management

Here is a rewritten version to make it easier to understand:

In-house server management

Outsourced server management

Control and Customization

Organizations have full control over server configuration, security policies, and management. This helps to align with specific business requirements and comply with standards.

Requires human and technical resources to manage, maintain and troubleshoot servers. High initial costs due to investment in infrastructure.

Access specialized skills, experience and in-depth support from MSPs. Provides SLAs that ensure reliability and performance.

Dependence on external vendors can lead to slower problem resolution and less control during emergencies.

Security and Compliance

Direct monitoring and strict compliance with security and legal measures. This ensures data protection and regulatory compliance.

Requires continuous monitoring and updates to respond to evolving security and compliance threats.

MSPs often have security and compliance expertise, providing advanced data protection measures.

Need to choose a reliable MSP and may face a lack of direct control over data processing.

Cost Considerations

More predictable operating costs after the initial investment in hardware and software. There are no ongoing service costs like outsourced solutions.

Costs include salaries, training and infrastructure maintenance, which can vary by infrastructure size and complexity.

Helps save costs compared to upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure. Service costs are usually predictable according to SLA.

Long-term costs may increase depending on the scope of services and additional requirements.

Scalability and Flexibility

Greater flexibility in expanding and adjusting the scale of resources and infrastructure according to business developments and needs.

Requires upfront investment in hardware and human resources to scale, which can lead to downtime during expansion.

Provides flexible and scalable solutions to suit business growth and needs.

Limited service customization depending on the provider, which can be difficult if specific requirements are not fully met.

8.2. Factors to consider when making a decision

Choosing the right server management solution involves weighing the benefits and challenges of both in-house and outsourced management. Key considerations include control, costs, security, expertise, scalability, performance, and disaster recovery capabilities. Organizations should align their decision with their strategic goals, resource availability, and specific operational needs to ensure they select the most suitable server management approach.

9. The Future of Server Management

The future of server management will be influenced by technological developments, changing business needs, and a focus on efficiency, security, and sustainability. Here are the key trends that will impact the sector:

Automation and AI

Automated management: Automation tools perform tasks such as software updates and backups, reducing manual intervention and limiting errors.
AI and Machine Learning: AI will help with predictive maintenance, performance optimization, and security monitoring through data analytics.

Edge computing

Decentralized Processing: Edge computing processes data close to where it is generated, reducing latency and improving performance for applications that require real-time data analysis.
Advanced Infrastructure: New tools and strategies are needed to manage distributed server networks.

Cloud technology

Microservices and containers: The use of microservices and container architectures (like Docker, Kubernetes) will increase, making server environments flexible and scalable.
Serverless computing: Developers can focus on code and business logic without having to manage infrastructure.

Hybrid and multi-cloud environments

Integrated management: Tools for managing hybrid (on-premises and cloud) and multi-cloud environments will become important, providing consistent control and monitoring.
Portability: Solutions that enable easy migration and interoperability between cloud providers will be essential.

Advanced security

Zero-trust security: This security model always checks users and devices, not relying on implicit trust.
Advanced threat detection: AI and machine learning will improve detection and mitigate security risks.

IoT integration

IoT Management: The need to manage large data flows from the Internet of things (IoT) devices, ensuring connectivity and security.
Data Processing: The server will process and analyze IoT data on-premises, requiring efficient management of distributed resources.

Improve user experience

Self-service portal: Allows users to easily manage servers and resources, reducing dependence on IT staff.
Intuitive interface: Makes server configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting easier.

The future of server management will include automation, advanced security, edge computing and IoT integration, along with a focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance. Organizations need to adopt these technologies and strategies to ensure their server infrastructure is efficient, secure, and adaptable to changing business needs.

Also Read: What is Rack Server? | How does a Rack Server work?

10. FAQs

10.1. How often should I perform server maintenance?

Server maintenance depends on the specific needs of your system, the applications you use, and industry best practices. Below are general guidelines for different types of maintenance tasks:

Daily maintenance

Check backups: Make sure backups are complete and backup data is error-free.
View system log: Check the system and application logs for any errors or unusual events.
Resource monitoring: Monitor CPU, memory, disk and network performance to promptly handle problems.

Weekly maintenance

Security updates: Install important security updates and patches.
Virus/malware scan: Run a full system scan to detect and remove threats.
Performance testing: Evaluate performance to detect and fix new issues.

Monthly maintenance

System updates: Install non-emergency patches and updates.
Disk cleanup: Delete temporary files and unnecessary data to free up space.
Check accounts: Review user accounts and access permissions to ensure safety.

Quarterly maintenance

Check hardware: Check server hardware for damage or wear.
Network security audit: Evaluate network security measures, including firewalls and access controls.
Database maintenance: Optimize the database by rebuilding indexes and updating statistics.

Annual maintenance

Disaster recovery drills: Test your disaster recovery plan to ensure quick data and service recovery.
Capacity planning: Assess resource usage trends and plan for future demand.
Security testing: Perform comprehensive security testing, including vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.

10.2. How often should I back up my server data?

How often you backup server data depends on the criticality of the data, the rate at which it changes, legal requirements, and your organization’s recovery goals. Here is a guide to determining backup frequency:

Daily backups

Critical data: Daily backups of critical data such as databases, transaction records, and customer information.
Data changes frequently: If data changes frequently, daily backups will help minimize data loss.
End-of-day backup: Perform backups at the end of the workday to capture any changes during the day without interrupting work.

Weekly backups

Less important data: For data that is less important or does not change frequently, weekly backups are sufficient.
Full system backup: Backs up the entire system, including the operating system, applications, and configuration, creating a comprehensive restore point.

Incremental or differential backups

Incremental backup: Backs up only data that has changed since the last backup, saving time and storage space.
Differential backup: Backs up all data changed since the last full backup. Perform differential backups every other day or mid-week.

Real-time or continuous backup

Highly available systems: For systems that require minimal data loss, use real-time or continuous backups such as deduplication or continuous data protection (CDP).
Critical applications: Applications that require immediate recovery should use real-time backup to always have the latest data.

Monthly backup

Archive backup: Perform monthly backups to create long-term archive copies. Store offsite or in cloud storage for disaster recovery purposes.
Full system backup: In addition to weekly backups, monthly backups create a comprehensive restore point for the entire system.

Also Read: Maximizing Efficiency and Performance: What is Blade Server?

10.3. What are the security best practices for server management?

Ensuring server security is important to protect data and maintain IT system stability. Here are the best ways to manage server security:

Regular updates

Always update the operating system to patch security vulnerabilities.
Update and patch all server applications and services as soon as possible.

Access control

Grant only the minimum necessary access to users.
Use strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC).
Periodically check user accounts and access rights to ensure they are valid.

Cyber security

Use a firewall to control traffic based on security rules.
Divide the network into small segments to restrict access to sensitive areas.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure remote access to the server.

Data encryption

Encrypt sensitive data stored on the server to protect against unauthorized access.
Use SSL/TLS to encrypt data when transmitted over the network.

Intrusion detection and prevention

Install an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to monitor and respond to suspicious activity.
Regularly check server logs to detect unusual activities and set up alerts for important events.

Backup and restore

Perform regular backups of important data and test recovery capabilities.
Store backups in another secure location to protect against data loss due to physical damage.

Physical security

Place servers in a secure area, with limited physical access.
Install temperature control and fire prevention systems to protect hardware.

Configuration management

Set up and maintain basic security configuration for the server.
Use configuration management tools to ensure security settings and change control.

Security policy and training

Develop and enforce security policies, including usage rules and incident response procedures.
Educate users on security best practices, such as identifying phishing emails and browsing safely.

Regular testing and vulnerability assessment

Perform penetration testing to detect and fix security vulnerabilities.
Periodically check to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Monitoring and logging

Use continuous monitoring tools to detect and respond quickly to security incidents.
Centralized logging from all servers and network devices for easier analysis.

Planning for incident response

Develop a plan to respond quickly and effectively to security incidents.
Regularly conduct drills to ensure staff are ready to deal with incidents.

Secure remote management

Use secure protocols like SSH or RDP with strong authentication and encryption for remote management.
Restrict remote access to only trusted IP addresses and use VPN for security.

Application security

Ensure all applications on the server are developed with high security standards.
Keep apps up to date to protect against known security vulnerabilities.

10.4. How much does server management cost?

Server management costs can vary significantly due to many factors such as server type, level of management, provider, and whether you manage it yourself or outsource. Below is an analysis of the factors that affect server management costs:

Server type

Dedicated server: Uses private hardware, usually more expensive because you have to spend money to buy hardware.
Virtual private server (VPS): Shares hardware with other servers, lower price than dedicated servers.
Cloud Server: Costs may vary depending on usage, with a billing model based on the amount of resources used.

Management level

Unmanaged: Handle server maintenance, updates, and security yourself. The cost is lower but requires a lot of expertise.
Managed: The provider manages these tasks. Higher costs but less pressure on internal IT teams.

Supplier

Hosting services: Costs vary between providers such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Contabo, VinaHost, based on pricing structure and additional services.
Managed Services (MSP): Provides comprehensive management services from monitoring to security and backup.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Basic: Basic support and monitoring, limited response time.
Premium: Premium support with fast response times, comprehensive monitoring, and additional services like regular testing and advanced security.

Customizations and add-ons

Security enhancements: Includes features such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and DDoS protection, which may increase cost.
Backup solutions: Costs increase with regular backup and data recovery plans.
Performance optimization: Services such as load balancing, caching, and performance optimization.

Unmanaged server

VPS: $5 to $50 per month, depending on resources used (CPU, RAM, memory).
Dedicated Server: $50 to $200 per month, depending on hardware specifications.
Cloud Server: This varies significantly; Small versions can start at $10 per month, while larger versions cost hundreds of dollars per month.

Managed servers

Basic Management: $50 to $150 per month, includes basic monitoring and support.
Standard Management: $150 to $500 per month, includes regular updates, security, and support.
Premium Management: $500 to $1,000+ per month, providing comprehensive services such as 24/7 support, advanced security, backups, and performance optimization.

By understanding and evaluating these factors, you can choose and optimize the cost of server management that best suits your needs and budget.

10.5. What are some common server management mistakes to avoid?

To manage servers effectively, you need to plan and execute carefully to ensure system security, reliability, and performance. Here are some common server management mistakes to avoid:

Lack of regular updates and patch management
Inadequate security measures
Incomplete contingency and disaster recovery plans
Skip monitoring and warnings
Lack of capacity planning
Poor configuration management
Lack of contingency plans for incidents
Underestimating documentation and knowledge management
Non-compliance with regulations and security

By avoiding these mistakes and applying corresponding solutions, you will minimize risks and improve the efficiency of your server system, helping your business run smoothly and continuously.

Also Read: What is a GPU Server? | Everything you need to know

11. Conclusion

Hopefully the above article will help you know “What is server management” and what the job of Server Administration is like. Thank you for taking the time to follow the article. Find out more articles at our Blog and don’t hesitate to contact us for support, you can refer to the Thailand Server service::