Category: Guides

If your server is reaching the end of its life, you may be facing the difficult decision of purchasing a new unit, or switching to cloud services. The cloud is a hot topic and one that you have likely considered, leaving you wondering if this would be beneficial to your business. Chances are you have also heard about the benefits of the cloud, such as more flexibility and how it saves on in-house IT costs, but before you make a decision there are a few more things to consider.

There are a number of small studies, expressing the profitability and how smart of an option the cloud offers for businesses. So now, are you ready to chuck out that old server and move to the cloud? Well, hold on just a second.

The fact is, when business owners that take the time to look into the actual cost of the cloud compared to replacing their old and outdated servers, the decision is clear: server replacement. As applications begin to run slower and you have gotten all you can out of your existing server, it is definitely time to make a move; consider carefully.

An example of the cost effectiveness of an in-house Industrial Rackmount Server is highlighted here. If you have 10 people in your company that need computer access, and you employ a local IT service for moving your business to the cloud, at $100 per month, per person, that equates to $24,000 each year to integrate and use the cloud based service. Now consider how many servers you could purchase for that much. If you are a profit generating small business owner, which looks hard at an investment decision prior to parting with your cash – there is no question that replacing your server is the right option.

When it comes down to it, smart business owners know that there is no justification or return on investment for moving to the cloud. Keep in mind, this is true for established businesses that do not want to pay for the expense of switching their existing applications.

The fact is that servers offer our business the ability to host databases, mail and print serving, document sharing and central file repository and system wide backups. If you are starting out with a server for your small business, generally a tower server will be sufficient, which is also beneficial since they do not require their own server room. However, as your business grows and you need to run more demanding applications, industrial rack servers are the ideal option, with high levels of functionality and flexibility.

Flash memory is extremely convenient.  For starters, its small and compact size makes it a snap to carry around.  It’s also easy to store anywhere without having to worry about damage via dust or debris.

USB sticks are the main way people carry data around.  When someone needs to transport data from one computer to another, they think of the USB stick.  It’s a big upgrade over CDs and DVDs, which are flimsy and must be handled carefully to avoid wrecking the disc.  Unlike discs, a USB can fit comfortably inside a pocket or on a keychain.  Whether it’s an important PowerPoint presentation for a meeting at work or a group project for a college assignment, a USB stick is what you need to carry your files around.  It doesn’t require any special software to save data.  At Saitech, we have many different types of flash memory to suit your needs.

Embedded computing is all around us.  We just don’t know that it is.  This is the kind of computing that is used for ATM machines or for guiding rockets.  They are systems used when the equipment being computerized stands alone.  It works quite well when the function of the computerized equipment is for real time functions.  So what is the difference between this kind of system and the usual operating system?

• When it comes to standard operating systems, the person and the computer interact and one can perform many kinds of tasks on the same operating system.  An embedded one however is made to perform only one kind of function and can do it without the person intervening.
• A standard operating system tends to be installed on a computer that can be used for different functions; the embedded one can operate other devices but functions are limited.
• An embedded operating system tends to be narrow purpose and carries out a fixed function.  They are used in our cell phones or acting as heat regulators in the toaster. In fact if you have any electronic device, chances are that it is using an embedded device.
• Embedded computing makes use of microcontroller chips which are then used to take in information provided, process the information and then provide the right output.  A microcontroller is not able to perform multiple functions unlike the chips used in the regular computer operating system.  Embedded systems that are very complex will come with a fully embedded operating system.
• A standard system will tend to interact a lot better than the embedded kind as stated before.  However, the embedded systems are made for taking in some information and sending out an appropriate response.  An ATM machine for example will take in your PIN number and give you a list of choices.  As you click on the appropriate choice it moves you along a noncomplex system that ends up with giving you money or a mini statement, receipt and the like.
• In addition to that these operating systems require immediate responses to the data one inputs.  A good example is the automated anti-lock brakes most people have in their cars.  They have been programmed to respond a certain way and do.  Lag time and latency are not optional in these cases.

With this information you can now see why your computer at the ATM does not work the same way as your computer at home.

If you are looking to save yourself some space you may want to invest in a rackmount LCD monitor.  It is an efficient and convenient desktop option for your work space.  It can hold both the monitor and the keyboard on a rack that slides easily so that you can move it on your desk or even over it.  You will need to install it once you have made the purchase.  Here are a few steps that you can take to do so with ease.

• Before you can install it you will have to buy it, right?  You can find these at any electronics or home office store that is close to you.  They are becoming quite popular and are now much easier to locate.  Select the set you want and when you get home spread the parts on your desk and grab your instruction manual which will help you identify what you are looking at.
• Begin by installing slides to your desk.  You may find that some of the sets come with slides that are designated for each side so that it cannot fit on the other side.  However others may come with slides that can fit on either side.  Mount them per the instructions given on your manual and ensure that you have done it the right way before proceeding to the next step.
• The next step when it comes to the installation of your rackmount LCD monitor is to install your cable bracket.  This is your solution for tangled wires so put it up to avoid getting your apparatus tangled in the wires.  It will generally need to be placed in the back of your system.
• The fixed mounts are next.  This is what makes your apparatus stable once you have put your keyboard and monitor on.  You want to be keen on following the given instructions so that it is tight.  Ensure that your screws are tight and that your monitor and keyboard will be safe.
• Now that it is firmly in place get your LCD monitor and mount it on the rack.  Place your keyboard on it as well.  Test it a bit by sliding it back and forth while checking for stability.  If all is well you can now use it comfortably and save yourself the desk space that you need for other things.  You can use everything immediately so you are now good to go.

Resource Box: Running out of space on your desk? Consider installing a rackmount LCD monitor to hold your monitor and keyboard so that you can create more space.