An enterprise server is a server that runs essential applications for an entire company. Functions that run on an enterprise server include web servers, email, collaboration, databases, portals and specialty company-wide applications such as human resources or accounting. Many programs for enterprise servers are sold in packages or suites that can be configured and developed to meet a company's needs.

Enterprise servers are critical to a company's day-to-day operations and data processing. The server must be scalable to grow with your company and have the processing power to meet the demands of multiple users and departments. Some things to keep in mind when choosing and configuring your server include:

1. The enterprise server hardware should have up-to-date, powerful processing, storage, memory and networking capabilities.

2. You must choose an operating system with advanced security and management functions.

3. Choose applications that enable your staff to collaborate, communicate and easily manage day-to-day operations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose an operating system for your computer enterprise server

Operating systems for enterprise servers include products from Microsoft, Linux and UNIX. To choose the operating system that is right for your enterprise, evaluate the type of applications that will be installed and your company's ability to support and maintain the server.

I recommend: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server from Novell Inc. has more than 2,000 available software applications. It includes 64-bit support and Dynamic Storage Technology. Redhat Linux is a fully integrated operating system that provides unlimited virtualized guests, advanced management functions and multiple operating systems, versions and security settings. Windows Enterprise Server from Microsoft Corporation offers supercomputing power and 64-bit architecture. Solaris from Sun Microsystems Inc. is the leading UNIX enterprise server.

Check out enterprise server providers

The hardware configuration of your enterprise server is a critical component to future stability and operations. Don't skimp on features. Make sure your server has adequate memory and hard drive space.

I recommend: International Business Machines Corp. System x servers, Dell PowerEdge servers and Hewlett-Packard Development Company's Integrity servers offer dual or quad core processing power. They are available in rack mount, tower and blade configurations.

Buy enterprise server applications

Your application needs are determined by your type of business and the transactions your company performs. Industry-wide applications that can benefit most large companies include software for email, enterprise collaboration software, database software and human resource management tools.

I recommend: Groupware applications from Microsoft include Exchange for email and group collaboration and SharePoint services for enterprise collaboration. Novell Groupwise is a client-server application that runs on NetWare, Linux and Windows. International Business Machines Corp. has Lotus Domino, which is a solution for document sharing, project management and other collaboration tasks. Oracle offers PeopleSoft for financial, human resources and supply chain management. SAP provides solutions for customer relations, manufacturing and supply chain management.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keeping your enterprise network server up and running is critical. Make sure you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for backup power and redundant backup systems.