A server is simply a computer that grants other computers access to centralized data or resources. There are various types of servers, and a few factors determine which kind of server admin someone requires. In a nutshell, hiring server administrators is a crucial step to ensure your system works as expected.
The only way to avoid hiring the services of a server administrator is by choosing a cloud-based system that allows you to store and manage your data online. In that case, you’d need to look for a company that offers web hosting to ensure the platform is secure from hacking. Now let us break it down further.
Which Businesses Need a Server?
Before bothering to learn more about server administrators, you should first ask yourself if your business really needs one. For instance, it wouldn’t be logical to hire a server administrator if you’re running a small kiosk. But businesses that handle data-heavy systems and have a complex technical infrastructure, like IT firms, will obviously need to hire a database administrator. The admin handles various types of servers that include Windows or Linux-based operating systems. These are:
File servers: They handle and transfer files from one computer to another- Mail servers: Enable you to move and store mail via Local Area Network, Wide Area Network and via the Internet
- Web servers: Are servers that enable you to store and manage data on a website
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP) servers: They make it easier to transfer files securely from one computer to another.
- Proxy server: Sits between a client program and an external server
- Application server: Application servers occupy most of the computing segment between a database server and the end user.
The servers should be connected to computers via Local Area Network (LAN) or via Wide Area Network.
Why a Server is Important to an Organization
Server or no server? Does it matter?
Yes, it does. A server centralizes data, enabling control of access to categorized information. Personnel can only access information they’re permitted to access, and these specific permissions can vary between employees.
A server enables easy and fast data processing. Apart from the ease and convenience, it also ensures that data remains secure.
Roles of a Server Administrator
Server administration is a critical position that has strict guidelines for job consideration. Personnel must have a high level of integrity and good computing skills. So, let us take a look at the roles:
- Install, configure and maintain computer hardware
- Recover data
- Closely monitor the performance of the servers at all times
- Implement operating systems
- Technical support and guidance
- Routine system maintenance
- System backup and security
The server administrator troubleshoots and handles system issues as they arise. He or she will also be called upon to guide staff when they experience difficulties while using the system.
Skills to Look for in a Server Administrator
You should evaluate these important skills when selecting a server administrator. A mistake could be very costly to your business organization. Here are the most desirable skills in a server administrator:
- A technical mindset. The work of a server administrator is technical in every sense and aspect. The computer hardware handling is precise, as well as the connection of computers in a network.
- Problem-solving skills. Admins deal with problems that will pop up on a daily basis. A good server admin must have strong problem-solving skills.
- Sound system skills. System skills enable the server administrator to evaluate the performance of a system and use those findings to improve the system.
- Ability to detect indicators of system performance and act as needed to rectify any issues.
- Attention to detail
- A server administrator is required to stay highly focused on the job to avoid costly mistakes, the loss of information, or the risk of exposing the servers to hackers.
- Must also pass a mathematical aptitude test.
- A system administrator generally works forty hours per week, and must be a person who is committed to excellence within their work.
Related Content: How Should You Hire a System Administrator?
Qualifications and Certification
If you decide you need to hire a server administrator for your business organization, there are several relevant certifications. Most companies only consider applicants who have a bachelor's degree in IT or related courses. But some business organizations will hire applicants with an associate's degree. In addition to a university degree, it’s advantageous to hire someone with some of the following credentials:
- Microsoft certificate solution Expert (MCSE) is a recognized certificate that is used while recruiting system administrators and server administrators.
- Red hat: RHCSA and RHCE
- Linux Professional Institute (LPI) - this is very important to consider if you are using Linux-based computers.
- CompTIA server +
- VMware certified professional Data Certificate
In some cases, you might not need a resident server administrator. Some companies prefer to hire remote admins, while others hire part-time server admins.
On a daily basis, a server administrator performs the following routine tasks:
- Checks on task manager and the condition of CPU and memory usage
- Resource monitoring
- Performance monitoring
- Event log viewing
- Process monitoring and registry spying
There’s no doubt that a server administrator is a crucial staff position in a business organization. So, it would be best if you had a server administrator. Any IT Expert or graduate that obtained a bachelor's degree in an Information Technology related field has been trained on servers and server administration.
Apart from having solid powerhouse of software developers, you need server administrators to keep track of the servers and networks in your data center. Bydrec is an industry expert, and we can offer a variety of services. Learn more here.
