The Complete Guide to 16 Different Types of Servers

There are more than 16 different types of servers, albeit that numbers refers to the main categories. Some popular types of servers that serve companies daily include application servers, web servers, cloud servers, backup servers, and database servers. Why does it matter that businesses understand each type of server’s functionality and capabilities?

Statista shows that 14 million servers were shipped worldwide in 2023, revealing a growing demand for hardware that supports other software components for website hosting, cloud services, and more. Knowing finer details about each server type can also ensure efficient database management systems, seamless network connections, and more, even for servers functioning between multiple clients.

What Are Servers?

Servers of any kind can include hardware components, software, or both. The objective of any server is to facilitate a specific process when users interact with computer programs or software. Servers also process data, store it securely in a variety of data centers, and release information on request. Furthermore, servers can host web pages, applications, and even operating systems.

Virtual Servers vs. Physical Servers

Virtual servers exist on physical servers. Virtual servers are software programs that may contain business logic designed for specific purposes, whereas on-site servers describe the actual server components or hardware that can host virtual servers.

For example, a Windows server that facilitates the interactions of software programs for an operating system is a virtual server. However, blade servers are physical hardware components that cat like a dedicated server and enable the storage of virtual servers.

Client and Server Relationship Dynamics

The client to server model allows client devices to communicate with computer programs through a server. It also refers to the ability to send client requests for documents, information, and other files, which the server hardware, sometimes combined with network software, will facilitate to ensure the user requests result in a response.

Client requests on a print server functions like an instruction to print so many copies or pages 1 through 5. Client requests also encourage file servers on the Microsoft SQL server to deliver specific files from storage. Basically, a client sends requests that server components must facilitate to complete functions, regardless of the operating system used or central processing unit (CPU) accessed on client devices.

Interesting Server Facts and Benefits

Server software and hardware components have some benefits when looking at the facts. Here are some random facts and statistics related to different types of servers:

• Discord server statistics show that 245 million users access the network every month while 24% of the company’s server components are in the US and it owns 45,000 servers around the world.
• Worldwide popularity for database management show that businesses use Oracle Cloud servers, Microsoft SQL servers, and MySQL servers more than any other server components.
• Recent data published by the US Small Business Administration shows that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and cloud computing with backup servers help to protect these SMBs.
• Cloud scalability basics also reveal that small to medium-sized businesses can reduce their operational costs by 40-60% when using cloud servers with automated security protocols.
• Some industries are more vulnerable to data breaches, and data encryption in transit refers to servers that use multi-step authentications for network administrators while sending encrypted data across highly-secure network-attached storage. Protect data with trusted servers.
• The role of server management in modern businesses can help leaders monitor server components around the clock, enhance security, and improve system performance.
• The incorporation of a program with server components in a small business could result in faster loading speeds, great network security, centralized backup, and business growth.
• The types of businesses that benefit from cloud servers include healthcare, education, marketing, and e-commerce. These businesses more easily access data analytics and have reliable systems.

3 Critical Server Components for Businesses

Every server has a critical role in handling and processing your business data. There are three critical components every business needs when bringing servers on board, whether physical or virtual servers.

1. Email Hosting: Every company requires a dedicated server that handles emails. Mail servers keep internal and external emails secure while facilitating the exchanges between users and clients.
2. Software Hosting: All companies need to host websites, pages, or applications to make them visible, whether using a single server or multiple servers aligned with your operating system.
3. Backup and Recovery: A backup server is ideal for recovery purposes should the worst happen. Backup servers can have physical access or use cloud servers with integrated security protocols.

How Different Server Components Function

Various servers exist to improve business operations and streamline data management, automated emails, authorization for software access, and even file requests. However, there are two key components that make or break a setup aimed at improving business operations.

The central processing unit (CPU) handles all server interactions and acts like the brain of all servers. The random access memory (RAM) speeds up the data access and processing functions between the CPU and servers. These components are critical to the design of all server infrastructure and services.

Then there are two main storage devices used for servers: solid state (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD). Solid state drives have lower capacity but process data faster while hard disk drives have greater storage capacity but process data slower.

The network interface card (NIC) enables network connection, while the motherboard serves as a circuit that connects different hardware devices. The power supply unit (PSU) supplies power to the servers while the RAID controllers manage different hard drives to improve data redundancy.

Cooling systems are simply fans that cool down the servers that typically heat up during operations, and the operating system is the software program that manages hardware devices and delivers client and users services. Finally, server management software enables network administrators to perform remote management tasks, monitor the servers’ performance, and configure settings.

Examples of Different Server Types in Various Industries

Multiple industries access and use different servers daily. Here are some common examples of how different sectors use various kinds of servers in their daily operations:

• E-commerce Website Servers: A dedicated server designed to host online stores.
• Financial Trading Servers: Data-intensive servers that execute stock and commodity trades.
• Hospital Information System Servers: A database filled with patient records and clinical data.
• Online Gaming Servers: Servers that host game sessions and manage player interactions.
• Online Collaboration Servers: Manages real-time message, file, and content sharing.
• Streaming Servers: Stores massive content libraries and distributes the content automatically.
• Artificial Intelligence Servers: Enables users to send complex requests for AI-driven responses.
• Machine Learning Servers: Facilitates the analysis of massive amounts of data in real-time.

16 Different Types of Servers Explained

Understanding the different types of servers is necessary, especially when you plan to develop a software product from scratch. Discover each major type of server with some examples, use cases, and applications to empower yourself with the right knowledge for developing software products or improving business operations with a new setup at the office.

Application Servers

Application servers are like a runtime environment for all software and application types. These servers process logic by communicating between back-end servers and front-end requests. They also handle simple data retrieval requests from a client computer.

Common types of application servers include Java Application Servers like Node.js and .NET application servers. These servers do a lot, with the framework managing all components and operating services like asynchronous and synchronous application server requests using a client-server model.

Cloud Servers

Cloud servers are another form of virtual servers that help businesses without physical infrastructure without breaking the bank. A cloud server is a centralized pool of servers that offer multiple resources and services to boost business productivity and streamline operations.

Common cloud servers are available from Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, IBM Cloud, and Oracle Cloud. These platforms provide extensive servers worldwide to meet the growing demand for data storage, processing, and application hosting.

Computer Servers

There are different types of computer servers, including game and media servers. Game servers allow multiple players to play simultaneously online and facilitate the how players connect, interact, and compete in what is often an extensive virtual world.

Media servers store, manage, and distribute media content like images and videos. Think of Netflix, and how they store and distribute content to millions daily. These servers also often loosely used to describe on-site servers within a business, but it actually refers to game or media servers.

Database Servers

A database server manages databases to ensure data integrity, efficient query handling, and security. Database servers are integral to any application that requires structured data. Many of the database servers operate on a client-server model, with clients requesting data and your servers sending it.

The most common database servers used around the world include MySQL, NoSQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle. Database servers also help companies enforce database management system (DBMS) restrictions and streamline recovery while ensuring security.

DHCP Servers

DHCP servers play an important role in internet safety and authenticity. These servers assign IP addresses to specific websites and applications available through browsers. They also assign the default gateways and other information related to specific devices.

Common DHCP servers include ISC DHCPd, Microsoft DHCP, and Windows Server DHCP. These servers protect users from fake websites and suspicious devices that may be linked to scams or other cyber threats. The DHCP server automatically assigns all parameters for safe communications.

DNS Servers

DNS servers (domain name system) convert easily readable domain names into IP addresses that computers can read more easily, facilitating and streamlining internet navigation. DNS servers always communicate directly with web servers and other types of servers related to hosted services.

Some common DNS servers include Microsoft DNS and BIND, each playing a pivotal role in the entire internet’s infrastructure and navigation. Think of them as the internet’s telephone directory, showing users where to go based on IP addresses and communicating with the origin servers.

File Servers

File servers are a form of dedicated server that is used to share and store files within a specified network. File servers provide centralized file management systems for storage and control access, making it easier and more secure for different users to share files over a business network.

Common types of file servers include network-attached storage devices and Windows Server. For many, database servers are better than file servers, being able to manage tasks that the file server would normally handle between user devices and the server network.

Mail Servers

Mail servers are another form of dedicated server that facilitates the sending and receiving of all emails on a specific network. Mail servers use TLS and SSL encryption to secure information being sent or received from an email address on your business network. Security is paramount in mail servers.

The mail server uses SMTP protocols to handle all incoming and outgoing emails and PoP3 and IMAP to secure incoming mails. The most common mail servers are Postfix and Microsoft Exchange. However, mail servers must be integrated with other servers and systems to operate correctly.

NTP Servers

NTP servers are also known as network time protocol servers that synchronize a computer’s time with others in the same network. It’s another form of a dedicated server that relies on integration with other servers to serve businesses better. It’s also one of the earliest TCP/IP components.

Common NTP servers include Amazon Time Sync Service and Cloudfare NTP. These servers facilitate time request exchanges between clients and servers, coordinate times required for distributed procedures, and perform file system changes across different networks to synchronize all times.

Print Servers

Print servers use print server software combined with hardware components to enable printers to respond to requests from office users within the network. The print servers are also responsible for providing print queue status updates and information to administrators.

Common print server software includes Windows Print Server, Internet Printing Protocol, and Common UNIX Printing Server. Print servers are manage all communications and informational updates between hardware printer components and the software installed on business computers.

Physical Servers

There are different kinds of on-site servers businesses install when building the infrastructure on-site. Here are the three most common types of servers that provide physical infrastructure on the premises:

Blade Servers

Blade servers are hardware components fitted into a chassis that some also call an enclosure. Blade servers offer the most modular infrastructure and provide the best use of space in general. These servers are ideal for larger or enterprise-level businesses, especially those that aim to scale.

Rack Servers

Rack servers are the most commonly thought of style, with the hardware components being stacked in racks, enclosures, or cabinets. Rack servers are also the most common type used in data centers. They are ideal for scalable solutions in larger businesses that require dense server stacks.

Tower Servers

Tower servers are a form of hardware that provides a vertical design typically characterized by a standalone and upright system that resembles a computer box. Tower servers are best suited to small to medium-sized businesses, individual workstations, and remote working environments.

Syslog Servers

The system logging protocol or syslog server is also known as a standard system message protocol implemented by network devices that want to connect with specific logging servers. Various devices can use a syslog server to send notifications about timestamps or device identities.

Datadog, ManageEngine, and Splunk are common syslog servers that facilitate system message protocols. They’re simply another software program that interacts with hardware devices to send notifications to logging servers found in another location. It’s another security-focused server.

Virtual Servers

Virtual servers enable businesses to run multiple server environments across different hardware-based servers on-site or elsewhere. Virtual servers improve flexibility while often helping businesses maintain control if they deploy a single environment on a single device.

Common virtualization platforms include Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware. Businesses can even use these environments to set up virtual servers that require no hardware because they connect to cloud service providers. You can also easily scale certain users by assigning them more space.

Web Servers

Web servers are the foundation of how your website or web page remains visible on the internet. Web server software is often used to manage the web servers that host your websites. Web servers also respond to HTTP requests from browsers to deliver images, pages, texts, and videos.

Some of the most widely used web servers include Apache HTTP Server and Microsoft Internet Information Services (MIIS). Think of a web server as a 24/7 assistant that responds when your clients send requests for information, showing them the details you’ve hosted on the internet.

Web Proxy Servers

Web proxy servers behave like intermediaries between other servers and the client computer. Proxy servers can manage load balancing, caching web content, and some security protocols. The main concept is that proxy servers must authenticate access to servers and data.

Many companies also to deploy a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to serve as a conduit between business devices and other servers. These servers filter requests carefully to ensure the delivery of data to the right device and improve the performance of delivery from the web servers.

Reverse Proxy Servers

A reverse proxy server or content network delivery (CND) server filters requests from web clients in a similar way that they filter requests within your network. Reverse proxy servers have the same goals: to protect data and make sure it lands in the right hands.

However, these proxy servers also filter pictures and other media content to make sure it doesn’t overwhelm the web servers, keeping all functions running smoothly for clients, users, and businesses. Some of the most common servers include Nginx, Apache web server, Caddy, and HAProxy.

Main Server Operating Systems Explained

Server operating systems describe software installed on servers to perform specific tasks when receiving client requests from certain operating systems like Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. The primary functionality is to manage and coordinate communications between the client computer and server.

Microsoft Windows Servers

Windows NT was Microsoft’s first server operating system, with versions 3.5 and 3.51 running multiple operating systems until Microsoft released the official Windows Server Line. Windows Server 2016 is latest version that serves businesses with Microsoft operating systems worldwide.

Linux/Unix Servers

Linux and Unix operating system server software is another major player in the global field. The operating system server software has multiple versions, including CentOS, Debian, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The open-source operating system is popularly used with the Linux web server.

Mac OS

The Mac OS operating system is designed by the Unix company and specifically runs on Apple computers. The server operating systems enables developers to create database servers, mail servers, file servers, web servers, or DNS servers for anyone using Apple devices.

Cloud Servers

Cloud server operating systems software refers to any virtual server hosted by third-party infrastructure. The main cloud server operating systems software belongs to Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure, each with tools that allow clients to create virtual servers.

The Complete Server Setup Guide

The right server setup will boost business growth, streamline maintenance, and ensure seamless communications between client devices and pages for multiple users, whether relying on client server architecture or virtual servers that run on cloud platforms.

Consider Server Use Cases

Knowing the different types of servers is ideal if you want to improve your business setup. On-site servers handle Big Data and create seamless operations. However, it helps to consider which server types can best serve your business needs, whether physical or cloud servers. Consider the typical use cases for each server hardware or cloud provider before choosing one:

Compare the Server Cost and Level of Control

It also helps to know the cost and control level differences between different server setups before choosing the one that best suits your budget and business needs. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs and control levels for virtual vs. on-site server hardware:

Choosing Between Hybrid, Physical, or Cloud Servers

Businesses can improve their server setup or install new ones using physical, cloud, or hybrid servers. No one ever said you need a single server alone. Enhanced business logic sometimes comes from multiple servers and services that suit specific business needs better.

Option 1: Choose the Right Server Hardware

Option 2: Choose the Right Cloud Servers

Cloud servers are ideal for businesses with growing needs while requiring remote management and automated security and patch updates. It’s also ideal for businesses that don’t have the space for physical infrastructure or the IT teams to maintain them. Here are the common cloud servers with some examples of server tools and networking services:

Option 3: Choose a Hybrid Server Solution

Hybrid server operating systems serve businesses that want to maintain some control over the servers on-site while having the benefits of cloud providers and virtual servers handling much of the daily tasks. Companies blend scalability with cost-efficiency when using hybrid server software and solutions.

Server Installation Best Practices

Installing a server on-site requires the implementation of simple yet effective practices that ensure the best possible outcomes from these systems. The following server installation best practices can ensure smooth sailing for current and future setups:

• Pick the right server operating systems and types.
• Organize servers in a room with more than enough space.
• Manage cables well to keep things working properly.
• Use fast disks like solid-state drives with SaaS interface or Fiber Channels.
• Automate the software configuration with standard library tools.

Step-By-Step Server Setup Process

Setting up servers with actual hardware and software you need to configure can be daunting without a complete guide. Follow the step-by-step process to set the entire server architecture and infrastructure up, whether using a dedicated server on personal computers or server programs on a client computer:

Step 1: Assemble the Hardware

1. Unbox the server and inspect all hardware components for damage.
2. Securely mount a server in the rack of enclosure if using rack servers.
3. Install the RAM, CPU, HDD, or SDD, and expansion cards using the manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Organize and secure all the cables while removing redundant power supplies.
5. Connect the power and ethernet cables to the server infrastructure.

Step 2: Install the Operating System

1. Insert the OS installation media to boot the server.
2. Follow the prompts to set up the language and other regional settings.
3. Configure disk partitions and file systems to fit your needs.
4. Create user accounts and set passwords.
5. Configure the network settings and IP addressing DNS.
6. Install the necessary software components from the list.

Step 3: Configure the Network

1. Decide between static IP addresses or DHCP for network configuration.
2. Assign IP addresses, gateways, subnet masks, and DNS servers as necessary.
3. Set the firewall up to control ingoing and outgoing network traffic.
4. Configure VLAN memberships if your business requires it.

Step 4: Set Up the Security

1. Establish strong authentication methods with secure passwords and multi-factor authentication.
2. Define access control lists and user permissions to limit unauthorized data access.
3. Install and configure trusted anti-virus software and other security tools to protect data.
4. Enable automated security updates to ensure the servers remain protected against new threats.
5. Implement data encryption protocols for sensitive business and client information.

Step 5: Configure the Storage

1. Set up RAID configurations where relevant to enhance fault tolerance and data redundancy.
2. Create storage device partitions to separate data and organize it for seamless processing.
3. Choose the right file system for your business needs, such as NTFS, ext4, or XFS.
4. Plan and implement data backup servers with recovery protocols.

Server Maintenance Strategies

Maintaining server programs and hardware is absolutely necessary to prevent downtime. Choose a software development company with trusted track records and positive client testimonials to manage the ongoing maintenance, or have permanent IT team members on-site for physical hardware. Here are some common strategies to maintain servers:

• Practice good server management from day one, especially in systems serving multiple users.
• Use patch management and backup servers to protect the data and keep things working.
• Ensure that any software is always up-to-date, whether for print servers or mail servers.
• Maintain the servers regularly to make sure they stay reliable and perform as expected.
• Keep physical servers secure with frequent security patch updates and troubleshooting.
• Use firewalls and data encryption in physical servers to protect sensitive data in transit.

Summing Up the Different Types of Servers

There are 16 types of server categories, with some having more than one type. Businesses commonly rely on web servers, database servers, proxy servers, application servers, DNS servers, mail servers, print servers, and other servers daily. Many servers automate and streamline communications between a client computer and the server hosting applications, even on personal computers in the company.

These software programs sometimes combined with hardware components can authenticate data access from a client computer while web proxy servers will ensure IP addresses match the right location. It has become so easy to access a web browser, but no one wonders who anchors that page on the internet. Now, it has all been revealed, and businesses can set up the right infrastructure.

Types of Servers FAQs

Which types of servers do companies most commonly use?

Various companies use a range of servers in a single application. They’ll use web servers or application servers to host websites, pages, and apps. They’ll also use proxy servers to authenticate access and database servers for database management. They’ll further use file servers to store, manage, and securely share files between multiple users.

What is the role of servers in networking for small businesses?

Servers play a key role in small to medium-sized businesses. They support and host daily tools that streamline operations, even those as simple as sending emails. They also host applications and web pages so that they remain visible, keeping the business online and available to multiple clients. Finally, servers facilitate every communication over a network connection.

How to servers contribute to business continuity?

One example of how servers can benefit small businesses through to enterprises is that backup servers can ensure data isn’t permanently lost. Backup servers will periodically store data across the intended data centers for safekeeping should the business need a recovery. Some servers provide automated backup and recovery strategies that gives businesses peace of mind with the potential for continuity.