X Servers
Leontina Heidgerken
The use of the word server in computing comes from queueing theory,[4] where it dates to the mid 20th century, being notably used in Kendall (1953) (along with "service"), the paper that introduced Kendall's notation. In earlier papers, such as the Erlang (1909), more concrete terms such as "[telephone] operators" are used.
In computing, "server" dates at least to RFC 5 (1969),[5] one of the earliest documents describing ARPANET (the predecessor of Internet), and is contrasted with "user", distinguishing two types of host: "server-host" and "user-host". The use of "serving" also dates to early documents, such as RFC 4,[6] contrasting "serving-host" with "using-host".
Strictly speaking, the term server refers to a computer program or process (running program). Through metonymy, it refers to a device used for (or a device dedicated to) running one or several server programs. On a network, such a device is called a host. In addition to server, the words serve and service (as verb and as noun respectively) are frequently used, though servicer and servant are not.[a] The word service (noun) may refer to the abstract form of functionality, e.g. Web service. Alternatively, it may refer to a computer program that turns a computer into a server, e.g. Windows service. Originally used as "servers serve users" (and "users use servers"), in the sense of "obey", today one often says that "servers serve data", in the same sense as "give". For instance, web servers "serve [up] web pages to users" or "service their requests".
The role of a server is to share data as well as to share resources and distribute work. A server computer can serve its own computer programs as well; depending on the scenario, this could be part of a quid pro quo transaction, or simply a technical possibility. The following table shows several scenarios in which a server is used.
The name server is used both for the hardware and software pieces. For the hardware servers, it is usually limited to mean the high-end machines although software servers can run on a variety of hardwares.
Since servers are usually accessed over a network, many run unattended without a computer monitor or input device, audio hardware and USB interfaces. Many servers do not have a graphical user interface (GUI). They are configured and managed remotely. Remote management can be conducted via various methods including Microsoft Management Console (MMC), PowerShell, SSH and browser-based out-of-band management systems such as Dell's iDRAC or HP's iLo.
Large traditional single servers would need to be run for long periods without interruption. Availability would have to be very high, making hardware reliability and durability extremely important. Mission-critical enterprise servers would be very fault tolerant and use specialized hardware with low failure rates in order to maximize uptime. Uninterruptible power supplies might be incorporated to guard against power failure. Servers typically include hardware redundancy such as dual power supplies, RAID disk systems, and ECC memory,[14] along with extensive pre-boot memory testing and verification. Critical components might be hot swappable, allowing technicians to replace them on the running server without shutting it down, and to guard against overheating, servers might have more powerful fans or use water cooling. They will often be able to be configured, powered up and down, or rebooted remotely, using out-of-band management, typically based on IPMI. Server casings are usually flat and wide, and designed to be rack-mounted, either on 19-inch racks or on Open Racks.
These types of servers are often housed in dedicated data centers. These will normally have very stable power and Internet and increased security. Noise is also less of a concern, but power consumption and heat output can be a serious issue. Server rooms are equipped with air conditioning devices.
A server farm or server cluster is a collection of computer servers maintained by an organization to supply server functionality far beyond the capability of a single device. Modern data centers are now often built of very large clusters of much simpler servers,[15] and there is a collaborative effort, Open Compute Project around this concept.
A mobile server has a portable form factor, e.g. a laptop.[16] In contrast to large data centers or rack servers, the mobile server is designed for on-the-road or ad hoc deployment into emergency, disaster or temporary environments where traditional servers are not feasible due to their power requirements, size, and deployment time.[17] The main beneficiaries of so-called "server on the go" technology include network managers, software or database developers, training centers, military personnel, law enforcement, forensics, emergency relief groups, and service organizations.[18] To facilitate portability, features such as the keyboard, display, battery (uninterruptible power supply, to provide power redundancy in case of failure), and mouse are all integrated into the chassis.
On the Internet, the dominant operating systems among servers are UNIX-like open-source distributions, such as those based on Linux and FreeBSD,[19] with Windows Server also having a significant share. Proprietary operating systems such as z/OS and macOS Server are also deployed, but in much smaller numbers. Servers that run Linux are commonly used as Webservers or Databanks. Windows Servers are used for Networks that are made out of Windows Clients.
In 2010, data centers (servers, cooling, and other electrical infrastructure) were responsible for 1.1-1.5% of electrical energy consumption worldwide and 1.7-2.2% in the United States.[21][needs update] One estimate is that total energy consumption for information and communications technology saves more than 5 times its carbon footprint[22] in the rest of the economy by increasing efficiency.
Global energy consumption is increasing due to the increasing demand of data and bandwidth. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) states that data centers used 91 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) electrical energy in 2013 which accounts to 3% of global electricity usage.[needs update]
How Lenovo helped the LCR Group, a Qube Company, bring cloud computing underground with a new hyperconverged infrastructure using Lenovo ThinkAgile HX3320 cluster and ThinkSystem SR550 servers at their disaster recovery site to protect their data.
Lenovo offers a wide range of server solutions to meet these demands. Their lineup includes everything from small blade servers that save space to edge servers that handle data processing right where it happens. For critical tasks where downtime isn't an option, Lenovo has mission-critical servers. And for the heavy lifting of large volumes of data and complex applications, there are multi-node servers.
No matter the size of your business or the complexity of your IT needs, understanding the variety and capabilities of servers is key. The right server setup can keep your business running efficiently, ready to take on future challenges and opportunities. Servers are more than just pieces of technology; they're the foundation of your business's growth and innovation.
Imagine a world without servers. It's like a city without roads - chaotic, disconnected, and inefficient. In the grand scheme of modern computing, servers are the lifelines. They store, process, and dish out data while enabling communication between different devices and systems. Whether it's managing your IT operations, hosting your websites, or ensuring reliable network connectivity, servers are the real MVPs.
Now that you've met the team, let's talk about how servers work. In simple terms, they receive requests from client devices, process these requests, and send back the requested data or perform the requested tasks. It's like a well-oiled assembly line that can handle multiple requests simultaneously, serving multiple clients at once.
Choosing a server that can scale with your business is crucial; it should meet your needs now and have room for the future. When possible, opt for energy-efficient servers to cut costs and reduce your environmental impact. Remember, reliable support is essential, as issues are inevitable.
A server with strong support ensures you're never left in the lurch. Picking the right server is critical for safeguarding your data and supporting your business growth. Lenovo offers solutions designed to meet these challenges head-on, equipping your business for future digital demands.
When it comes to servers, Lenovo is a trusted name in the industry. Whether it's offering high-end server systems, enterprise servers, or custom servers, Lenovo has got you covered. Plus, our 24*7-hour customer support ensures that every query is addressed, and every challenge met with swift, knowledgeable assistance.
Lenovo offers a variety of servers to meet different business needs. Whether you manage a data center, need a server that can travel with you, or are looking for powerful computing capabilities, Lenovo has a server for you. Our Data Center Server Rack is designed for managing complex networks efficiently. The Portable Server is perfect for those on the move, keeping your data accessible wherever you go. The ThinkSystem Server is ideal for big data analytics and heavy computational tasks, offering outstanding performance. Choose Lenovo to upgrade your business's computing power today.
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