Server
administration

Our experience shows that the growing popularity of server administration services provided by an external IT company is related to:

• The increasing computerization and digitization of companies,
• The expansion of e-commerce,
• The development of services requiring 24/7 supervision. 

In the traditional model, companies employed their own administrators to maintain servers. Today, however, this model often no longer meets the needs of companies. This brings us to the advantages of server administration services offered by Support Online.

Advantages of the Outsourcing Model

The common opinion is that the first and most important advantage of server administration services provided by an external provider is: "IT'S CHEAPER." However, our experience indicates something completely different. Customers who use this service through Support Online primarily cite the following advantages:

1. Speed ​​of response

Over many years of operation, we have developed a method of operation that ensures a quick response to emerging server performance issues. Our entire response system consists of a properly calibrated IT monitoring mechanism and procedures for handling failures.

Every incident, even the smallest, is logged along with a record of all corrective actions taken. Our clients have online access to the reporting system and can constantly verify the speed of our response.   

2. Proactive Approach

Responsiveness is only part of the success. Our clients greatly appreciate Online Support's proactive approach. This means we take action ourselves and don't wait for the client to report something.

This ensures the continuity of IT systems without unnecessary investment in our clients' time.

It's worth noting that many offers advertised as "dedicated server with administration" are a completely different service than the one offered by Online Support.

These offers require active client involvement and the reporting of incidents or failures on a case-by-case basis; there are no proactive measures.

3. 24/7 Operation  

We provide server administration services 24/7. Online Support employs a specialized team of consultants working in three shifts. Their primary responsibilities include remotely maintaining our clients' servers.

In the event of emergencies requiring on-site intervention, Support Online ensures the availability of qualified staff 24/7.

4. Guaranteed Backup Maintenance

The most important task of every server administrator is maintaining backups. In practice, this means verifying the backups correctly at least daily, so that server operation can always be restored in the event of a critical failure (e.g., data loss due to a cybercriminal attack, file encryption due to a phishing attack, intentional user action, etc.).

Online Support guarantees in its contract that it is responsible for the correct backup execution. 

5. Guaranteed Routine Tasks 

In addition to the aforementioned backup maintenance, server administrator responsibilities include updating the operating system and installing security patches. These are very high-priority tasks due to the increasing activity of cybercriminals.

Unfortunately, many administrators fail to perform these tasks due to their time-consuming nature, hoping that their actions will go undetected. Support Online provides a written guarantee of systematic performance of the indicated tasks.

6. Sensitive Data Security 

Server administration requires passwords. A growing number of clients are paying attention to the internal procedures and standards of the IT company that obtains such access.

Sometimes, an IT security audit of a potential client is even required before signing a server administration contract.

Support Online has implemented information security management standards and has been ISO/IEC 27001 certified since 2016.   

7. Expertise  

This is the only advantage of an outsourcing company that is difficult to measure, although it is crucial for many of our clients. Services provided by certified Support Online IT administrators include:

• Linux server administration
• Windows server administration 
• Server management from manufacturers such as DELL, HP, LENOVO, IBM, SUPERMICRO, and FUJITSU
• Disk array and high-availability solution management (HA HyperV/VMware clusters)

Having managed hundreds of servers, we possess extensive and practical knowledge, allowing us to quickly and effectively resolve challenging issues.

Windows and Linux Server Administration

At Support Online, we specialize in both Windows and Linux server administration. Our services include configuration, installation, maintenance, software updates, performance and security monitoring, backup and restore, and diagnosing and resolving server issues.

For example, for Windows servers, we handle Active Directory configuration and management, group policy management, resource management such as network shares and printers, as well as the installation and configuration of various services such as IIS and SQL Server. For Linux servers, our services can include the configuration and management of services such as Apache, Nginx, MySQL, and Postgres, access permission management, system resource management, and the configuration and maintenance of system security. We always tailor our services to each client's individual needs to ensure the highest quality of service.

Server administration involves managing and maintaining servers, which are crucial to the operation of an organization's IT infrastructure. This role includes various activities, such as installing and configuring server software, monitoring server performance and security, creating and restoring backups, and diagnosing and resolving technical issues.

For example, a server administrator may be responsible for maintaining a database server, which includes performance monitoring, disk space management, software updates, and data security management. Other tasks may include managing email servers, file servers, and even application servers that support a specific business application within the organization.

At Support Online, we have been supporting Polish and international companies in managing server architectures, both large and small, for over 10 years. We encourage you to contact us.

A server administrator's job involves managing and maintaining servers and systems that are critical to the organization's operations. Server administrators are responsible for configuring, installing, maintaining, and updating server software, monitoring performance and security, creating and restoring backups, and diagnosing and resolving issues.

At Support Online, for example, a server administrator might start the day by checking notifications and alerts from the monitoring system to ensure all servers are functioning properly. They can then perform scheduled software updates on selected servers and then proceed to configure a new server for a new client.

If a problem arises, the server administrator quickly diagnoses the situation and takes action to correct the problem and restore normal functionality.

Servers are key components of the IT infrastructure, enabling the processing, storage, and sharing of data and resources across the network. There are many different types of servers, each serving different purposes and fulfilling different roles within an organization.

Types of servers include:

1. File servers: Store and share files with other computers on the network.
2. Database servers: Store, manage, and share data for various applications.
3. Web servers: Host websites and internet services.
4. Email servers: Manage and deliver emails.
5. Game servers: Allow multiple players to play together online.
6. DNS servers: Translate domain names into IP addresses.
7. Application servers: Provide and manage centralized applications and resources.
8. Proxy servers: Serve as intermediaries between users and the internet; they can be used to filter content, improve performance, and ensure anonymity.
9. FTP servers: Enable file transfers between computers on a network.
10. Print servers: Manage and coordinate print jobs across the network.

Each type of server has its own specific tasks and functions, and the choice depends on the specific needs of a given organization.

At Support Online, we provide comprehensive server management from start to finish.

Servers in a company perform key functions, enabling the efficient and smooth operation of an organization. For example, database servers can store and manage all company data, such as customer information, financial data, and operational data. Application servers can run specialized business software, such as customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Email servers, in turn, enable secure and effective communication within the company and with customers.

At the same time, file servers enable file storage and sharing, allowing employees to access documents and resources regardless of their location. Web servers can host a company's website, allowing customers to access information about the company and its products or services.

Print servers can manage print jobs within a company, enabling efficient printer sharing between employees. Each of these servers contributes to the efficient operation of a company, enabling it to run its business. At Support Online, we know how to effectively manage your servers.