Facing a major database infrastructure decision can be a daunting task. Between making sure you have enough storage for your data, memory for your queries, and processing power for your users (all while staying on budget), there’s a lot to consider. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last 20 years, it’s that whether you're running MySQL, Microsoft SQL, Oracle, or SAP HANA, choosing the right hardware is crucial. After thousands of database servers shipped and decades of enterprise IT experience, TechMikeNY knows what works - and what doesn't.
The good news? Building a robust database server is more straightforward than most cloud providers suggest. And moving your database to dedicated hardware isn't just about saving money - though you'll do plenty of that. It's about owning your upgrade cadence and getting back to basics with hardware you can control.
Centralized File Repositories for Distributed Teams
Challenge: Cloud drive performance can lag with large files or in regions with limited internet reliability, frustrating distributed teams.
Superpower: Deploy an on-prem server as a centralized file repository, enabling LAN-speed access for local users and VPN-secured access for remote collaborators.
Example: A video production studio hosting raw 4K footage on an in-house NAS, giving editors seamless access across multiple office locations without cloud upload/download delays.
Secure Cross-Department Collaboration
Challenge: Cloud collaboration often introduces external attack surfaces and limited administrative controls over sensitive files.
Superpower: Set up a private file sharing and permission system with your own infrastructure, ensuring security policies match organizational needs.
Example: A legal firm hosting case files on an on-premises file server with strict access controls segmented by case and user role, fully auditable for compliance.
Real-Time Co-Authoring with Local Speed and Control
Challenge: Cloud collaboration platforms can expose sensitive documents to external risks, introduce lag for large files, and limit customization over security policies.
Superpower: Deploy an on-prem server with high-performance storage and network capabilities to host your own collaboration environment, giving teams real-time editing, fast access, and full control over sensitive data, without relying on third-party cloud providers.
Example: A product development team using a Dell PowerEdge server with SSD storage and dual 10GbE NICs to enable fast, secure editing of CAD files and engineering documents over their private network, ensuring low-latency collaboration and complete IP ownership.
Large Asset Management for Creative and Engineering Teams
Challenge: Design, media, and engineering teams often deal with massive files that slow down cloud syncing and retrieval.
Superpower: Host large asset libraries locally for fast, dependable access during creative workflows, without battling sync issues.
Example: An architecture firm accessing multi-GB 3D building models directly from an on-prem file server, slashing loading times and preserving version history with local snapshots.
We’re here to help. Talk to one of our experts and we’ll help you configure a database server that fits your rack and your budget.
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