Why Scalability is an Important Factor in Choosing the Right Server

When choosing the right server, one of the first factors to look at is scalability. Scalability is an important factor when choosing the right server to ensure that it performs optimally. Scalability is how well a system responds to ever-changing user demands. That means whether it’s handling just one client or hundreds of clients, it can scale services up accordingly.

The size and cost of your server depends on how many people are using it. When used by fewer people (or even inactive people) it can scale back to a smaller and more cost-effective size. This is why scalability is so important in server choice. Here’s how to scale the right size server for your unique needs.

Exploring Scalable Servers

There are different architectural patterns for scalable servers to operate in. Each architecture focuses on how scaling a specific aspect can best meet the goal of supporting multiple users. Most problems with scaling servers are best met with the AFK Scale Cube Model, but other options are available.

The AFK Scale Cube Model

The AFK scale cube model looks at scalability through one of three perspectives: X, Y, and Z-axis scalability. The easiest way to visualize this scaling is to imagine a cube of a certain size. In order to scale the cube up, it needs to extend along one of three axes: height, width, or depth. Similarly, an AFK scale-modeled server can be scaled on one of those axes to better meet current demand.

X-axis scalability involves scaling the number of individually active users, spreading apart evenly among a certain number of load balancers. X-axis scale models can be easy to implement but costly to maintain.

Y-axis scalability is done by splitting components into certain bound services, such as a shopping cart or checkout. Y-axis scale models make scaling diagnosing problems easier. However, it’s important to note that they require a lengthy setup and are not easy to implement.

Z-scale axis scale models focus on segmenting individual components and scaling them as necessary. A Z-scale model focuses its scaling toward certain groups like subscribers or shoppers at check-out. This model requires the least maintenance but also takes time to design and implement.

AFK scalable models are common because X, Y, or Z-axis scalability solves many server scaling problems. There are alternative techniques as well, including horizontal vs. vertical scaling, or using caching content delivery networks (CCDNs). Whatever the interior architecture, these models all have the same goal: helping your business’ site scale to meet current needs.

The True Meaning of Scalable Server Options

Looking at the true meaning of scalable server options means thinking realistically about your business’s needs. Scalable server architecture is only worth so much if it’s not handling your business’ traffic. If a server wasn’t scalable, it would have to stay at maximum size to handle demand levels. This would be prohibitively expensive and taxing on your server’s needs. If it didn’t scale at all, it could be overwhelmed with a sudden influx of traffic. Having scalable servers means expanding and contracting to meet those different demands.

While every business has different needs in terms of a scalable server, there’s one that will scale for your business. Consider for example the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 2U Rack Server. The ProLiant DL380 Gen10 delivers world-class performance balancing expandability with scalability. This supreme versatility and resiliency are backed up by a comprehensive warranty. This makes it a great choice in multiple environments, including from Containers to Cloud to Big Data. Anyone looking for server options with cloud scalability should look at the HPE ProLiant DL380.

If you’re looking for a server with the right scalability level, look at the options with Rackfinity. Whatever your business’ needs are, there are Rackfinity servers that can appropriately scale to meet them.