Server management software is designed to consolidate and aggregate the operation of several servers into one central administrative location. The primary benefit of server management software is that with a centralized point of administration, it will take less people and less time to manage multiple servers.

The functionality of server management software is broad. The server management software list of uses includes targeting certain hardware, operating systems and server types. Consider the following steps to help you find a server management software provider that best fits your needs.

1. Assess what administrative needs the server management software is designed to address.

2. Determine how you’d like your server(s) to be managed.

3. Develop a reasonable set of requirements before purchasing server management software.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find server management software that addresses your administrative needs

While some providers of server management software information may claim to offer fully functional products, it's quite rare to find one software product that adequately addresses all your needs for centralized administration of your company's hardware, operating system and servers. Be sure to ask questions about the features offered. Some products also have considerable overlap of functionality and providers will often describe their software's functionality in contradictory ways. Therefore, it's also important to carefully read up on software features.

I recommend: Consider checking out server management software products offered by Intel. You can also check out server management software products available from Hewlett-Packard.

Map out your goals for server management software

Outlining your requirements for the server management software platform, functionality and approach, such as a web-based or a database server management software application, will help you communicate your goals to vendors. Another benefit of developing a set of requirements is that you'll save money by not being talked into purchasing software features for which you have no use.

I recommend: Consider checking out server management software provided by Symantec. You can also check out the Unisys server management software products.

Try server management software before you buy

Purchasing server management software is a huge decision for any company and should not be taken lightly. Purchasing the right software can greatly enhance your company's efficiency. However, purchasing the wrong server management software can mean throwing away a considerable amount of money that you could have used elsewhere. Taking advantage of trial demonstrations is a great way to get a true feel for how the software works.

I recommend: Consider visiting Novell to try a 60-day trial of its Linux server software product. You can also download a trial server management software product from Microsoft.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchasing server management software should be a trade-off for your company in that it should not only help to centralize your server administration, but it should also help you identify mundane tasks that you can automate. Maximize the return on your investment in server management software by evaluating your business processes to ensure enhanced productivity and efficiency.