A server farm is a group of networked servers used to streamline heavy computing tasks. They often include primary and backup servers, switches, and routers. While not as reliable as mainframe computers, they require a multi-skilled team for deployment and maintenance. Server farms can range from small to large buildings and are both praised and criticized for their benefits and challenges.
A server farm, also called a computer cluster, is a group of servers that is kept in one location. These servers are networked, allowing them to accommodate server needs that are difficult or impossible to manage with just one server. With a server farm, the workload is distributed across multiple server components, providing accelerated computing processes. In the past, these farms were used more frequently by academic or research-based institutions. In today’s world, they are commonly employed in businesses of all types, providing a way to streamline heavy computing tasks.
Many server farms include primary and backup servers. When you have a primary and a backup server, both servers can only be assigned one task to perform. This is done to maintain functionality. If the primary server fails, the backup server takes over, preventing problems that could occur if a server fails. Usually, a server farm will also have network switches and routers; these devices allow communication between different parts of the farm.
Although mainframe computers have been used by large organizations for years, many companies now choose to use server farms instead of or in addition to mainframe computers. However, it is important to note that these farms are currently not considered as reliable as mainframe computers. Individual servers fail on a regular basis and companies find it necessary to have competent management on hand to deal with problems.
Deploying a server farm typically requires the collaboration of a multi-skilled team. For example, team members should have experience with systems, project planning, technical management, security, and a number of other technical categories. It is also important that team members receive the ongoing training needed to support the farm once it is fully operational. Sometimes a company’s customers need to rely on the resources within its server farm. In that case, a company can provide help desk support to its customers.
A server farm can be small, medium or large. Some may consist of just a couple of servers, while others may include entire buildings filled with computer servers. The largest server farms are the most difficult to maintain and present challenges. Those against massive server farms say they waste energy and space. However, proponents say large farms are very beneficial, allowing companies an easy way to maintain and secure their computer systems.
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