Time to read: 5 mins and 48 seconds | Updated: October 31, 2025
Servers What are servers?
Servers, also referred to as compute servers, are powerful computers designed to provide resources, services, and functionality to other computers, devices, or clients within a network. They are optimized to handle, process, and manage large amounts of data and perform complex computations efficiently.
- What types of servers are there?
- What are common use cases for compute servers?
- HPE server portfolio
What types of servers are there?
There are three main types of servers: rack servers, blade servers, and tower servers:
- Rack servers are mounted in server racks designed to save space while providing high-performance compute-intensive tasks.
- Blade servers are thin, small server modules (blades) that fit together within a single chassis, designed to optimize space and power efficiency while performing high-powered compute-intensive tasks.
- Tower servers are standalone units resembling desktop computers, suitable for small businesses or remote offices, and designed to provide local processing and storage capabilities close to the source of data generation.
What are common use cases for compute servers?
Compute servers are versatile and powerful systems used in various industries and applications to handle intensive computational tasks. Here are some common use cases:
Popular use cases and workloads:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Training/Tuning: Leveraging GPUs and high-performance compute resources to train complex AI and ML models.
- Inference: Deploying trained models for real-time data processing and decision-making.
Big Data Analytics
- Data Processing: Using frameworks like Hadoop and Spark for large-scale data processing and analytics.
- Data Mining: Extracting valuable insights and patterns from big data sets.
Database Management
- Database Hosting: Running relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) databases that require high performance and availability.
- Data Warehousing: Storing and managing large volumes of structured and unstructured data for analysis and reporting.
Development and Testing
- Dev/Test Environments: Hosting development and testing environments to build and test applications before deployment.
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Supporting CI/CD pipelines for automated software testing and deployment.
Edge Computing
- IoT Data Processing: Analyzing and processing data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices closer to the data source.
- Real-Time Analytics: Providing low-latency data processing for applications that require immediate insights.
- Remote and Branch Office (ROBO)
Enterprise Applications
- ERP Systems: Running enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to manage business processes.
- CRM Systems: Hosting customer relationship management (CRM) applications to manage customer interactions and data.
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
- Scientific Research: Running simulations and calculations for physics, chemistry, and biology disciplines.
- Engineering Simulations: Performing computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and other engineering simulations.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
- Server Consolidation: Reducing the number of physical servers by running multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single compute server.
- Private Cloud: Hosting a private cloud infrastructure to provide scalable and flexible computing resources on demand.
- Public Cloud Integration: Extending on-premises compute capabilities to public cloud environments for hybrid cloud solutions.
Web Hosting and Content Delivery
- Web Servers: Hosting websites and web applications with high availability and performance.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Distributing content across multiple servers to improve load times and reliability.
Industry Use Cases
Financial Services
- High-Frequency Trading: Running algorithms for high-frequency trading that require low latency and high reliability.
- Risk Analysis: Performing complex risk calculations and financial modeling.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
- Genomics and Bioinformatics: Analyzing genetic data and conducting bioinformatics research.
- Electronic Health Records (EHR): Hosting EHR systems for managing patient data securely and efficiently.
Gaming and Media
- Game Servers: Hosting multiplayer online games with high performance and low latency.
- Media Rendering: Performing rendering tasks for video production and special effects.
Manufacturing and Industrial Applications
- Industrial Automation: Running control systems and automation software for manufacturing processes.
- Predictive Maintenance: Analyzing sensor data to predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance.
Educational and Research Institutions
- Academic Research: Providing computational resources for academic research projects.
- E-Learning Platforms: Hosting online learning management systems (LMS) and virtual classrooms.
These use cases demonstrate the wide range of applications and industries that benefit from the capabilities of compute servers. Organizations can leverage these powerful systems to optimize their operations, improve performance, and drive innovation.
HPE server portfolio
- HPE ProLiant Compute: Compute engineered for your hybrid world. Unlock more value from your data and accelerate AI outcomes that deliver insights and innovation.
- HPE ProLiant DL145 Gen11: Meet the needs of modern workloads and applications while providing scalability and reliability for enterprise IT environments.
- HPE Compute Ops Management: Seamlessly monitor, manage, and gain visibility of your distributed compute environment.
- Integrated Lights-Out (iLO): Provide secure remote management and monitoring capabilities, enabling IT teams to detect, prevent, and recover from security threats more efficiently.
Servers FAQs
How do servers work?
Servers are powerful computers designed to store, process, and deliver data, applications, and services to other devices over a network. They can handle multiple requests simultaneously, ensuring reliable access to files, applications, and online services. Servers play a central role in managing workloads, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and securely.
What is the difference between a dedicated server and a shared server?
A dedicated server is exclusively used by one organization, offering full control, high performance, and enhanced security. A shared server hosts multiple users, dividing resources among them, which is more cost-effective but less customizable. Dedicated servers are ideal for demanding workloads, while shared servers are better suited for smaller, budget-conscious operations.
Can you explain cloud servers vs. traditional servers?
Cloud servers are virtualized, on-demand resources accessed online, offering scalability and flexibility without hardware investments. Traditional servers are physical, on-premise machines that provide direct control and low latency. Cloud servers suit dynamic workloads, while traditional servers are ideal for businesses needing consistent performance or handling sensitive data locally.
What are the best server options for small businesses?
Small businesses benefit from compact, affordable servers like micro-servers, which offer essential features without complexity. Scalable cloud solutions provide flexibility and reduce upfront costs, while hybrid servers combine on-premise and cloud benefits. These options enable small businesses to support growth, improve collaboration, and efficiently manage workloads.
What are the benefits of using a server?
Servers centralize data, applications, and operations, boosting efficiency and enabling seamless collaboration. They offer scalability to accommodate growth, enhanced security to protect sensitive information, and high availability to ensure continuous access. Servers also simplify IT management by providing centralized control and support for critical business processes.
How do I choose the right server for my needs?
Assess workload requirements, such as processing power, storage, and scalability. Small businesses might opt for micro-servers for affordability, while enterprises may need high-performance solutions. Consider cloud or hybrid servers for flexibility and growth. Evaluate factors like security, budget, and future scalability to select a server tailored to your needs.