Discuss the different types of servers that could be used by a large online retailer, describing benefits and drawbacks. (12 marks) 

Firstly they could consider using a print server. This will allow them to create hard copies of any paperwork stored on their system, this is useful for when they need to keep a physical record of their sales or any important paperwork that has to be mailed, rather than emailed. However it will need to be administrated by someone, this can lead to higher costs in addition to higher potential for human error. 

 

The retailer could also consider using a file server. File servers can store and manage files consequently making it a useful tool especially for a larger company that has lots of data to store and manage. On the other hand they can be quite expensive thus making it unnecessary/inaccessible for smaller companies and similarly to the previous server, it can require an IT professional to setup and manage it. 

 

Another option available is a mail server. This type of server manages all incoming and outgoing emails. Furthermore as the retailer is based online it definitely would be necessary as most communication would take place online. Conversely email servers require technical expertise to manage and therefore can be out of reach cost-wise for smaller companies. 

One type of server the online retailer could use is mail servers which receive emails from staff on the network and forward it to the recipients within the company. Therefore, this would be useful as it means staff can successfully send data about customers and the business. However, they can’t send any data without a file server which holds, manages, indexes, stores and saves the files to the database which is another type of server, which manages all activities.

One types of server that they could use is a print server. They could use this type of server to print order conformations for products that have been bought on the website. Since they are an online retailer they could use this to manage the queues on printers for employees. However, they can be very expensive and they might not use them to their full ability because they are an online retailer. 

Another type of server that they could use is a mail server. They could use this in order to send emails to their customers that have ordered products from them. This would keep their customers informed as to where their order is and if they needed to get a refund. However, mail servers can cause complications if they break. If broken they can stop emails from being sent and therefore will begin to confuse their customers if they don’t know when their order will arrive. 

 

Furthermore, another type of server that the retailer company can use is a print server. It is a primarily used to produce hard copies of data. It controls the output devices on the network, thus allowing users to send request to specific devices. Conversely, it can also reroute the user to a different printer if the desired printer is not functioning. 

 

On the other hand, another type of server that the company can use is a mail server, which can successfully provide the company with a type of communication for customers. Moreover, it is cheap and easy to utilise, making it available for employees who even 

One server type is interestingly a database server in addition to other types, clearly the purpose is to store information in an organized manner similarly alike to a file server however a file server is for documents and not general information hence the need for a database server. Using this server type will consequently lead to more accessibility to information moreover further efficiency in completing jobs quicker thus meaning faster production time.

Another server type is a mail server which would successfully improve communication and is definitely needed within this online retailer. Besides verbal communication, using a mail server allows a way to communicate quickly and furthermore transport files which a range of people may need access to therefore using this would improve efficiency of work. 

Lastly they could use a print server to get a hard copy of information which is a back-up if information whereas on the otherhand just having a digital copy may be at risk of data theft. Alongside being able to produce physical media, conversely it manages a range of function such as que and holdup with the printer.