There are many brands of server available for the modern business and as well as deciding whether you need a full application server or a more basic Network Attached Storage (NAS) server, you will also need to consider redundancy, the total amount of storage that is available, and even the physical size of the server, as well as whether you have the in-house expertise to deal with administrative and support tasks or if you will need to outsource this area of network administration.

Storage

One of the main functions of a business server is as a central location for storing files, although it can be used to store any data, which can even include software and applications, website, and email files. Depending on the setup you buy, there will usually be room to expand your server so that it can store more data in the future if needed, but this may not always be the case, and it may not be practical if you have to keep buying additional storage. Ensure that the server you buy offers ample storage, and allows room for growth in the future. Also, note whether your office building is located in an earthquake-prone area. If so, consider getting Seismic server racks for additional security.

Form

Servers were once huge beasts that required massive server rooms. While storing a server or bank of servers in its own room, as well as their own cabinet, can still prove beneficial for security and for atmospheric control, the size of the modern server is certainly a lot smaller and more convenient. There are also different physical configurations and layouts available to choose from, so opt for one that will fit in the location that you have put aside for server storage.

Software

While NAS servers are used primarily for storing and offering access to data, application servers provide many other functions. This isn’t to say that you can’t install software on a NAS server, but it will usually require some effort and expertise to achieve the desired results. If you are looking to offer central access to applications and software, ensure that all elements of your network are compatible.

Expertise Required

The complexity and type of server, as well as the drivers and software that are installed on it, will demand the level of expertise that is required to install, run, and maintain the server. While everything is going smoothly, a server is easy to maintain, but this won’t always be the case, and if you do not have in-house expertise, then do remember that you will need to outsource these requirements.

Redundancy

Redundancy is especially important if your server will have a mission-critical purpose. Having two power supplies, a redundant set of memory, and other redundant features means that if one power supply goes down, or if one storage block goes down, you can still continue to use the server and access the data while the primary server components are being repaired.

Extensibility and ROI

As with anything else you invest in as part of your business equipment and infrastructure, your business server has to add value to your bottom line and it should justify its purchase beyond its data storage and back-up capabilities. Used in conjunction with the right multivariate data analysis software, your business server can turn into an invaluable business analysis and planning tool, so it’s important for the server you ultimately settle on to have the type of extensibility that allows you to either operate this statistical analysis software, or to provide seamless access to your chosen process control service provider / consultant.

Spread betting offers a tax free alternative to buying and selling stocks and shares, while the volatility of the markets that can be traded means that there is huge scope for profits, too. This same volatility also means that there is equally high potential for loss, but it is possible to become a successful spread better without risking everything you have. Start small, use the tools and information that you are provided with, overcome the difficult psychological battle, and always know when to exit a trade as well as when to enter a trade.

Start Small

If you are new to spread betting, realise that it will take time before you fully understand the system and how it works. It will also take time for you to develop a system of sorts, hone it to profitability, and determine exactly when you should be exiting trades. If you start learning this process by investing large sums, then you will inevitably lose some simply because you didn’t fully understand what you were doing. Start small, even investing £1 per point, until you are confident that you have a deep understanding of spread betting.

Always Use Stop Losses

Stop losses can greatly minimise losses, and if you don’t use them then over a lifetime of trading, it is highly likely that you will have at least one or two trades that devastate your investment bank.

Stop losses can also help you overcome the urge to hold on to a trade in the hope of recovering losses and closing when you break even. Knowing when to exit a trade is vital, and utilising stop losses can ensure that you stick to your own plan. Trading platforms like ETX Capital offer stop losses so use them.

Consider Using Setups

A setup does not necessarily mean that you have to trade, but it means that when certain criteria are met, which could be as simple as a market reaching a certain spread, you will be alerted. Use this opportunity to further investigate, and use setups as a means of identifying when a trade is possible.

Exercise Patience

Patience and discipline are key to successful long-term spread betting. If you go into spread betting hoping for one massive payday that will earn you millions, then you are likely to be disappointed every day. While these kinds of payoffs are possible, they are the exception rather than the rule.

Expect to make reasonable profits, rather than exceptional ones, and aim to make regular and steady profits. Be patient, stick to your plan, and don’t force trades that aren’t viable.

Specialise Before Expanding

There are many, many markets and positions that can be traded in spread betting, ranging from currencies and penny stocks to horse racing and even political outcomes. This means there is plenty of opportunity, but you can very easily spread yourself too thinly if you attempt to trade too many at once.

Specialise in a few markets that you already have good knowledge of, and once you have mastered these, then you can consider learning about other markets and expanding.

Know When To Exit Before You Enter

Jumping into a trade is really very easy, but knowing when to exit can be considerably more difficult. Novice traders are often too concerned over losing out on profits, or overly concerned with losing money every time they trade. Some losses are inevitable, and before you even consider entering a trade, you absolutely must know when you will exit it.

Don’t Risk Everything

There is no such thing as a sure thing, so don’t bet as though you are onto one. Exercise caution when deciding how much of your bank to place on a point, and make sure that you don’t out everything on a single trade. You should also ensure that you have some capital in your account, in case of margin calls.

It is sensible to have different trading sizes according to risk and potential returns, but you should never consider investing everything you have in one go or on a single trade.

Be Disciplined

It is all too easy to hold on to a losing trade, in the hope that it will recover, and you will be able to exit the trade having broken even again. Understand that losses and gains will both happen, have a clear plan in mind, and be disciplined enough to stick to your entry and exit points, and to invest the amount that fits with the risk and possible returns. Overcoming the psychological element of spread betting can be one of the most difficult aspects, and this is where tools like stop losses can prove especially beneficial.

Be Confident

Conversely, it can be very easy to close a trade as soon as it returns a slight profit, even if your system dictates that it should return a greater profit. In the same way that you should avoid holding on to a losing position too long, you should avoid closing a winning position too soon. Have confidence in your trading and be prepared for losses and gains throughout.

Study Charts

There are many different ways to trade and techniques to use in order to help determine what to trade and when. Consult company charts to look for trends and patterns, to identify entry and exit points, and to help setup viable and beneficial alerts and stop losses.

Study Markets

You should also study the markets in which a stock is trading. No matter the performance of a stock, if the market is hit by some huge story or some shock headline, then there is still the potential for that stock to increase or decrease differently to your expectations.

Study Businesses

Learn as much as possible about any particular trade you intend to target. Look at internal and external business news stories, new appointments, and the publication or expectation of results. The more information and the more data you have, the better informed you are, and the more likely you will be able to make a positive move, whether that is buying or selling. By specialising, rather than trying to learn a little about every market, you can concentrate on learning more about a handful of markets and, therefore, improve your chances of a profit.