Best Server Management Software

With the advancement of technology, although businesses are shifting to cloud services, many businesses are still using in-house servers or hybrid environments to host server data requiring management. However, the cloud market is projected to be $376.36 billion by 2029.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of server management software, and the best server management tools you can use for your business.

What is Server Management Software?

Server management software is a suite of tools to manage and maintain hosting servers so that they operate at peak performance, both physical and virtual servers. It provides a centralized platform to monitor the performance of a server, configure server settings, manage user accounts and permissions, and troubleshoot issues that may arise. Thus, ensuring the applications are running smoothly and the web server has enough resources to execute the processes.

Server management includes the management of not only your hardware and software but security and backups too. It includes a user interface that allows administrators to view and manage server resources such as CPU, memory, network, and disk usage.

How Does Server Management Software Work?

Server management software works by providing a centralized interface for administrators to monitor and manage server resources and configurations. It depends entirely on the type of server. Virtual servers, for instance, need software upgrades, but the firm offering the service often keeps an eye on all the hardware. However, a physical device requires both hardware and software monitoring, most probably by the same person doing server management.

The work begins with discovering and inventorying servers, then monitoring their performance and resource usage. Administrators can configure various settings and automate tasks such as software updates and backups. Server management software also helps troubleshoot issues by providing alerts, logs, and diagnostic information.

Types of Server Management Tools

There are different types of server management tools for your ease. We have mentioned them for your convenience:

1. Configuration management software

   This type of server management tool helps administrators configure and manage server settings and software. It also automates repetitive tasks and ensures consistency across multiple servers.

2. Monitoring and alerting software

   As the name suggests, this tool monitors server performance, resource usage and sends alerts if any issues arise. It also helps administrators quickly identify and address problems to minimize downtime.

3. System automation software

   This tool automates routine tasks, such as software updates, backups, and maintenance. Thus, reducing the overall workload on administrators and ensuring that tasks are performed consistently.

4. Patching tools

   Patching tools help to manage software updates and security patches across multiple servers. They automate the patching process and ensure that servers are up-to-date and secure to use.

5. Backup & disaster recovery software

   Backup and recovery tools help create and manage backups of server data and configurations in case of system failure. It also provides tools for disaster recovery, enabling administrators to quickly restore servers in the event of a disaster.

6. Security software

   This tool prevents your server from intrusion and attacks. It implements and manages security measures on servers, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and antivirus software. It also provides tools for auditing and compliance reporting.

Who Uses Server Management Software?

System administrators and IT specialists who are in charge of monitoring and maintaining servers use server management software.

It is primarily utilized by companies and organizations of all sorts, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) and major corporations, as well as web hosting companies, data centers, and cloud service providers, all of which rely on servers to run their businesses.

The solution also offers a central location for storing event logs and records of previous server disruptions. 

Benefits of Server Management Tools

The increase in the growth of server management tools and their usage implies it is beneficial. Let’s see some of its advantages:

1. Time savings

   Server management solutions enable IT teams to respond to problems more quickly and expand capacity before it is used up by sending notifications. Tools for server management automate repetitive operations, which saves time when managing servers.

2. Enhanced security and stability

   Server management provides security when software updates and patches are completed. In order to improve stability, server management systems include centralized security capabilities that can aid in preventing unauthorized access, malware assaults, and other security risks.

3. Centralized management

   Server management tools provide a single dashboard for managing servers, which simplifies management and reduces the likelihood of errors. You don’t need to run from one server to another, thus reducing any mismanagement issues.

4. Better performance and availability

   Effective server maintenance entails efficiently backing up your data and updating critical hardware before it breaks. In order to increase availability and performance, server management solutions track server activity and can notify administrators of potential issues.

5. Accelerated event response

   A server management platform can quickly detect and alert administrators to events. A quick notification works best to reduce the time it takes to respond to issues. Ultimately, helping you to focus on company growth.

6. Reduced costs

   Tools for server administration can aid in cutting down on manpower, downtime, and maintenance costs. Businesses can reduce their operating costs by using server management solutions to help servers perform more effectively with less direct management from the IT team. Your overall maintenance costs will stay low as long as your server is managed effectively.

7. Simplify management

   Server administration chores are made simpler by server management tools. Thus, allowing administrators to maintain servers more effectively. Ultimately increasing overall work efficiency.

8. Increase efficiency

   Every business is always on the lookout for making its business processes efficient and smooth. Windows server management software automates routine tasks and streamlines management processes. This leads to an increase in efficiency and productivity.

Features of Server Management Software

Server management software is designed to facilitate the efficient administration and monitoring of servers in a computer network. While specific features may vary across different software solutions, here are some common features found in server management software:

1. Server monitoring

   Server management software provides real-time monitoring of server performance and resource usage, like CPU Usage, Memory Consumption, Network, Disk Usage, Process, etc.  An efficient server monitoring tool automates the process of server monitoring for you. It also helps to identify and resolve issues before they impact users.

2. Configuration management

   In order to keep the attributes of a system consistent, configuration management is a procedure for maintaining computer systems, servers, and software. It's a method of ensuring that a system functions as expected as modifications are made to it over time. Different parameters can be configured by the administration department, which ensures consistency between servers and lowers the possibility of security breaches.

3. Resource management

   This feature is used to track server resources such as CPU, memory, and disk usage, as well as network traffic, to ensure optimal performance. This helps to allocate resources efficiently among the team members. Now you don’t need to worry about any resource sitting idle and others with more workload.

4. Capacity planning

   Administrators can use historical data to predict future resource requirements and plan for scalability. This helps organizations avoid overprovisioning or underprovisioning servers, which can lead to wasted resources or performance issues.

5. Log management

   Log management in server management software plays a crucial role in collecting and analyzing server logs, enabling the identification and resolution of issues. Tracking events like errors, warnings, and security breaches, ensures effective monitoring and proactive problem-solving.

6. Alerts

   The software can send alerts to administrators when performance metrics exceed predefined thresholds or when critical events occur. This helps ensure that issues are identified and addressed promptly.

7. Remote access

   By leveraging remote access, administrators gain the ability to perform server maintenance and troubleshooting tasks from any location. This eliminates the constraints of physical presence. Consequently, this streamlined approach minimizes the reliance on onsite support, fostering efficient server management practices.

8. Security management

   The comprehensive Security Management software equips users with powerful tools for seamlessly handling security settings and implementing policy enforcement, enabling robust server protection while maintaining adherence to industry standards.

9. Troubleshooting tools

   The software includes tools for diagnosing and resolving issues that arise on servers. This includes features such as remote access, log analysis, and performance monitoring.

How to Choose the Right Server Management Software?

Struggling to choose from a range of different types of server management software? No worries, we have got you covered! Here is how you can choose and see what suits your firm the best:

1. Identify your needs

   Before you hop into investing in any server management software, you would need to specify your business needs. You will need to consider factors that will suit your working environment; that includes the number of servers you need to manage, your budget, the specific features you require, etc.

2. Research solutions

   Research different server management software solutions that meet your requirements after identifying your needs. And then you can check for reviews and case studies online or from other users so that you have a clear view before investing.

3. Consider cost

   Don’t forget to check on your budget when choosing server management software. Compare the pricing and different models of server management solutions to determine which will suit your business the best.

4. Talk with vendors

   Contact the vendors of the server management software solutions you are interested in to ask questions and get more information. This human interaction will help you to understand better what server management platform will be best suited for your organization.

5. Have a trial run

   Consider testing the software with a trial run before making a final decision. This can help you evaluate the software's ease of use, performance, and overall fit for your organization's needs.

Top 5 Server Management Software Comparison

Let's walk through some of the top server management software for your organization. Choose what suits your organization:

Name	Free Trial	Demo	Starting Price
Atera	14 Days	Yes	$149/month
ManageEngine OpManager	30 Days	Yes	$245/year
NinjaOne	14 Days	Yes	$149/month
cPanel	No	Yes	$15.99/month
Pulseway	14 Days	Yes	$22/month

1. Atera

Atera is an all-in-one platform for remote monitoring and management. It allows IT professionals to gain access and control over their networks and devices.  It is cloud-based software that offers a range of features to help IT professionals to manage and monitor their systems.

With Atera, IT service providers can remotely monitor and manage workstations, servers, and other network devices from a single platform.

One of the key features of Atera is its automation capabilities, which allow IT service providers to automate routine tasks and workflows, such as patching and software updates. Atera also includes remote access capabilities, which allow IT staff to access and troubleshoot devices remotely.

Key features

• IT automation and scripting
• Patch management
• Ticket queues and scheduling
• Android and iOS mobile applications
• 24/7 support
• Helpdesk
• Integrations

Pros

• The cloud-based platform offers flexibility and scalability, allowing users to access and manage their data and applications remotely
• The automation capabilities of the platform streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity
• Remote access enables users to work from anywhere with an internet connection, enhancing collaboration and enabling flexible work arrangements
• Real-time monitoring and alerts provide instant visibility into system performance, allowing for quick response and issue resolution
• The platform is budget-friendly, offering cost savings by eliminating the need for on-premises infrastructure and reducing maintenance and hardware expenses

Cons

• The software offers limited support for Linux operating systems
• Customization options within the software are limited in scope
• Reporting and analytics capabilities are also limited in their functionality
• There are restrictions on integrating the software with other platforms or systems

Pricing

The pricing tier four paid plans for IT professionals are:

• Professional Plan, for $149/mo per technician, billed annually
• Expert Plan, for $169/mo per technician, billed annually
• Master Plan, for $199/mo per technician, billed annually
• Enterprise Plan, you need to contact sales

2. ManageEngine OpManager

ManageEngine OpManager is a versatile network monitoring software that gives you extensive insight into the functionality of your routers, switches, firewalls, etc. It is a user-friendly and cost-effective network monitoring tool that enables you to identify and fix an issue's underlying causes.

Key features

• Network Performance Monitoring
• Router Monitoring
• VoIP Monitoring 
• Customizable dashboards
• Multi-level alert thresholds
• Network mapping
• Real-time performance monitoring
• Remote server monitoring

Pros

• Comprehensive network monitoring and management capabilities
• Possess IT automation and scripting capabilities
• Provides responsive customer support
• Less configuration is required to connect with most devices
• Offers an extensive knowledge base and customer support

Cons

• Error messages are sometimes unclear
• Reporting lacks customization options
• Limited integrations with third-party tools and platforms
• The software may not be suitable for larger enterprises with complex network infrastructures
• The user interface may be overwhelming for some users

Pricing

For the pricing tier, there are four categories with different paid plans. 

• Professional Plan, with a range of on-premises and cloud plans 
• Enterprise Plan, with a range of on-premises and cloud plans
• UEM Plan, with a range of on-premises and cloud plans
• Security Plan, with a range of on-premises, plans only

3. NinjaOne

NinjaOne is a comprehensive server management software that provides IT professionals with an all-in-one platform for managing their network infrastructure. It gives you the ability to manage and support all your devices and users. The software offers a range of features to help IT teams to manage their servers and network devices.

Its real-time monitoring capabilities are one of its notable features. IT professionals can monitor their network infrastructure in real-time, receive alerts for critical issues, and view performance metrics to identify potential issues. The software also provides automated patch management, helping IT teams ensure that their servers are up-to-date and secure.

Key features

• Real-time monitoring and alerts
• Automated patch management
• Remote access capabilities
• Customizable dashboards and reports
• Cloud-based platform
• Endpoint management
• Service Desk
• IT Documentation
• Software Deployment

Pros

• The system supports heavy hitters 
• Pre-configured alerts can be broken down into different types
• Can be customized with a drag-and-drop feature.

Cons

• Doesn’t come with a default reporting feature
• Important features such as patch management and even traffic analysis also require their own plug-ins

Pricing

The pricing tier four paid plans for IT professionals are:

• Professional Plan, for $149/mo per technician, billed annually
• Expert Plan, for $169/mo per technician, billed annually
• Master Plan, for $199/mo per technician, billed annually
• Enterprise Plan, you need to contact sales

4. cPanel

One of the most popular server management platforms, cPanel offers dependable and simple server and website management tools. Companies can concentrate on expanding their business. cPanel's automated platform's adjustable features and customer-first service help you with it.

Key features

• Migrate new customers
• Customize and brand your service 
• View, analyze, & diagnose server stats
• Create cPanel accounts & hosting packages
• Secure systems at various levels

Pros

• The user-friendly interface makes it easy for users to navigate and operate the system
• It has high compatibility, allowing it to work well with various devices and software
• The system is reliable, ensuring consistent performance and minimal downtime
• It offers automatic software installation, saving time and effort for users

Cons

• There is a risk of data loss, which can be a significant concern for users
• The system may have security vulnerabilities, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized access
• It can be costly, requiring a significant investment in terms of purchasing and maintaining the system

Pricing

For the pricing tier, there are four categories with different paid plans

• cPanel Solo® Plan, where you get access to a single account only for $15.99/mo
• Admin Plan, with access to up to 5 Accounts for $27.99/mo
• Pro Plan, with access to up to 30 Accounts for $39.99/mo
• Premier Plan, with access to up to 100 Accounts for $59.99/mo

5. Pulseway

Pulseway is a remote monitoring and management tool that provides real-time monitoring and control of IT systems, networks, and applications. It provides a mobile app and web-based dashboard that let IT professionals control their IT infrastructure from any location.

IT managers can monitor and control servers, workstations, and other devices with Pulseway from a single platform. The technology enables IT specialists to swiftly fix issues before they result in downtime by sending real-time warnings and alerts for major concerns.

Key features

• Monitoring and management 
• Discovery and deployment 
• Server management and monitoring 
• Automation 
• Out-of-the-box OS & 3rd party patching
• Network monitoring 
• Unlimited remote control for macOS and Windows

Pros

• It is considered the best mobile Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) solution available
• Provides remote control capabilities, allowing users to manage devices from a distance
• Easy to set up, making it convenient for users to start using the software
• Offers a mobile app in addition to the desktop version, providing flexibility and convenience

Cons

• Integration problems may arise, potentially causing difficulties when integrating with other systems or software
• It is expensive, which could be a limiting factor for budget-conscious individuals or organizations
• The mobile app may not offer the same level of precision or functionality as the desktop version, limiting certain capabilities when used on mobile devices

Pricing

The price factor depends on a range of factors, which include:

• The number of Endpoints / Devices and security add-ons. 
• However, the price starts from $ 22 per month

Challenges in Server Management Tools

Managing and maintaining servers manually can be a complex and challenging task. Having the right server management tools can make a huge difference in your business. However, there are also some challenges that organizations face when using these tools. Let’s go through some common challenges.

1. Complexity

   Many server management tools can be complicated and require a steep learning curve. This makes it difficult for the IT staff to effectively manage servers. This leads to downtime and requires proper training for the staff.

2. Compatibility

   Many server management tools are different and not necessarily they will be compatible with all types of servers, operating systems, or applications. This limits the capabilities of an organization, to manage all of their servers from a single interface.

3. Support

   Businesses are always on the lookout for quick and reliable server management solutions for any issues that may arise, to avoid the loss of company. Reliable vendor support is a must for businesses. However, not all vendors offer the same level of support, which ultimately affects the organization's efficiency.

4. User Interface

   The user interface is meant to be attractive and user-friendly. If the user interface of your server management tool is not easy to use, it can hinder the staff's ability to effectively manage servers.

5. Training

   Your staff requires extensive training to work efficiently. But this can be time-consuming and costly for organizations. Therefore, this is again a challenge for organizations, as they prefer trained staff.

6. Compliance

   Organizations need to ensure that their server management tools are compliant with industry standards. Failure to comply with these regulations can leave an adverse effect. Resulting in significant fines and legal consequences.

Trends in Server Management Software

The popularity and usage of server management solutions for maintaining servers have grown in recent years. With new trends that are transforming the way, organizations manage their servers. Here are some of the top trends you should definitely go through:

1. Cloud-based solutions

   Organizations are adopting cloud-based server management solutions due to the flexibility and scalability they offer. These days server management tools are necessary to manage large and complex server environments. With cloud-based solutions, organizations can easily manage their servers from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

2. Integration

   The integration capability of platforms is becoming increasingly popular, especially for server management software. Organizations prefer to choose server management tools that have the ability to integrate with other systems, such as monitoring tools and helpdesk software. This helps to improve collaboration and streamline workflows.

3. User-friendliness

   User-friendliness is becoming increasingly important for server management software. Organizations need intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for IT staff to manage their servers effectively.

4. SaaS adoption

   Organizations are adopting SaaS solutions for server management. SaaS solutions offer many benefits, such as lower upfront costs, easy scalability, regular software updates, etc, that businesses are on the lookout for.

5. Automated updates

   Automated updates are becoming more important for server management software, with the growing complexity of server environments. Automated updates can help ensure that servers are always up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates. Thus, reducing the risk of downtime.

Conclusion

To maintain the proper operation of your applications, real-time server monitoring is necessary. The cost of running an internal monitoring system is substantial, and this overhead is typically overestimated. Cost savings and operational compliance are made possible by adopting a SaaS solution for monitoring.

Therefore, having server management software for your business is a clever choice, you could just take advantage of the features and automate your work.