Server.

The word server refers to two things that are often mixed up: the hardware, meaning a computer in a data centre, and the software that runs on it and offers a service. A web server such as nginx or Apache is a program that accepts requests from browsers and sends back the matching pages. A database server stores and delivers data. A mail server accepts emails and delivers them. Many such services can run on one physical machine at the same time.

Hardly any SME rents its own hardware today. Three models are common: shared hosting, where many websites share one server; virtual servers, where one physical machine is divided into several isolated machines; and cloud platforms, where computing power is added as needed. For an informational website, a simple package is usually enough. A web app with a database and many simultaneous users needs more planning for performance, backups and monitoring.

Swiss companies also face the question of location. The revised Data Protection Act does not prohibit servers abroad, but it requires that personal data only goes to countries with adequate protection or that additional safeguards exist, and that you know where your data is stored. Many businesses therefore choose a data centre in Switzerland or the EU for applications holding customer data.

A website's speed depends to a large extent on the server: how quickly does it respond to the first request? This time is measured by the Time to First Byte metric. A slow server cannot be compensated for by good design, but a content delivery network can help by bringing static content closer to visitors. How hosting and operation work with us is described on the page website maintenance and hosting; for applications with their own database and logic, see web app development.