On-premises Server Makes Sense for Spec Tool

With remote work continuing to rise in popularity, coupled with the simplicity of cloud usage, more and more organizations are opting to move their entire operations to the cloud.

However, even in today’s cloud-based world, some companies still have strong reasons to utilize an on-premises server, whether out of necessity or preference. In some cases, purchasing a server might even be cheaper in the long run rather than paying the monthly cost to utilize cloud services.

At Hungerford, we value implementing the right solution for the client rather than pushing them to a single, one-size-fits-all solution.

Spec Tool, a Sparta-based manufacturer of cutting tools, holders and fixtures, recently simplified its server infrastructure by replacing its aging on-premises servers with a new server, opting to stick with one physically located within their office rather than move to the cloud.

It was in Spec Tool’s best interest financially to buy its own server.

Additionally, like many tooling manufacturing companies, Spec Tool’s operations rely on software to ensure compatibility with custom and specialized tooling systems. To maintain security, it’s critical to keep these applications on-premises and not on the internet to reduce potential vulnerabilities.

On-premises servers allow Spec Tool to closely manage and secure these systems, keeping the organization safe from external threats while maintaining the control necessary to do business.

“It was pretty painless,” Mike Hiler, Spec Tool’s vice president of engineering and technology, said of the replacement. “We quoted it, we talked through a couple of different financing (options). (Hungerford has) a really nice quote process.

“Very little input of my time, which was very appreciated.”

A client of Hungerford’s since 2021, a server replacement was something Hiler knew his organization would have to do sooner rather than later.

“It was something we had been made aware of when we first signed on with Hungerford,” he said. “That was one of the first things they noticed, and we delayed it for a couple of years.

“It was something that was on the radar.”

Making the Move (Data Migration)

Spec Tool had two servers from 2016 that were merged into one.

In total, the organization had about one terabyte of data to move, a sizeable amount for a small business. Because of the large volume of data, and so business operations would not be interrupted, the migration took place piece by piece each night after business hours for a week.

Once all the data was migrated, the old servers and the new servers ran in tandem. This ensures the new server is working properly and allows us to quickly move back to the old servers if there are any issues.

After a few days, Spec Tool reported no issues, and we shut down the old servers.

Server Replacement Offers ‘Painless’ Process

A server replacement can seem like a daunting and overwhelming task. Not only is it a large upfront cost to purchase a new server, but decision-makers want to ensure the project doesn’t affect their company’s bottom line.

A server is the lifeblood of any organization, and any downtime lost because of issues with the new server is money lost, not only in lost business but in paying employees when they can’t do their jobs.

In Spec Tool’s case, the only issue was custom software from the 1990s that was not compatible with the new server.

To make it compatible, our technicians had to dig through the software’s code and manually update it. It’s not a problem we see a lot, but our team is equipped to handle it when it does pop up.

Hiler said he was impressed with the entire process, noting it materialized quickly from beginning to end.

“Probably the best part about the whole thing, and the best thing I can say about Hungerford is that I don’t really know what happened because it was just seamless,” he said. “It just happened.”

Is Your Organization Ready for a Server Replacement?

Want to learn more about on-premises servers? Contact us here to see how we can help keep your business running smoothly while increasing security, productivity and profitability.

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