In today’s fast-paced digital environment, having the right infrastructure can make all the difference. Whether you’re running a small business or a growing enterprise, the core of your IT environment often comes down to one key component: the server. But what exactly is a server—and how is it different from a regular PC or workstation?
Let’s break it down and explore why HPE ProLiant ML and DL servers are the gold standard when it comes to business-grade performance, reliability, and scalability.
What Is a Server?
A server is a specialised computer designed to manage, store, send, and process data 24/7. Unlike typical desktop PCs, servers are built for continuous operation, supporting multiple users and large workloads simultaneously.
Servers often handle:
- File sharing and storage
- Hosting applications and websites
- Email and communication platforms
- Databases
- Virtualised environments
- Remote desktop services
- Centralised backup and redundancy
Server vs. Workstation or PC: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Workstation/PC | Server |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Individual use (e.g. office apps, browsing) | Multi-user environments, business-critical services |
| CPU Options | Single consumer-grade processor | Single or dual enterprise-grade CPUs (e.g. Intel Xeon) |
| RAM Capacity | Up to 64GB or 128GB | Often supports 512GB, 1TB, or more |
| Storage Types | Basic SSD or HDD | Enterprise-grade SATA, SAS, NVMe, hot-swap bays |
| Redundancy | Limited or none | Redundant power supplies, fans, RAID arrays |
| Network Connectivity | 1 x 1Gb port | Multiple NICs (1Gb, 10Gb, or higher) |
| Operating Systems | Windows/macOS/Linux | Server OS (e.g. Windows Server 2025) |
| Reliability | Designed for casual uptime | Engineered for 24/7 uptime, high availability |
Spotlight: HPE ProLiant ML and DL Servers
HPE ProLiant ML Series – Tower Servers
Perfect for small offices or branch locations, the ML series offers enterprise features in a tower form factor. These servers are ideal when rack space isn’t available, and still deliver high performance and scalability.
Key features:
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Quiet, office-friendly design
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Expansion options for storage and memory
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Excellent for file, print, and remote access roles
HPE ProLiant DL Series – Rack Servers
Built for data centres or rack-mounted environments, the DL series delivers maximum performance in compact form factors. Designed for flexibility, these servers are perfect for virtualisation, application hosting, and high-traffic web services.
Key features:
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Dual CPU support for enhanced processing power
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Extensive RAM and storage scalability
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Advanced thermal management and redundancy
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Ideal for Hyper-V and other virtualisation environments
Enterprise-Grade Hardware That Scales With You
One of the key benefits of servers like the HPE ProLiant family is scalability. As your business grows, so can your server—with support for:
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High RAM capacities: From 64GB to over 1TB, supporting demanding applications and virtual machines.
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Multiple storage options: Mix and match SATA (affordable and reliable), SAS (performance and redundancy), and NVMe (ultra-fast I/O) drives.
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Redundant power and cooling: Avoid downtime with hot-swappable power supplies and fans.
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RAID storage: Protect your data with RAID levels for redundancy and performance.
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Advanced NICs: Multiple 1Gb, 10Gb, or even 25Gb Ethernet ports ensure high-speed, fault-tolerant connectivity.
Virtualisation Ready: HPE VM Essentials & Hyper-V
Virtualisation allows you to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server. This maximises hardware utilisation, reduces costs, and improves deployment flexibility.
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Hyper-V (built into Windows Server) lets you create and manage VMs efficiently.
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HPE VM Essentials simplifies deployment for small and mid-sized businesses, providing tools to manage virtual machines and backups effortlessly.
With HPE servers, you're ready to deploy VMs for different roles—like domain controllers, file servers, line-of-business apps, or even sandbox environments for testing.
Stable, Secure, and Built for the Long Haul
Reliability is crucial when your entire business depends on uptime. HPE ProLiant servers are engineered for long-term stability:
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Built-in diagnostics and health monitoring
Advanced management tools like iLO (Integrated Lights Out) for remote monitoring
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Compatibility with server-specific OS platforms like Windows Server 2025
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Long life-cycle support and upgrade paths
Conclusion: Why HPE ProLiant Servers Are a Smart Investment
Whether you’re upgrading from a basic file server or consolidating old infrastructure, HPE ProLiant ML and DL servers provide the performance, scalability, and reliability you need to future-proof your business.
From supporting core business operations to hosting virtual environments, these servers deliver unmatched value—especially when paired with the right storage, networking, and virtualisation solutions.
Need help choosing the right server for your needs?
Our team can assist you in selecting the best HPE ProLiant server configuration for your business—whether you’re starting small or scaling big. contact our Enterprise Sales team today to get started.
P. 1300 134 324
E. enterprisesales@emprgroup.com.au
