Server management and security software covers licences and tools for administering servers and protecting them against malware, intrusions and misconfiguration. It suits IT managers, system administrators and small businesses that run their own servers. Our range holds over 500 products from Microsoft, Trend Micro, HPE and Lenovo.
How to choose server management and security software
Management or security. Management software handles tasks such as monitoring, patching, deployment and remote control. Security software focuses on malware protection, intrusion prevention and vulnerability shielding. Many servers need both, so decide which gap you are filling first.
Compatibility. Check the server operating system and version the software supports, for example Windows Server or Linux. Also confirm whether it runs on physical machines, virtual machines or both. Hardware-specific tools, such as those from HPE and Lenovo, work with that manufacturer's own servers.
Licence model. Some products are licensed per server, others per processor core, per user or per device, and security products are often sold as subscriptions with a set term. Count your cores, virtual machines and users before ordering, because an undersized licence can leave part of your environment unprotected or non-compliant.
Size of your environment. A single office server and a multi-site data centre need different tools. A central console that manages many servers saves time as you grow, while a small business may be better served by a simpler package with fewer components.
Support and renewals. Check the subscription length and what it includes, such as updates, threat definitions or technical support. Security tools lose much of their value without current updates, so note the renewal date when you buy.
Server management and security brands in our range
- Microsoft: the largest group in our range, covering the management side of the Windows Server ecosystem, including administration tools and server-related licensing.
- Trend Micro: a security specialist known for protecting servers, virtual machines and cloud workloads against malware and exploits.
- HPE (including Hewlett Packard Enterprise): known for iLO, the built-in remote management technology for ProLiant servers, with licence upgrades that add advanced remote features.
- Lenovo: offers management tools for its ThinkSystem servers, such as XClarity, which are used to monitor and configure Lenovo hardware from one place.
Frequently asked questions
What is server management software?
Server management software lets administrators monitor, configure, update and control servers from a central point. It typically covers health monitoring, patch deployment, remote access and inventory. Some tools manage the operating system, while others manage the server hardware itself.
Do I need separate security software for a server?
Yes, in most cases a server benefits from dedicated protection. Servers hold shared data and run services that are exposed to the network, so they are a frequent target. Server security software is designed for those workloads and usually has less impact on performance than standard desktop antivirus.
What is the difference between per-core and per-user licensing?
Per-core licensing is based on the number of processor cores in the server, while per-user licensing is based on the people or devices that access it. The right choice depends on the product and your setup. Always check the licence terms for the exact product before ordering.
Can I use HPE or Lenovo management tools on other brands of server?
Generally no, because these tools are built for each manufacturer's own hardware. HPE iLO works with HPE servers, and Lenovo XClarity is designed for Lenovo systems. For mixed hardware, a software-based tool that works at the operating system level is usually more suitable.
