Server
Definition
A powerful computer that provides services to other computers, functioning like a restaurant kitchen that serves food to many customers.
Use Cases
- Netflix: Run large-scale web services and APIs that support streaming, personalization, and content delivery workflows. — Netflix runs many of its backend services on AWS using virtual servers (Amazon EC2) as part of a microservices architecture, scaling capacity up and down to match demand. (Elastic capacity helps handle variable traffic and supports global service operation without owning physical data centers for compute.)
- Spotify: Operate backend services that power music streaming, search, recommendations, and user accounts. — Spotify has used Google Cloud infrastructure, including virtual machines (Compute Engine), to run parts of its backend systems and supporting services. (Cloud servers enable rapid scaling and operational flexibility for backend workloads.)
- Zoom: Support video conferencing services with scalable compute for web services and supporting components. — Zoom has used public cloud infrastructure, including AWS, to expand compute capacity for parts of its service when needed. (Ability to add capacity quickly helps meet spikes in demand and maintain service availability.)
Provider Equivalents
- AWS: Amazon EC2
- Azure: Azure Virtual Machines
- GCP: Compute Engine
- OCI: OCI Compute
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between a server and a virtual machine (VM)?
- A server is a computer that provides services (like hosting a website). A virtual machine is a software-based server that runs on physical hardware. In the cloud, when people say “server,” they often mean a VM you rent from a provider.
- When should I use a server?
- Use a server when you need to run an application continuously (websites, APIs, databases, game servers), need control over the operating system and software, or need predictable performance. If you only need to run code without managing servers, consider serverless options instead.
- How much does a server cost?
- Cost depends on CPU/RAM size, how long it runs (per-second or per-hour billing is common), storage type and size, data transfer (egress) charges, and extras like load balancers or managed backups. Smaller VMs can be low-cost per month, while high-CPU/high-memory servers and high outbound traffic can cost significantly more.
Category: hardware
Difficulty: basic
Related Terms
See Also