SQL Server 2016 Download Your Guide

SQL Server 2016 obtain is your gateway to a strong database administration system. Dive right into a world of information administration, exploring its key options and functionalities, together with enhancements over earlier variations. This information will stroll you thru all the course of, from downloading the precise version to configuring it for optimum efficiency. We’ll additionally talk about safety greatest practices and potential alternate options.

Get able to unlock the potential of SQL Server 2016. This complete information will cowl the whole lot from set up and configuration to key options and system necessities. Put together to handle your information effectively and successfully.

Table of Contents

Introduction to SQL Server 2016

SQL Server 2016 marked a major step ahead within the evolution of Microsoft’s strong database administration system. It introduced a wealth of enhancements, specializing in enhanced efficiency, safety, and manageability, positioning it as a strong instrument for dealing with giant and sophisticated datasets. This exploration delves into the core options and developments of SQL Server 2016, offering a transparent comparability with its successors, SQL Server 2017 and 2019.

Key Options and Functionalities

SQL Server 2016 launched a number of noteworthy options. It boasted improved question processing, resulting in quicker information retrieval and manipulation. Knowledge integrity and safety had been bolstered with enhanced safety mechanisms and strong information validation instruments. Moreover, administration duties had been streamlined, simplifying administration and upkeep.

Enhancements and Adjustments In comparison with Earlier Variations

SQL Server 2016 constructed upon the foundations laid by its predecessors, providing substantial enhancements. Crucially, it launched assist for In-Reminiscence OLTP, which drastically improved efficiency for incessantly accessed information. Enhanced security measures, together with superior encryption choices, bolstered information safety. Administrative instruments had been refined for simpler deployment, upkeep, and administration. The addition of recent question optimization methods and indexing methods contributed to quicker question execution instances.

Supported Working Programs

SQL Server 2016 supplied compatibility with a variety of working methods, making certain broad deployment choices for customers. This adaptability is essential for seamless integration with current infrastructure. Home windows Server 2012 R2, 2012, 2016 had been among the many supported platforms. This compatibility was very important for organizations looking for to leverage their current Home windows infrastructure.

Comparability with SQL Server 2017 and 2019

This desk highlights key variations between SQL Server 2016, 2017, and 2019, providing a concise comparability of their options.

Characteristic	SQL Server 2016	SQL Server 2017	SQL Server 2019
In-Reminiscence OLTP	Out there	Out there, enhanced options	Out there, additional enhanced options
Superior Analytics	Restricted	Improved assist	In depth assist, machine studying integration
Safety Options	Sturdy	Enhanced safety	Superior safety, enhanced encryption
Database Compatibility	Backward compatibility with older variations	Improved compatibility with SQL Server 2019	Newest compatibility with SQL Server 2022 and past
Excessive Availability and Catastrophe Restoration	Normal options	Improved choices	Superior options, extra choices

Downloading SQL Server 2016: Sql Server 2016 Obtain

Embarking in your SQL Server 2016 journey begins with the essential step of downloading the precise model. This information will stroll you thru the obtainable choices and the method of securing the suitable obtain from Microsoft’s official web site. Getting the proper version is important for a easy set up and optimum efficiency.

Out there Editions of SQL Server 2016

Totally different SQL Server 2016 editions cater to numerous wants and budgets. Understanding these distinctions is essential to choosing the best match to your venture. The editions fluctuate in options, functionalities, and system necessities, making certain a custom-made expertise.

SQL Server Categorical: A free and light-weight version excellent for smaller tasks, private use, or improvement environments. Its restricted options make it superb for college students, hobbyists, or startups. It is an important stepping stone earlier than transferring to extra strong choices.
SQL Server Normal: This version balances efficiency and cost-effectiveness, providing a complete function set for medium-sized companies. It fits organizations with rising information volumes and utility complexity.
SQL Server Enterprise: The enterprise version is tailor-made for high-performance and scalable deployments. Organizations dealing with huge datasets, complicated transactions, and stringent efficiency calls for usually select this selection. It supplies essentially the most complete options and capabilities.

Downloading SQL Server 2016

Navigating to the official Microsoft obtain web site is step one. Exactly finding the precise obtain is essential for a profitable set up. Following the Artikeld steps will information you thru the method.

Entry the Microsoft Obtain Middle: Go to the official Microsoft obtain middle. Search for SQL Server 2016 obtain choices.
Choose the Acceptable Version: Rigorously select the SQL Server 2016 version that aligns along with your wants and system specs. Take into account the variety of customers, information quantity, and the kind of functions you may be working.
Affirm System Necessities: Totally assessment the system necessities for the chosen version to make sure compatibility. Mismatches can result in set up issues or efficiency points.
Obtain the Installer: Click on on the obtain hyperlink for the chosen SQL Server 2016 version. Save the downloaded file to a handy location in your laptop.

System Necessities

This desk Artikels the important system necessities for every SQL Server 2016 version, making certain a easy set up and optimum efficiency.

Version	Processor	RAM	Disk Area
Categorical	1 GHz processor or higher	1 GB RAM	1 GB
Normal	2 GHz processor or higher	4 GB RAM	5 GB
Enterprise	2.5 GHz processor or higher	8 GB RAM	10 GB

Set up File Sorts

Totally different file sorts comprise the SQL Server 2016 obtain, every serving a selected goal. Understanding these sorts will make it easier to perceive the set up course of higher.

Installer (.exe): That is the first file, appearing because the launchpad for the set up course of. Operating this file initiates the setup wizard, guiding you thru the set up steps.
Configuration Recordsdata (.config): These recordsdata comprise essential settings for the SQL Server occasion, enabling tailor-made configurations for various environments and functions. These recordsdata guarantee particular configurations are applied.
Assist Recordsdata (varied extensions): These recordsdata present supplementary sources, equivalent to documentation, error logs, and different help supplies. These recordsdata are essential for troubleshooting and addressing potential points throughout set up or utilization.

SQL Server 2016 Set up

Getting SQL Server 2016 up and working is a breeze, offered you observe the precise steps. This course of is essential for making certain a easy and environment friendly database atmosphere. We’ll stroll you thru the set up course of, highlighting key configuration choices, and addressing potential pitfalls. Let’s dive in!The set up technique of SQL Server 2016, like many software program installations, includes a number of steps.

Cautious consideration to element and a methodical method will make it easier to keep away from any surprises down the highway. Every step is designed to optimize the set up to your particular wants.

Set up Steps

The set up course of sometimes includes downloading the suitable set up recordsdata from Microsoft’s web site, working the installer, after which following the on-screen prompts. The installer will information you thru varied choices, enabling you to tailor the set up to your atmosphere. Crucially, understanding the totally different set up sorts is important for choosing the proper configuration.

Essential Configuration Choices

In the course of the set up, a number of essential configuration choices will want your consideration. These choices will decide the functionalities and capabilities of your SQL Server occasion. Choosing the suitable choices is important for future efficiency and compatibility.

Occasion Title: Selecting a descriptive occasion title is an efficient observe for group. This lets you simply establish and handle totally different SQL Server cases in your system.
Authentication Mode: Choosing the suitable authentication mode (Home windows Authentication or Combined Mode) is important for controlling entry to the database. Home windows Authentication is usually most popular for its safety benefits.
Knowledge Listing Location: Specifying the info listing location is important for managing space for storing and making certain environment friendly database operations. Selecting an acceptable location will forestall potential storage points.
Service Accounts: Rigorously contemplate the service accounts for use. The service accounts can have essential permissions to handle the database. Acceptable account permissions can improve the safety of the database.

Set up Sorts

Understanding the totally different set up sorts is important for choosing the precise configuration to your wants. The set up sorts (Customized, Typical, Categorical) supply various levels of performance. Selecting the best sort is important for a seamless expertise.

Set up Sort	Description	Performance
Customized	Permits for full management over the parts to be put in.	Offers essentially the most flexibility, however requires extra technical experience.
Typical	Pre-configured set up that features essentially the most generally used parts.	Appropriate for many customers and environments, however much less configurable.
Categorical	Simplified set up with fewer parts.	Superb for smaller deployments or testing environments, because it has restricted performance.

Potential Points and Options

Regardless of cautious planning, some set up points can come up. Troubleshooting these issues is essential for making certain a profitable set up. Addressing these points promptly can forestall additional problems.

Error: Inadequate Disk Area
– Resolution: Guarantee ample disk area is obtainable on the goal drive earlier than initiating the set up. If vital, unencumber area on the drive.
Error: Set up Failed
-Resolution: Evaluate the set up logs for detailed error messages. These messages usually comprise clues to establish the basis reason behind the problem. Confirm conditions, equivalent to .NET Framework, are put in accurately.
Error: Dependency Points
-Resolution: Guarantee all vital conditions are met. Set up any lacking or outdated parts required for the set up.

SQL Server 2016 Configuration

Organising SQL Server 2016 accurately after set up is essential for optimum efficiency and safety. This includes configuring varied facets, from efficiency tuning to strong safety measures, and establishing efficient database administration practices. Correct configuration ensures a secure and dependable atmosphere to your information.A well-configured SQL Server 2016 occasion is a cornerstone of a profitable information administration system.

Optimizing efficiency, implementing strong safety, and effectively managing databases are important parts of this configuration course of. The steps detailed beneath will information you thru these very important procedures.

Efficiency Tuning

Efficient efficiency tuning is important for a easy SQL Server 2016 expertise. Methods like adjusting reminiscence allocation, optimizing question plans, and correctly indexing tables can dramatically enhance response instances and general system responsiveness. Cautious consideration of those components is important for a wholesome SQL Server 2016 atmosphere.

Reminiscence Allocation: Allocate ample buffer pool reminiscence to accommodate anticipated workloads. Over-allocation may be wasteful, whereas under-allocation can result in efficiency bottlenecks. A well-defined buffer pool dimension is essential to environment friendly information retrieval and processing.
Question Optimization: Analyze and optimize SQL queries to attenuate execution time. Make use of question plan evaluation instruments to establish inefficient queries and implement enhancements. Efficient question optimization interprets to improved response instances for information retrieval.
Indexing Methods: Implement acceptable indexes to hurry up information retrieval. Rigorously chosen indexes can drastically cut back question instances for incessantly accessed information. Index design wants to contemplate the anticipated question patterns.

Safety Configurations

Securing SQL Server 2016 is paramount. Implementing robust authentication strategies, limiting entry privileges, and repeatedly reviewing safety configurations are essential steps. Sturdy safety is important to safeguard your information and system from unauthorized entry.

Authentication Strategies: Implement robust authentication mechanisms, equivalent to Home windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication, to confirm person identities. Robust authentication strategies are a primary line of protection towards unauthorized entry.
Entry Management: Make the most of roles and permissions to regulate person entry to particular databases and objects. Granular management over entry ensures that customers can solely entry the info they want.
Common Safety Audits: Conduct common safety audits to establish potential vulnerabilities and deal with any safety dangers proactively. Proactive safety audits are very important to sustaining a safe SQL Server atmosphere.

Database Creation and Administration

Creating and managing databases successfully is key to a profitable SQL Server 2016 deployment. Correctly designing tables, implementing information integrity, and backing up databases repeatedly are important steps. This ensures information integrity and recoverability in case of unexpected circumstances.

Database Design: Design tables with acceptable information sorts and constraints to make sure information integrity and accuracy. A well-designed database construction is a basis for dependable information administration.
Knowledge Integrity: Implement information integrity guidelines to take care of information consistency and accuracy. Knowledge integrity ensures that information is correct and dependable.
Backup and Restoration: Set up a strong backup and restoration technique to guard towards information loss. Common backups and restoration procedures guarantee enterprise continuity and information integrity.

Excessive Availability Configuration

Excessive availability configurations are essential for mission-critical functions. Configuring a excessive availability answer ensures that your SQL Server occasion stays operational even throughout failures. A well-planned excessive availability configuration supplies steady service.

Clustering: Arrange a SQL Server cluster to distribute the workload throughout a number of servers. This distribution of workload enhances efficiency and redundancy.
Failover Procedures: Outline failover procedures to make sure automated failover to a secondary server in case of major server failure. Failover procedures are important to take care of uninterrupted service.
Monitoring Instruments: Implement monitoring instruments to trace server well being and establish potential points proactively. Monitoring instruments are important for sustaining the well being and stability of your SQL Server atmosphere.

SQL Server 2016 Options

SQL Server 2016 marked a major leap ahead in database administration, providing a strong suite of options tailor-made for builders, information analysts, and enterprise intelligence professionals. This strong platform addressed the evolving wants of contemporary functions and data-intensive environments. It offered enhanced efficiency, safety, and scalability, enabling organizations to leverage their information extra successfully.The core strengths of SQL Server 2016 lie in its means to handle huge quantities of information, ship actionable insights, and empower builders with a variety of instruments.

This model offered vital developments in efficiency, reliability, and safety, positioning it as a number one database administration system.

Key Options for Builders

SQL Server 2016 included a number of enhancements that instantly benefited builders. These enhancements streamlined improvement processes, facilitated simpler information manipulation, and offered extra flexibility in utility design. New options and enhancements in current instruments helped cut back improvement time and prices, resulting in extra environment friendly and strong functions.

Improved question optimization: SQL Server 2016 noticed enhancements in its question optimizer, enabling quicker and extra environment friendly information retrieval. This optimization translated to raised efficiency for functions that rely closely on querying giant datasets. Improved question plans and indexing methods contributed to vital efficiency good points.
Enhanced security measures: Safety was a paramount concern, and SQL Server 2016 applied superior safety protocols to guard delicate information. Enhanced authentication strategies and improved entry management mechanisms ensured information integrity and confidentiality.
Assist for brand new programming languages and applied sciences: SQL Server 2016 embraced fashionable programming languages and applied sciences, equivalent to .NET and Python. This expanded the ecosystem of instruments obtainable for database interplay, fostering innovation and integration throughout varied improvement environments.

Knowledge Warehousing, Enterprise Intelligence, and Analytics

SQL Server 2016 supplied vital capabilities for information warehousing, enterprise intelligence, and analytics. It facilitated the storage, processing, and evaluation of enormous datasets, offering insights for knowledgeable decision-making. The platform empowered organizations to realize a aggressive edge via data-driven methods.

Enhanced information warehousing capabilities: SQL Server 2016 offered superior instruments for information warehousing, permitting organizations to retailer and handle giant volumes of information effectively. These options enabled companies to create extra complete information warehouses and extract extra significant insights from their information.
Improved enterprise intelligence instruments: SQL Server 2016 built-in enhanced enterprise intelligence instruments, offering customers with extra complete reporting and evaluation capabilities. These enhancements allowed for more practical information visualization and reporting, facilitating higher decision-making processes.
Assist for superior analytics: SQL Server 2016 included options that supported superior analytics, equivalent to machine studying algorithms. This functionality enabled organizations to derive deeper insights from their information, resulting in extra proactive and strategic enterprise choices.

Knowledge Sorts

SQL Server 2016 supplied a complete set of information sorts, supporting varied information buildings and codecs. This allowed for versatile storage and manipulation of various kinds of information, enabling builders to characterize numerous info successfully.

Various information sorts: SQL Server 2016 supplied all kinds of information sorts, together with numeric, string, date, and time information sorts. This vary catered to numerous information necessities, from easy numerical values to complicated textual information and dates. The inclusion of information sorts equivalent to JSON, which represents complicated information buildings, broadened the applicability of SQL Server 2016.
Knowledge sort compatibility: SQL Server 2016 ensured compatibility between totally different information sorts, permitting seamless information manipulation and transformation. This was important for sustaining information integrity and facilitating information integration throughout totally different methods and functions.

Administration Instruments and Utilities

SQL Server 2016 included a strong set of instruments and utilities for managing and troubleshooting the database system. These instruments enabled efficient administration and upkeep of the database, minimizing downtime and making certain easy operation.

Enhanced Administration Studio: SQL Server Administration Studio (SSMS) in SQL Server 2016 supplied improved options for database administration, enabling customers to observe efficiency, troubleshoot points, and carry out administrative duties effectively. The improved interface streamlined workflows and facilitated simpler administration of database environments.
Complete troubleshooting instruments: SQL Server 2016 included enhanced diagnostic instruments for figuring out and resolving points throughout the database system. These instruments enabled quicker identification of errors and offered extra detailed info, streamlining troubleshooting processes.

SQL Server 2016 Alternate options

Selecting the best database administration system (DBMS) is essential for any utility. SQL Server 2016, a strong and feature-rich answer, excels in lots of situations. Nevertheless, understanding alternate options empowers you to make one of the best determination based mostly in your particular wants. This part explores widespread opponents and their strengths, serving to you consider SQL Server 2016 inside a broader context.The panorama of database administration methods is huge, and choosing the optimum one is a important step.

Understanding the capabilities and limitations of various methods, together with SQL Server 2016 and its opponents, permits for knowledgeable decision-making.

Different Database Administration Programs, Sql server 2016 obtain

Varied database administration methods supply comparable functionalities to SQL Server 2016. Some distinguished alternate options embody PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle Database, and MongoDB. Every system caters to distinctive necessities and presents a particular set of benefits and downsides.

Comparability of SQL Server 2016 with Opponents

A concise comparability desk highlighting key options of SQL Server 2016 and its rivals can support in evaluating their relative strengths and weaknesses. Take into account the next facets:

Characteristic	SQL Server 2016	PostgreSQL	MySQL	Oracle Database	MongoDB
Knowledge Mannequin	Relational	Relational	Relational	Relational	Doc
Scalability	Excessive, usually utilizing clustering	Excessive, extensible structure	Excessive, varied deployment choices	Very excessive, enterprise-grade	Extremely scalable, distributed
Value	May be costly, tiered licensing	Open-source, usually decrease value	Open-source, very low value	Excessive, sometimes subscription-based	Open-source, usually decrease value
Ease of Use	Steep studying curve for complicated duties, however strong instruments	Comparatively simple, glorious neighborhood assist	Simple, in depth on-line sources	Advanced, specialised coaching usually required	Intuitive for document-oriented information
Assist	Microsoft assist, doubtlessly excessive value	In depth neighborhood assist, business assist choices	In depth neighborhood assist, business assist choices	Enterprise-grade assist, excessive value	Robust neighborhood assist, varied business choices

Benefits and Disadvantages of Selecting SQL Server 2016

Choosing SQL Server 2016 comes with distinct benefits and downsides in comparison with different choices. Cautious consideration of those components is paramount to attaining optimum outcomes.

Benefits: SQL Server 2016’s power lies in its mature ecosystem, strong transaction administration, and in depth tooling. Its efficiency is usually glorious for complicated queries and transactions, and the huge neighborhood of builders ensures plentiful sources and options.
Disadvantages: The licensing mannequin is usually a substantial value issue, particularly for bigger deployments. The educational curve for superior options may be steep, and migrating from different methods might current challenges. SQL Server 2016’s relational construction won’t be superb for all information sorts.

Deployment Eventualities Appropriate for SQL Server 2016

SQL Server 2016 shines in particular deployment situations. Its suitability hinges on the character of the info and utility necessities.

Transaction-heavy functions: SQL Server 2016 excels in functions demanding ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Sturdiness) like banking, finance, and stock administration methods. Its transaction administration capabilities are a major asset in these environments.
Enterprise-level deployments: SQL Server 2016 is well-suited for big enterprises requiring excessive availability, scalability, and in depth security measures. Its strong options are sometimes a important requirement in such complicated situations.
Current Microsoft ecosystem: In case your group already leverages Microsoft applied sciences, SQL Server 2016 seamlessly integrates with different Microsoft merchandise. This seamless integration is usually a key issue within the decision-making course of.

System Necessities for SQL Server 2016

SQL Server 2016, a strong database administration system, calls for particular {hardware} configurations for optimum efficiency. Understanding these necessities is essential for making certain a easy and environment friendly deployment. Selecting the best {hardware} can considerably influence the system’s means to deal with giant datasets and sophisticated queries.

Minimal and Beneficial System Necessities

Totally different SQL Server 2016 editions have various minimal and really helpful necessities. These necessities dictate the baseline {hardware} essential to run the software program and the best {hardware} for peak efficiency. Assembly these minimal necessities is important for performance, however exceeding them can result in substantial efficiency good points.

The minimal system necessities are important for fundamental performance. Failing to satisfy these standards can lead to instability or the shortcoming to run the software program in any respect. Nevertheless, exceeding these minimums will usually yield substantial efficiency good points, resulting in improved effectivity and dealing with of bigger datasets. That is particularly vital in demanding environments.

Influence of {Hardware} Configurations on Efficiency

The efficiency of SQL Server 2016 is closely influenced by the underlying {hardware}. Quicker CPUs, extra RAM, and bigger onerous drives contribute to faster question execution and smoother database operations. For instance, a system with restricted RAM might expertise vital efficiency degradation when dealing with giant datasets, resulting in delays and potential errors.

Particular {Hardware} Necessities by Version

The next desk Artikels the minimal RAM, CPU, and disk area necessities for varied SQL Server 2016 editions. Notice that these are minimums, and really helpful values usually exceed them considerably. Larger quantities of RAM, CPUs with extra cores, and quicker storage will considerably enhance efficiency.

Version	Minimal RAM (GB)	Minimal CPU (Cores)	Minimal Disk Area (GB)
Categorical	1	1	4
Normal	4	2	20
Enterprise	8	4	50
Developer	8	4	50

Storage Concerns for SQL Server 2016 Deployments

Selecting the best storage answer is important for SQL Server 2016. Excessive-performance storage, equivalent to solid-state drives (SSDs), can considerably enhance I/O efficiency, resulting in quicker question execution instances. Utilizing a number of storage gadgets, equivalent to RAID configurations, may improve the general efficiency and reliability of the database system.

Selecting the best storage sort, equivalent to SSDs, can considerably influence the database’s efficiency. SSDs present quicker learn/write speeds in comparison with conventional onerous disk drives (HDDs). This distinction is very noticeable when coping with giant datasets and frequent I/O operations.
Think about using RAID configurations for enhanced efficiency and reliability. RAID arrays can present redundancy, making certain information security and quicker information entry. Implementing RAID methods can assist forestall information loss and guarantee constant efficiency.

SQL Server 2016 Safety Concerns

Defending your information is paramount in any database deployment, and SQL Server 2016 supplies strong security measures to safeguard your precious info. A powerful safety posture includes understanding the inherent dangers and using greatest practices to mitigate them. This part explores the essential safety facets of SQL Server 2016.SQL Server 2016’s security measures transcend fundamental authentication, encompassing a big selection of instruments and mechanisms to guard towards varied threats.

From granular entry management to encryption and auditing, this complete method ensures information integrity and confidentiality. By implementing these safety measures, you construct a reliable and dependable database atmosphere.

Significance of Safety in SQL Server 2016 Deployments

Guaranteeing the safety of your SQL Server 2016 deployment is important for shielding delicate information. Compromised information can result in monetary losses, reputational injury, and authorized repercussions. Implementing strong safety measures isn’t just a greatest observe, it is a necessity in right this moment’s menace panorama. That is achieved by understanding and implementing varied security measures and greatest practices.

Safety Options Constructed into SQL Server 2016

SQL Server 2016 incorporates a number of superior security measures to safeguard your information. These embody strong authentication mechanisms, encryption capabilities, and auditing instruments. The built-in safety measures assist to guard your database from unauthorized entry, information breaches, and malicious actions.

Authentication: SQL Server 2016 affords varied authentication strategies, together with Home windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication, every with its personal safety implications. Rigorously selecting the suitable methodology to your wants is essential.
Encryption: Encrypting delicate information at relaxation and in transit is a important element of information safety. SQL Server 2016 permits for encryption of information, each on the column and database ranges.
Auditing: Complete auditing trails enable for monitoring of database exercise. This permits directors to observe person entry and establish potential safety breaches.

Finest Practices for Securing SQL Server 2016

Implementing safety greatest practices is essential to guard your SQL Server 2016 atmosphere from potential threats. Listed here are some key suggestions:

Robust Passwords: Using robust, distinctive passwords for all database customers is a basic safety measure.
Entry Management: Implement the precept of least privilege by granting customers solely the mandatory permissions for his or her roles.
Common Updates: Protecting your SQL Server 2016 set up up-to-date with the most recent safety patches is paramount for mitigating vulnerabilities.
Common Backups: Performing common backups supplies a security web in case of information loss or corruption. Common backups are a significant element of any information safety technique.

Safety Roles and Permissions in SQL Server 2016

Understanding the totally different safety roles and permissions is important for successfully managing entry to your SQL Server 2016 database. A transparent understanding of those roles helps to determine a safe and well-managed database atmosphere.

Position	Description	Permissions
db_owner	Highest stage of entry	Full management over the database
db_datareader	Learn-only entry to information	View information however can not modify it
db_datawriter	Means to change information	Modify information, however not administrative duties
sysadmin	Highest stage of server-level entry	Administrative entry to all the server