Long ago, a server was something that was yours and yours alone. You and your team would scrutinize the specs, collect bids, fill out a purchase order, and then take delivery on the machine so it could be carefully installed and tested in the server room just down the hall from your desk. You and your team could walk over, touch it, check that the LED was burning bright, and feel secure listening to the quiet hum of the fan. You might even polish the front panel with a shirt sleeve.
