Video has become the primary way to communicate on the Internet. Such content has different characteristics than traditional text files. Consequently, many businesses and individuals are best served by deploying a Plex server, a dedicated media server, to support these applications.  Let’s take a close look at what is driving demand for these systems as well as what benefits they offer customers.

 Fueled by popular social media platforms and the increasing sophistication found with smartphones, video has become the primary traffic carried on the Internet: accounting for 82.5% of all content.

 Consequently, businesses and consumers are looking for solutions that house such information more effectively. Plex is a media server and streaming platform software that enables businesses and individuals to more easily organize, stream, and access different media: videos, movies, TV shows, music, and photos.

 The platform can be deployed in several ways: servers, specially configured NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems, memory boards, and Mini PCs. The solution streams content to users’ preferred devices: smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles, and web browsers running on laptops and desktops.

Plex Server Benefits

A Plex solution enables businesses and individuals to stream content more easily. It enables them to watch videos while they are in the office, at home, or around town. They also provide them with device independence, allowing them to watch shows on their favorite devices. These solutions help them better manage video content. Here are a few key features:

• Transcoding - No need to worry about what device you are on. These systems adjust file formats and resolutions for smooth playback on different devices.
• Simplify Media Organization - As the volumes of video content rise, finding desired content quickly becomes more difficult. These systems rely on metadata to automatically fetch media, summaries, ratings, and reviews.
• Multi-User Support - Sharing experiences is one benefit of the Internet and social media. With a Plex server, customers share items from their media library with their cohorts, family, and friends.
• Live TV and DVR - Binge-watching has become quite common with streaming services. A Plex server enables people to record live television and watch it when they have some free time.
• Improve Personalization - People’s tastes are unique, so they view video content in their way. These platforms create user profiles, so family members have personalized watchlists. With parental controls, adults restrict access to children for certain types of content.
• Avoid Commercials - TV viewing has often required that consumers sit and view a series of advertisements. Typically, the new platforms provide  an optional feature that enables them to skip commercials

Plex System Purchasing Considerations

These servers run on a variety of types of devices and can be configured in a number of different ways. Bottlenecks can arise in a few spots. Consequently, customers need to understand where they may arise and select a system that offers sufficient processing power. 

• Processing Power - Video is a rich, processor-intensive media. So, users need to be sure that their hardware has sufficient CPU/GPU processing power to deliver information promptly. For instance, they should buy a mini PC and expect to stream dozens of 4K shows. A medium-grade CPU will be able to process Video smoothly, but if a large number of videos are, recommended to consider about GPU processing option.
• RAM - Plex Media Server generally doesn’t need a lot of RAM. For most installations, 4GB is usually more than enough, and some setups (especially those on Linux) can run smoothly with even less. While more RAM won’t cause any issues and can be beneficial if you're running other tasks on the computer, it’s not strictly necessary.
• High NAS Storage - Plex server storage depends on the number of videos and their size. RAID is recommended for safety. Disk array speed is not critical, as streaming doesn’t require high disk IOPS (Input/Output operations per second) usage. However, there may be challenges if the Plex server is offered for commercial use.

• Operating System – Plex is compatible with almost all operating systems. We always recommend using the newest one. Here are some old versions that the software still supports:

  • Windows 32-bit: Windows 7 SP1 / Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or newer. Those versions are EOL ( End of life ), not recommended.
  • Windows 64-bit: Windows 8 / Windows Server 2012 or newer.  We recommend Windows 11 ( Desktop version ) or Windows Server 2025 ( Server version ).
  • Mac: macOS 10.11 El Capitan or newer. We recommend macOS 15 Sequoia.
  • Linux: Minimum requirements: CentOS 7, Debian 8, Fedora 27, SUSE 15, or Ubuntu 16.04. We recommend AlmaLinux 9 (AlmaLinux replaced Centos, as Centos is EOL ), Debian 12, Fedora 41, or Ubuntu 24.04.
• Network Bandwidth Options - These applications also move a lot of information from the central server to various end devices. Consequently, customers need robust network connections. Wired Ethernet delivers consistent bandwidth but requires running cables in a building. A gigabit Ethernet connection is a suitable starting point. Wireless links are trickier to manage. Remote streams require fast upload speeds (10+ Mbps per stream). Streaming over 4G Wi-Fi may not offer enough bandwidth; a 5GHz network improves performance.
• Strong Security  - In today’s widely connected world, systems are constantly under attack. Consequently, businesses and individuals need to take steps to ensure their data is safe. Customers should put secure authentication mechanisms in place. It is recommended to set up a Firewall with allow/deny IP address management.
• Access controls - A dedicated Plex server provides customers with full control over user management and access controls. They create user accounts and provide them with specific permissions, enabling or restricting access to certain content.
• Strong Encryption  - Transport layer security (TLS) encryption provides a solid foundation for dedicated Plex server security. SSL/TLS encryption establishes a secure connection between the server and client devices. SSL connection is highly recommended.
• Regular Software Updates  - Plex regularly releases updates that address vulnerabilities and improve server performance. Keeping your dedicated Plex server up to date is essential for security.
• Security Addons - Customers can add additional layers of security, such as firewalls, anti-ransomware software, and Data Leak Protection products. These solutions monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic, protecting systems from malicious attacks.

Plex Server Use Cases

So, who could benefit by purchasing a Plex server? With the demand for content growing, several new positions have arisen. Businesses need ways to monitor and manage how employees use social media to promote the company. Individuals have new side jobs as podcasters, movie buffs, and advice providers. Here are a few of the possible use cases.

Marketing

These departments need content, mainly video content because of the rise of social media sites, like TikTok. A Plex server provides them with a technology foundation that delivers the content in a timely manner. They also can integrate some of the monitoring solutions with their existing marketing analytical tools, so they understand how cost-effective their efforts are.  

Podcast Management

With the rise of social media, many individuals have primary or side businesses as content providers and podcasters. The solution enables them to organize and stream their podcasts and audiobooks and track how well their programs are received.

Surveillance Cameras  

Companies and homeowners want to keep their property safe and install surveillance systems. A Plex server stores video footage of their premises. In case a problem arises, they can prevent it or have evidence if needed as they try to rectify it.

Home Theater

Many families and individuals spend a great deal of time using media. They can use a Plex server as a home media hub to deliver high-quality, high-resolution content, like 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos, and DTS audio. The tools include AI capabilities that automate manual setup.

Options for Creating a Plex System

Customers have options for buying and installing these systems. Third parties, like Bacloud, where help with the evaluation, deployment, and ongoing hardware maintenance. Techies may take a Do it Yourself (DIS) approach where they can design the system. They have the option of handing the installation and ongoing maintenance over to a third party. Here, each has strengths and weaknesses.

Third-Party Support

· Offload technology responsibilities to an expert

· They customize system configurations for apps, like gaming and podcasts

· Use extra time to focus on areas of keen interest

· They keep up with industry trends

Do It Yourself

· They like working with technology

· They may have unique system requirements

· Garner more control over system configuration and management

· Gain hands-on experience with the latest technology

 Which Deployment Option is Best for You?

 In both cases, buyers should think about your system needs. How much storage, processing power, and bandwidth will you need?  They should account for future growth and deploy a scalable system rather than deploy as cheaply as possible.

 The most appropriate selection depends on

· How many users will access the server at the same time?

· What types of devices are you using to access the server (Smart TV, Mobile app, gaming console, Roku, Google Chromecast, etc.)? How well-versed are you in them?

· How comfortable are you with being the first line of technical support?

Video is the primary form of content moving on the internet. As a result, companies and individuals are looking at Plex servers. These systems are well suited for podcasts, home theatre, and video surveillance applications. The right configuration enables them to quickly and efficiently serve video content.

Why Use Bacloud’s Plex Services?

Bacloud is a hosting company with a wealth of experience and many customers around the globe. We offer a wide and growing range of dedicated and hosted systems. We help customers understand which type of Plex configuration best meets their needs and then walk you through their deployment options. Our locations in Lithuania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the USA provide local service once the system is running. We are your technology partner, ensuring that the computing infrastructure matches your unique needs.