VPS server for 1C and VDS Mail: optimizing business processes

Optimizing business processes requires a reliable and high-performance infrastructure, and a VPS server for 1C becomes the cornerstone for the efficient operation of accounting systems, providing isolated resources and configuration flexibility. In parallel, deploying VDS Mail ensures an independent, secure, and fully controlled corporate email system, which collectively significantly increases the fault tolerance and efficiency of a company's IT infrastructure.

Why does 1C:Enterprise require a special approach to hosting?

1C:Enterprise is not just accounting software, but a powerful platform for automating a wide range of business processes, from trade management to production accounting. Its efficient operation critically depends on the performance of the server infrastructure. Standard shared hosting or a weak office PC are categorically unsuitable for 1C for several reasons:

• High resource requirements: 1C actively uses processor power, RAM, and, most importantly, the disk subsystem (IOPS) for fast processing of database queries.
• Sensitivity to latencies: Any delays in disk or network access immediately affect user work speed, leading to downtime and loss of productivity.
• Need for isolation: 1C's operation with DBMS (MS SQL, PostgreSQL) requires a stable environment, independent of "neighbors" on the server, which guarantees predictable performance and data security.
• Configuration flexibility: Fine-tuning 1C and the DBMS often requires access to server system parameters, installation of specific software, and the ability to configure network rules.

This is where VPS (Virtual Private Server) comes into play, offering a golden mean between shared hosting and a dedicated server. VPS provides virtual isolation, guaranteed resources, and full control over the operating system, making it an ideal platform for 1C.

When is VPS the ideal solution for 1C?

• Growing business: When the number of 1C users exceeds 5-7 people, and database volumes are measured in gigabytes, VPS becomes a cost-effective and scalable solution.
• Customization needed: Requires the installation of specific extensions, drivers, or integration with other software, which is impossible on shared hosting.
• Increased security requirements: The ability to configure custom firewall rules, VPN access, and monitoring systems is critical for confidential data.
• Remote work: Ensuring stable and fast access to 1C for employees from anywhere in the world via RDP or a web client.
• Budget constraints: If a dedicated server is currently too expensive, VPS offers comparable capabilities at a significantly lower price.

Choosing the optimal VPS server for 1C: key parameters

The correct choice of VPS configuration is the key to successful and fast 1C operation. It is important not to skimp on key components.

Processor (CPU)

• Cores: For small databases (up to 10 users), 2-4 cores are sufficient. For medium ones (10-30 users) — 4-8 cores. For large systems, it's better to choose processors with a high clock speed and a large number of cores.
• Frequency: A high clock speed (from 2.5-3.0 GHz) is often more important than the total number of cores for 1C, as many operations in 1C and SQL Server can be single-threaded or not parallelize well. Look for hosting on Intel Xeon E3/E5/Gold or AMD EPYC processors.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• Minimum: For a 1C server + SQL Server + Windows Server for 5-7 users — from 8 GB.
• Optimal: For 10-20 users — 16-24 GB. 1C and SQL Server love RAM and actively use it for data caching.
• Calculation: It is recommended to allocate at least 4 GB for the OS, 4-8 GB for the 1C server, and the rest for SQL Server.

Disk subsystem (SSD/NVMe)

This is arguably the most critical parameter for 1C. A slow disk will kill all performance, even with a powerful CPU and large amount of RAM.

• SSD: Mandatory. Reject HDDs for 1C.
• NVMe: Highly recommended. NVMe drives provide significantly higher read/write speeds and, most importantly, the number of input/output operations per second (IOPS), which is critical for databases.
• Volume: Minimum 100-200 GB for OS, 1C, and a small database. For active databases with history and file storage, 300-500 GB or more will be required. Consider space for backups.

Network connection

• Speed: 100 Mbps is the minimum. Optimal is 1 Gbps.
• Traffic: Clarify traffic limits. For active 1C work with a large number of remote users, traffic can be significant.

Operating system

• Windows Server: The most common choice for 1C, especially if MS SQL Server is used. Ease of administration, broad support.
• Linux: For 1C on PostgreSQL. Requires deeper knowledge of Linux administration, but can be more performant and less resource-intensive.

Example VPS configuration for 1C (for 10-15 users)

Here is an example of a balanced configuration that will ensure comfortable operation:

1C setup and optimization on VPS

After choosing and renting a VPS, the setup phase begins. This is a critically important step to achieve maximum performance.

Installation and basic settings

1. OS Installation: Choose a suitable version of Windows Server (2019 or 2022) or Linux (Ubuntu Server, CentOS).
2. DBMS Installation:
   • MS SQL Server: If Windows is chosen. Standard version is recommended. Be sure to install the latest updates. Configure memory allocation for SQL Server so it doesn't take all RAM from the OS and 1C server. For example, for a VPS with 16 GB RAM, SQL Server can be limited to 8-10 GB.
   • PostgreSQL: If Linux is chosen. Install the PostgreSQL versions recommended by 1C. Optimize the postgresql.conf configuration file, especially parameters like shared_buffers, work_mem, maintenance_work_mem, wal_buffers.
3. 1C:Enterprise server installation: Install the server part of 1C of the corresponding version.
4. Database publication: Create information bases, publish them for access via a web client, or configure RDP access.

SQL Server optimization (examples)

For MS SQL Server, regular maintenance tasks are extremely important:

• Indexing: Regular rebuilding or reorganization of indexes (at least once a week) via SQL Server Agent.
• Updating statistics: Important for the SQL Server query optimizer.
• Maintenance plans: Setting up regular database integrity checks.

Example command for rebuilding indexes (can be included in a maintenance plan):

USE [Your1CDatabaseName];
GO
ALTER INDEX ALL ON [TableName] REBUILD WITH (ONLINE = ON);
GO

Don't forget to configure memory limits for SQL Server to leave resources for the OS and 1C server:

EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
EXEC sp_configure 'max server memory (MB)', 10240; -- 10 GB for example
RECONFIGURE;

Security and access

• Firewall: Configure the firewall (Windows Firewall or iptables/ufw for Linux) to allow only necessary ports (RDP, 1C server, SQL).
• Backup: Set up regular automatic backups of 1C databases (both using 1C tools and the DBMS) to an external resource or a separate disk.
• Updates: Regularly install updates for the OS, DBMS, and 1C platform.
• RDP/RemoteApp: For user access, configure Remote Desktop Services or RemoteApp to provide access only to the 1C application, not the entire desktop.

VDS Mail: a reliable email system for your business

Corporate email is not just a communication tool, but a critically important business instrument. Using free email services (Gmail, Outlook.com) can be convenient for personal use, but for business, it carries several risks:

• Lack of control: You do not control the data, its storage, and processing.
• Security: Dependence on the security policy of a third-party provider.
• Branding: The absence of your own domain reduces professionalism.
• Compliance: Difficulties with complying with GDPR, FZ-152 (Russian law), and other regional regulations.

This is why deploying VDS Mail, i.e., your own mail server on a virtual dedicated server, is an optimal solution.

Advantages of VDS Mail

• Full control: You fully control all aspects of the email system, from security settings to routing rules.
• Enhanced security: Ability to install your own antivirus, antispam, configure strict firewall rules, and encryption.
• Customization: Creation of an unlimited number of mailboxes, aliases, mailing lists, setting quotas and rules.
• Compliance: Guarantee of compliance with legal and corporate requirements for data storage.
• Independence: No reliance on third-party services and their policies.
• Scalability: Easy scaling of VDS resources as needs grow.

Choosing and configuring VDS for a mail server

For a mail server, a less powerful VDS than for 1C is usually sufficient, but with enough disk space to store emails.

• OS: Linux (Ubuntu Server, CentOS) — the most popular and efficient choice for mail servers.
• Software:
  • MTA (Mail Transfer Agent): Postfix or Exim.
  • MDA (Mail Delivery Agent): Dovecot (for IMAP/POP3).
  • Web interface: Roundcube, SOGo, RainLoop for accessing mail via a browser.
  • Antispam/Antivirus: SpamAssassin, ClamAV.
  • Control panel: iRedMail, Mailcow, Postfix Admin (optional, to simplify administration).
• DNS configuration: Critically important for email operation.
  • MX record: Points to the mail server for your domain.
  • SPF record: Prevents sender spoofing by specifying allowed IP addresses for sending emails from your domain.
  • DKIM signature: A cryptographic signature that confirms the authenticity of the sender and the integrity of the email.
  • DMARC policy: Specifies how to handle emails that fail SPF/DKIM checks.

Example SPF record (added to DNS as a TXT record):

v=spf1 ip4:YOUR_VDS_MAIL_IP include:_spf.google.com ~all

Here `YOUR_VDS_MAIL_IP` is the IP address of your VDS, and `include:_spf.google.com` can be added if you also send emails through G Suite.

VDS Mail Security

• SSL/TLS: Always use encryption for all connections (SMTP, IMAP, POP3) with Let's Encrypt or another CA.
• Fail2ban: To block IP addresses attempting brute-force password attacks.
• Regular updates: Keep the OS and all mail software up to date.
• Backup: Configure backups of the entire email system, including configuration files and email databases.

Synergy of VPS for 1C and VDS Mail: comprehensive optimization

Using VPS for 1C and VDS Mail separately already offers significant advantages, but their combined use creates a powerful, integrated, and optimized IT infrastructure.

• Improved communication: 1C can directly send reports, invoices, notifications to clients and employees via your own reliable mail server. This guarantees delivery and prevents emails from falling into spam due to third-party service restrictions.
• Unified management center: Although services can be on different VPS (which is recommended for better isolation and security), their management can be centralized.
• Enhanced data security: All critically important data (financial in 1C, confidential correspondence in email) are under your full control, on an infrastructure that you have configured and secured yourself.
• Compliance with regulatory requirements: Compliance with legislation on personal data storage and processing is simplified, as you control the physical location of servers and the security policy.
• Cost optimization: Instead of renting expensive corporate packages from third-party providers, you only pay for the necessary VPS/VDS resources, while having much more flexibility.

Imagine a scenario: 1C automatically generates monthly sales reports and sends them to managers via your VDS Mail. Or the 1C system sends order readiness notifications to clients, using a corporate email domain, which increases trust and brand recognition.

Practical tips for operation and support

• Monitoring: Set up monitoring systems for each VPS (CPU, RAM, Disk I/O, network activity). This will allow timely identification of bottlenecks and prevention of problems.
• Resource planning: Regularly analyze resource consumption. If 1C users complain about slow performance, it might be time to increase RAM or switch to a faster NVMe disk.
• Regular backups: Not only of 1C databases and email, but also of the entire OS. Use VPS snapshots for quick recovery in case of serious failures. Store backups on different physical media or in different locations.
• Recovery testing: Periodically test the recovery process from backups to ensure their functionality.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation on server settings, installed software, licenses, and passwords.
• Isolation: For critically important services such as 1C and email, it is recommended to use separate VPS, even if they are located in the same data center. This increases security and fault tolerance.

Conclusion

Using a VPS server for 1C and VDS Mail is a modern and highly effective approach to building IT infrastructure for businesses of any scale. This is not just renting virtual machines, but a strategic investment in the stability, security, and performance of your key business processes.

Virtual servers provide the necessary flexibility for scaling, full control over the environment, and predictable performance, which is critically important for resource-intensive applications such as 1C:Enterprise, and for ensuring reliable corporate communication through your own mail server. With the right approach to configuration selection and subsequent optimization, you can significantly increase your company's efficiency, minimize risks, and focus on business development rather than solving IT infrastructure problems.