Cheapest way to licence a small server build for a startup business

DJMK4

DJMK4

DJMK4

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Hi all,

You may or may not have read my other thread about setting up a server for one of my first business clients. He only has around 3-4 work stations, I am looking to purchase a HP Microserver one of the later models, add some drives and max out the RAM for him.

However, I am not sure on what OS to put on, I would like to say something like Server 2008 standard, however looking at the prices for around a 5 CAL he is looking at around £400+ just for the OS, as I want to keep costs to a minimum as the more I save on hardware and OS the more I could potentially make in service charges etc, is there a cheaper way than just buying server 2008 standard off the shelf?

I have a copy of Server 2008 and key but thats mine through work so cant use that.

Thing is when I present this to them they are going to look at the unit as a cost not just the OS, so if I present them a Microserver and OS, all the hardware etc which could potentially come to £800-£900 possibly for hardware and OS only, they will probably look at the micro-server and think, "I paid £900 for a small box?" thats without my service charges...

Whats the best way around paying for OS licensing and is there any cost cutting that can be made?
 
I guess OEM?

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 - 5 device CALs

Can be had for around £97 new, may try and find it cheaper
 
What's the purpose of the server? What benefits will it provide to the business - what will it allow them to do better/faster/cheaper?

Have they suggested a budget, or are you making assumptions? If the server won't deliver £900 worth of benefits in a reasonable time frame, they probably don't need one.

If you don't want to pay for Windows Server, as I see it you have 2 options - go Linux or use a desktop OS on the server. You could look at a used server with a licence included too I guess.

I'd put a number of options to client, explaining primarily the business benefits then the technical pro's and cons of each solution. If you pitch one cheap solution and it's rubbish, that'll be your fault. Pitch a few and they choose the cheapest in spite of the cons, then it becomes their fault.

Don't forget support - what happens if the server goes down with a hardware fault when you're on the first day of a 2 week holiday? Even if you are around, how long will it take to get a replacement part if the motherboard fails?

I used to do a small business IT support/consultancy work, and clients that baulk at spending £900 on hardware are not necessarily the sort of clients you want on your books. I also gave up supplying hardware - let the clients buy it and you charge them for the services. It prevents any awkwardness when they inevitably find it cheaper online.
 
Hmmm maybe you are right

I'm trying to find a decent Server with OS included but not really finding anything that I am hoping for price wise.
 
edscdk said:
Stick on w7 or 8 for a few users
Click to expand...

I have supported small business for years server software is just a go wrong money pit ball ache, if you don't need it don't use it. Normal windows and slap on acronis and get two external hard drives to rotate an take off site backups.
 
File server, Storage of Sage data, backup server, DHCP server, print server, Not looking to go active directory but just incase of expansion I wanted to have that option, with also the foot room to virtualise (IE Hyper-V Role), there are other services which may be required but not sure yet

Probably will just out that they will need it for the minimum, but if I can, I want to try and get a server OS on, if it does turn out to be a complete ballache moneywise then I will have to settle for a workstation OS

I am looking on ebay at the moment I have noticed a few people selling servers with 2008, do you think it maybe worth keeping an eye out for a bargain?
 
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Don't go near a second hand server! Dhcp from the router is fine printers for a few users are best set up per machine via ip not on a server
 
Yeah actually you are right, sorry, blame not having any sleep last night :p

Just checking out a few Microserver deals at the moment, gutted the cashback offers have ended though :(
 
If virtualisation and any Microsoft specific features aren't required then keep it simple and go with Freenas. Simple to setup and ZFS is brilliant.
 
ManLoveRulesOK said:
If virtualisation and any Microsoft specific features aren't required then keep it simple and go with Freenas. Simple to setup and ZFS is brilliant.
Click to expand...

windows and NTFS everyone knows windows, and everyone is an expert.. any issue you have any forum you can get help and an answer... stick on free nas and no one know it and any issue you are on your own...

its a 4 man business he needs to stick it in and have it run seamlessly if it breaks he needs smoething thats easy to fix...
 
SBS would be my suggestion
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I don't think I would be at all happy trying to run SBS on a micro server.

For me it would probably be 2012 Foundation or 2012 Essentials if going down the Microsoft route.

Foundation is around £150 supports 15 users and does not require cals.
 
I'd be recommending a NAS device with RAID for the storage. It'll be less hassle for you than putting a server in when it's not really required. I would also provide a backup and recovery strategy.

In this situation I'd offer the option of a proper server, probably with a view to getting one in future. You want to build a long term relationship with your client. If they get someone else in and they see a microserver with Windows 8 running there is plenty ammunition for the rival to find fault and rubbish your solution and that could be the end of any business from them. You never know - your client might want something to write off for tax and say £5k is fine. Keep your options open.
 
blueboy2001 said:
I'd be recommending a NAS device with RAID for the storage. It'll be less hassle for you than putting a server in when it's not really required. I would also provide a backup and recovery strategy.
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+1 for this. I have clients on SBS 2003/2008/2011 and clients using QNAP NAS devices.

When SBS (as suggested by others) is done right it is a fantstic product - its best asset is on premise Exchange and remote access - and is well suited to small businesses that need this, but clients need to invest in this for the long term too. I wouldn't want to run SBS on a Microserver - it needs quality (new) hardware backed up by a UPS and a good hardware warranty (so Dell/HP) - do you want to have to drop everything when a RAID card fails (for example?). You will also need to "babysit" any Windows OS...

I also have clients on QNAP NAS devices - I recommend they go for the 2 bay RAID products with enterprise type drives. The QNAPs will do a myriad of things, but their strength is file storage. For a 4 user business I would put DHCP on the router, use hosted email, network attached printers configured directly on each machine, all networking/NAS hardware on a UPS and file storage on the NAS (shares are accessed using the WIndows login on the PC - so you replicate the logins on to the NAS). The QNAPs will back up to external USB drives and also to a couple of offiste backup services (I use Amazon AWS S3 for one client).

One client that has a QNAP has not needed me for over 12 months now (maybe I'm doing myself out of a job?), but this is exactly what I want - no hassle.

I'm not trying to scare you off a Windows Server OS, but you need to be aware of what it might involve.
 
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