File server advice

wnb

wnb

Soldato
Joined
27 Feb 2004
Posts
3,983
I am wanting a file server at work, I will have 7 pc's connected via the network and I am all new to servers and know very little about them

I was quoted by a local company to provide one and set it up for me but I was surprised by the price.

A few questions to begin with.

What software do i need? their seems to be several incarnations of ms server and vary in prices so which do i need? (cheaper the better).

Thanks.
 
Centralised file storage, not bothered about email as we acccess that online. The main thing is file storage and document management.
 
It doesn't sound like you are on a domain so you may as well just get a NAS box and stick it on the network.
 
A NAS would work just fine, but a server with SBS would give you a lot more scope for expansion and new stuff in the future. Running your emails locally can have a lot of benefits, as can running a domain. £2k would buy you a decent server with SBS, £300~£500 for a good quality NAS
 
SBS is the right way to go with this. Centerlised Storage, Security, Remote Working, Document control when using Sharepoint.
As Iaind had said - there are many benefits for running your own Email. Shared calendars, Shared Mailboxes...
Also don't forget if your running your business on this, it will need a backup solution! RAID is not a backup!

Rob
 
Ofc sbs is the way to go but it costs a fair bit of cash compared to a NAS.

Considering he is "all new to servers" a NAS would be the simplest option, but yes, SBS is the right way.
 
Bare in mind that to get the most from SBS you will need to have a business grade operating system on the client machines. XP Pro, Vista Business/Ultimate and 7 Business/Ultimate.
 
We have a different view and believe that Linux Based Small Business Servers are the way to to, they will seamlessly integrate in to your Windows network, provide file sharing along with backup (via hot swap integrated backup dics) and a whole load of other stuff.

They come plug and play, so you should be able to install one in approx 30 minutes.

Seriously cheaper than anything with a Windows/Microsoft badge on the box, are more reliable, more secure and include a whole load of other stuff that you can enable at any time should you wish/need to. See http://www.sharptechnology.co.uk
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom