Spec me

ace2109

ace2109

ace2109

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Joined
28 Dec 2002
Posts
2,400
Location
Northern Ireland
Hi Guys,
Can you spec me a server for the following uses. I was thinking of *ell, but if you recommend anything else thats fine.

It will be used for:
Microsoft windows server 2003 or 2008
Microsoft exchange
Ftp access
Possible vpn access in the future
Domain will be added in the future as the business grows
Main use is for file access and storage, a lot of storage is required with backup

Business is DVD production there will be a total of 7 clients attached to the server for file access, and the odd laptop.

I need a full spec with switches/routers basically the works.

he current setup is running win2k3 server, 3TB of space, which is nowhere near enough as they have a number of external hard drives, blu-ray disks etc.

thanks for your help here guys

I was thinking of a good server, managed gigabyte network switch, router for internet access/VPN, large network attached storage or something with raid.

thanks for your help guys
ace
 
Dell servers are good, we use them, no problem at all... I dont think that building yourself is the way, other then that HP or IBM servers, but personally I would go with Dell there servers are really good... well I think so anyway

If your thinking about using exhange I would do with SBS server, 2003 is out now, but I know that 2007 is on a beta at the moment, which you could wait for but thats up to you :) especially since there is only 7 clients, I think that MS supplies 5 clients, do you have 7 clients working on a server at one time, or could you get away with just having 5?

I think that your analysis is on the button though... as for domain, I would consider it now, let it grow with the business, since your going to be buying 2003 server you might as well get your money out of it, but setting up a AD domain will require you using the server for DNS if I remember right...

Stelly
 
Can I ask why you require a managed switch? I can't think of any use you may require this? It'll knock the price up by a hefty amount, when all you really need is a decent quality unmanaged switch, as long as it has a decent "backbone".

The £200 or more you'll save there, could be used for a lot more storage.

With so much data being used however, I would consider using a separate machine for storage, or at least build in the possibility, as easily as possible to do this later.

I echo Stellys centiments also, get the domain running now, it'll just make your life more difficult to implement it later on.
 
SBS 2003 is the only way to go for this sort of setup - The cost of separate Win2K3 CALS + Exchange CALS will be far to large to warrant for only 7 clients.
Go for a good Dell box (PE 840 will do), 2 - 3GB RAM, Dual NIC, and SBS 2003 Prem. with 10 Cals. When you get the Dell Box, flatten it and reinstall (Dell OS Partition is tiny!).

Just my 2p!
Rob
 
3GB of RAM for Exchange? Exchange seems to eat memory for fun in my experience. :o

If you want a one-box solution, a Dell 2950 (or 2970, the AMD Opteron version) with 6 x 1TB drives in RAID5, 8GB of RAM would be up to the job. Alternatively you could go for a NAS back end for the storage and then have a front end machine like an R200 or similar.
 
Yeah, Exchange does eat RAM - Its meant to, (Store.exe), the memory is then released as needed. 8GB RAM would be pointless as Windows 2k3 (Standard or SBS) can onyl support 4GB max, with it being a 32bit OS.
 
Rob7865 said:
Yeah, Exchange does eat RAM - Its meant to, (Store.exe), the memory is then released as needed. 8GB RAM would be pointless as Windows 2k3 (Standard or SBS) can onyl support 4GB max, with it being a 32bit OS.
Click to expand...

Agreed, I think that max you should look at is 4Gb, and as for exchange as your only using it for 7 users at the moment, one SBS server should be more than enough

Stelly
 
daz said:
Move to a 64-bit OS for future proofing tbh. :)
Click to expand...

But why? It's only for 7 clients - the OP wants Exchange and AD capabilities. The cost of Windows 2008 Plus Exchange 2007 CALS will be more then a complete SBS solution! - Then there is the administrative over heads - A small company like that will not have the IT support for a Windows 2008 / Exchange 2007 setup (no disrespect to the OP!:))

Rob! :cool:
 
Rob7865 said:
But why? It's only for 7 clients - the OP wants Exchange and AD capabilities. The cost of Windows 2008 Plus Exchange 2007 CALS will be more then a complete SBS solution! - Then there is the administrative over heads - A small company like that will not have the IT support for a Windows 2008 / Exchange 2007 setup (no disrespect to the OP!:))

Rob! :cool:
Click to expand...

I think that he means get SBS 64bit version

Stelly
 
HI Stelly

There is no SBS 64bit (sbs 2008 / EBS 2008) is only just at RC1 - Not expected to RTM until November.....
Depends if you can wait that long!
Rob
 
I mean for now 4GB of RAM and a 32bit OS is fine, but it doesn't leave much (any?) room for maneuver for the future... who knows how many users and mailboxes, or even other functions the server will need to take up in a year's time. If you're sure your needs won't expand very much then I suppose save the cash though. :)

Just be aware...

Exchange Server 2007 is only available as a 64-bit product; it cannot be installed on a 32-bit operating system, including SBS 2003 R2.
Click to expand...

Windows Small Business Server 2008 is the next release of Windows Small Business Server. It will be available following the release of Windows Server 2008 and will be available as a 64-bit product only.
Click to expand...

Upgrading from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2007 doesn't look easy. :o
 
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SBS 2003 R2 can support up to 75 Users and have an Exchange DB up to 75GB. Unless the OP foresees a HUGH increase in recruitment, I don't think they will hit that limit for the life of server (5yrs).
If and When they move to an Exchange 2007 platform, 2007 has the tools to migrate the database / Mailstore from 2003 to 2007 - and it's pretty straight forward process.

Sorry if I sound like a complete arrogant so and so - but the OP is looking for a solution to a small business issue - giving him advise that could possibly be way over budget and way over kill for the given problem, I think is just a very bad judgement... Yes we all like to have the latest and greatest, but what is the point if a) it blows any sort of budget / probability the company has and b) there is not the IT staff to support such a set-up - again will cost to employ either a consultant (;) ) to put right a bad choice / set-up or to hire someone full-time or train the current staff.

Rant over!

Rob ;):cool:
 
Rob7865 said:
SBS 2003 R2 can support up to 75 Users and have an Exchange DB up to 75GB. Unless the OP foresees a HUGH increase in recruitment, I don't think they will hit that limit for the life of server (5yrs).
If and When they move to an Exchange 2007 platform, 2007 has the tools to migrate the database / Mailstore from 2003 to 2007 - and it's pretty straight forward process.

Sorry if I sound like a complete arrogant so and so - but the OP is looking for a solution to a small business issue - giving him advise that could possibly be way over budget and way over kill for the given problem, I think is just a very bad judgement... Yes we all like to have the latest and greatest, but what is the point if a) it blows any sort of budget / probability the company has and b) there is not the IT staff to support such a set-up - again will cost to employ either a consultant (;) ) to put right a bad choice / set-up or to hire someone full-time or train the current staff.

Rant over!

Rob ;):cool:
Click to expand...

I agree with what your saying, and also have just implemented what your suggesting in a small business

Stelly
 
The PowerEdge 2900III servers are nice - I've just taken delivery of a Quad-core Xeon 2.5GHz/2x6MB/1333MHz CPU, 4GB RAM, PERC 6i 256MB RAID, 6x 74GB 15K SAS drives, Remote Access Card, RD1000 Hot-Swap Backup drive + 3x 300GB drives, Redundant PSU's, SBS 2003 Std incl 5 CALs, and full 3 year ProSupport for IT + keep any failed drives. Looking forward to setting this bad boy up! SBS would definately be the way for you to go I think, it's such good value and a doddle to install and manage!
 
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this all sounds great guys thanks for all your input, please keep it coming.

I think it would be a good idea to get the domain up and running now especially if exchange needs it as they really exchange up and running ASAP.

Would i need to get a server for the domain controller and one for exchange?

I am still not clear about storage though i need a minimum of 4TB which will be accessed by all clients at the same time. This would need to be backed up aswell i was thinking of a dell powervault md1000 but it doesnt have raid?

What do you guys think?
 
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