jayme9
asked on
Choosing the right Server
Let's say the decision maker asks me what dedicated server do we need to put a database on for our users to access it over the LAN. And I say.....(this is where you help me, please):
Pentium III processor
Over 500 RAM
CD burner and CD/DVD ROM to burn periodic backup files
....
I'm trying to not make it too confusing, but I want the best system to run our database (whether it is Oracle, ACCESS, etc). Can you help me define the spec's you think I may need based on your experience?
Thanks.
Pentium III processor
Over 500 RAM
CD burner and CD/DVD ROM to burn periodic backup files
....
I'm trying to not make it too confusing, but I want the best system to run our database (whether it is Oracle, ACCESS, etc). Can you help me define the spec's you think I may need based on your experience?
Thanks.
(<ugh,sp> spealers = speakers, audio, not needed)
Well, it all depends on which database server you want to run on your machine. An Access database and an Oracle is completely different in term of requirements. You also need to know how many users needs access to your database and how big will it be.
Right now hardware prices is so cheap, so it's not a big deal in terms of price from a typical Access machine to a Oracle's machine. ($200-$500)
Typical machine config:
- Pentium 4 1.6Ghz
- 512M RAM (Just try to buy a motherboard/system that supports up to 2 Gig).
- 2 X 40 Gig HD (IDE 100 or SCSI)
If your database dump is less than 700M, a CD-R solution is ok, if will larger in the future. I'd suggest you to buy a DLT backup unit (under $1000). That way, it's easier to backup data larger than 700M and you can do backup scheduling, so you don't have to attend your backup daily/weekly. It's also very easy to do incremental backup, etc. and retreiving data is also easier with included software.
Right now hardware prices is so cheap, so it's not a big deal in terms of price from a typical Access machine to a Oracle's machine. ($200-$500)
Typical machine config:
- Pentium 4 1.6Ghz
- 512M RAM (Just try to buy a motherboard/system that supports up to 2 Gig).
- 2 X 40 Gig HD (IDE 100 or SCSI)
If your database dump is less than 700M, a CD-R solution is ok, if will larger in the future. I'd suggest you to buy a DLT backup unit (under $1000). That way, it's easier to backup data larger than 700M and you can do backup scheduling, so you don't have to attend your backup daily/weekly. It's also very easy to do incremental backup, etc. and retreiving data is also easier with included software.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Here the product I suggest you but all depend of the application
Server:
Compaq Proliant ML370 (entry level about 250 to 500 users)
1 Processor Pentium III 1.13Ghz (Max 2)
1GB RAM (256MB Ram base + 784MB option) (Ram Max 6GB)
Hard-disk bay (6 Hot-Plug disks)
Integrated Array Controler available (I suggest the option for 3200Array controler minimum)
Rackmounted or Tower
Backup:
Personnaly I really don't like CD-R on servers, it`s not a workstation. It reduces the server performance due the poor I/O datas transfert! Also with CD-R you need to do off-line backups. Please go with a real backup solution like a DLT tape with ArcServe or BackupExec (both with the specific database engine).
Disks: Mirrored or Raid5:
Mirrored Disk with IDE drives even scsi is very cheap and slow due to the OS dependent mirror.
Raid5 is really more secure, fault-tolerant and faster more you have drives. Try to full the drive bay to max. your investement, empty bays are expensive...
Hope this help
ANORMAND
Server:
Compaq Proliant ML370 (entry level about 250 to 500 users)
1 Processor Pentium III 1.13Ghz (Max 2)
1GB RAM (256MB Ram base + 784MB option) (Ram Max 6GB)
Hard-disk bay (6 Hot-Plug disks)
Integrated Array Controler available (I suggest the option for 3200Array controler minimum)
Rackmounted or Tower
Backup:
Personnaly I really don't like CD-R on servers, it`s not a workstation. It reduces the server performance due the poor I/O datas transfert! Also with CD-R you need to do off-line backups. Please go with a real backup solution like a DLT tape with ArcServe or BackupExec (both with the specific database engine).
Disks: Mirrored or Raid5:
Mirrored Disk with IDE drives even scsi is very cheap and slow due to the OS dependent mirror.
Raid5 is really more secure, fault-tolerant and faster more you have drives. Try to full the drive bay to max. your investement, empty bays are expensive...
Hope this help
ANORMAND
ASKER
We are using ACCESS, but will migrate to Oracle for 20-40 users. We are running 100mb/s LAN, but want to optimize our speed and performance for users accessing the database file.
> Compaq Proliant ML370 (entry level about 250 to 500 users)
Sounds nice, but database size and version impacts number of users. I'll assume most of those users are defined but inactive.
> Please go with a real backup solution like a DLT tape with ArcServe
IMO too many copy too much to tape, and.... tape can be erased, overwritten. Not good for my reliability needs. Too much make-work for small system. But I do agree, that it does have value, does have a place, especially as the system grows over time.
jayme9' numbers are common. It really depends on a lot of factors, just what you'll end up needing. Requirements.
Sounds nice, but database size and version impacts number of users. I'll assume most of those users are defined but inactive.
> Please go with a real backup solution like a DLT tape with ArcServe
IMO too many copy too much to tape, and.... tape can be erased, overwritten. Not good for my reliability needs. Too much make-work for small system. But I do agree, that it does have value, does have a place, especially as the system grows over time.
jayme9' numbers are common. It really depends on a lot of factors, just what you'll end up needing. Requirements.
> to optimize our speed and performance
many other factors involved for that
many other factors involved for that
Main two things to add are HD and Multimedia. For mass store I prefer scsi. Research Adaptec.
For multimedia, video etc., recognize this is server, so save what little you can on VGA enhancements and spealers, and put the funds into bigger & faster HDs (and scsi).