eschaefr
asked on
Growing Business network plan
Our current setup is as follows:
3 servers:
1.) Windows 2003 - DC, Exchange, IIS for OWA, ISA 2000, DNS, DHCP
2.) Windows 2003 - Data, Roaming Profiles, Printers
3.) Red Hat Linux - Data archiving, Tape Backup of ad, data, exchange mailboxes
We are rapidly expanding and I am concerned that we will soon be unable to support the extra users. We pushing it as it is. I have one user connecting remotely each day with two other occasionally connecting remotely.
I've been putting together some ideas for upgrades and so far have come up with this:
6 - 8 Servers:
1.) Windows 2003 - ISA 2000, VPN
2 & 3). Windows 2003 Clustered - DC, Exchange, IIS for OWA
4.) Windows 2003 (possibly linux) - DNS & DHCP
5.) Windows 2003 - Data, Roaming Profiles, Printers
6.) Red Hat Linux - Data archiving, Tape Backup of ad, data, exchange mailboxes
Considering clustering servers for data etc.
Are there any suggestions or comments about the proposed new setup. Anything I'm missing or should consider? I'm trying to build the most efficient and reliable setup i can have (dont we all :-D ). High availability is essential.
Thanks for your input.
-Ed
3 servers:
1.) Windows 2003 - DC, Exchange, IIS for OWA, ISA 2000, DNS, DHCP
2.) Windows 2003 - Data, Roaming Profiles, Printers
3.) Red Hat Linux - Data archiving, Tape Backup of ad, data, exchange mailboxes
We are rapidly expanding and I am concerned that we will soon be unable to support the extra users. We pushing it as it is. I have one user connecting remotely each day with two other occasionally connecting remotely.
I've been putting together some ideas for upgrades and so far have come up with this:
6 - 8 Servers:
1.) Windows 2003 - ISA 2000, VPN
2 & 3). Windows 2003 Clustered - DC, Exchange, IIS for OWA
4.) Windows 2003 (possibly linux) - DNS & DHCP
5.) Windows 2003 - Data, Roaming Profiles, Printers
6.) Red Hat Linux - Data archiving, Tape Backup of ad, data, exchange mailboxes
Considering clustering servers for data etc.
Are there any suggestions or comments about the proposed new setup. Anything I'm missing or should consider? I'm trying to build the most efficient and reliable setup i can have (dont we all :-D ). High availability is essential.
Thanks for your input.
-Ed
Lee W, MVP
You don't say how many users you have, you don't say if your existing servers are 500MHz/512MB RAM or 3 GHZ dual CPUs with 4GB of RAM? IMHO, no one can give you an answer without these details.
Also, could you add a little bit about overall business objectives and whether you have users with disparate needs?
If you had servers go down, which would affect production the most? The least?
Can you add what you need "no matter what?"
Also, is this a 24-7 operation? A 9-5?
If you had servers go down, which would affect production the most? The least?
Can you add what you need "no matter what?"
Also, is this a 24-7 operation? A 9-5?
ASKER
Sorry, currently the DC/ISA/ETC is a Poweredge 1400sc 850mhz/ 650mb & the file server is a custom built 3.0 ghz/1gig.
Our business is pharmaceutical research, which is basically 24-7. We need to be able to service our clients at any time. The most essential parts are:
1.) the file server houses basically everything, w/o it we're dead in the water
2.) The Email isnt crucial but if it goes down it puts a damper on the days productivity.
3.) The DC is obviously pretty important but i can still get everyone to the file server if its down
We have about 30 in house users and 1 remote user. This should double by the end of the year.
Hope this helps, let me know if you need any more info
Our business is pharmaceutical research, which is basically 24-7. We need to be able to service our clients at any time. The most essential parts are:
1.) the file server houses basically everything, w/o it we're dead in the water
2.) The Email isnt crucial but if it goes down it puts a damper on the days productivity.
3.) The DC is obviously pretty important but i can still get everyone to the file server if its down
We have about 30 in house users and 1 remote user. This should double by the end of the year.
Hope this helps, let me know if you need any more info
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Thanks alot for your input. You've given me some great ideas to go off of.
A quick couple of notes:
1. Clustered file servers are nice ideas. I would probably do it (again). I did it for years at the large company where I was sys-admin. BUT, the problem is, your data still resides on ONE set of disks. So for SAFETY, I would suggest the server mirroring - this way, the data resides on two independent servers (though only one would be accessed by your users, if I remember the software details correctly (and it's been a year, I could be wrong).
2. If you don't have a subscription to WindowsIT Pro magazine, GET ONE! They are the most advanced, technically appropriate magazine for anyone managing a windows network. Tips on everything Active Directory, to server mirroring software, among other things. Great magazine and in my opinion, WELL WORTH the $50/year subscription.
1. Clustered file servers are nice ideas. I would probably do it (again). I did it for years at the large company where I was sys-admin. BUT, the problem is, your data still resides on ONE set of disks. So for SAFETY, I would suggest the server mirroring - this way, the data resides on two independent servers (though only one would be accessed by your users, if I remember the software details correctly (and it's been a year, I could be wrong).
2. If you don't have a subscription to WindowsIT Pro magazine, GET ONE! They are the most advanced, technically appropriate magazine for anyone managing a windows network. Tips on everything Active Directory, to server mirroring software, among other things. Great magazine and in my opinion, WELL WORTH the $50/year subscription.