New Server Requirements
Hi experts
Would like some feedback on what to do for our new office server (what kind of server, what operating system, firewalls and routers etc) - we need to be able to go to a supplier and request all this.
Here are our requirements, also what we currently have, and some idea of what we need.
Your feedback is very much appreciated.
We are a small-medium size corporate.
We have an existing router and switch (That's ALL!)
Our 15 staff members all use their laptops to connect to the internet.
Requirements:
- The ability to store data on the server
- The ability to set up a local intranet
- Possibly Windows Server to control user profiles and privilages. (it would be nice if data could stay on the server so that when clients leave we would have some of it)
- Document management (possibly through the intranet or wiki)
Existing products/hardware:
- Router: Telkom 800 VGT
- Switch: Micronet SP624 EA
Please if we have forgot to provide any information just ask questions!
Would like some feedback on what to do for our new office server (what kind of server, what operating system, firewalls and routers etc) - we need to be able to go to a supplier and request all this.
Here are our requirements, also what we currently have, and some idea of what we need.
Your feedback is very much appreciated.
We are a small-medium size corporate.
We have an existing router and switch (That's ALL!)
Our 15 staff members all use their laptops to connect to the internet.
Requirements:
- The ability to store data on the server
- The ability to set up a local intranet
- Possibly Windows Server to control user profiles and privilages. (it would be nice if data could stay on the server so that when clients leave we would have some of it)
- Document management (possibly through the intranet or wiki)
Existing products/hardware:
- Router: Telkom 800 VGT
- Switch: Micronet SP624 EA
Please if we have forgot to provide any information just ask questions!
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ASKER
Darren thanks so much for that answer. We're trying to now justify this server - or come up with reasons why we should get a server - but we keep on thinking that we should just host everything on the web (the CLA's has come back very expensive and are not necessary)
Right now we're leaning towards a "happy medium" and getting a server but without CLA's - and using the server just to store data by sharing folders.
What do you think? Is there any other major benefit of CLA's?
Right now we're leaning towards a "happy medium" and getting a server but without CLA's - and using the server just to store data by sharing folders.
What do you think? Is there any other major benefit of CLA's?
SOLUTION
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ASKER
Thanks again Darren.
Right now I'm trying to understand myself exactly what Microsoft Server would actually do for us - and what functionality CAL's actually offer. By your explanation, it seems, everyone's data would synchronise with their account on the server so if their laptops get stolen it would be kept on the server. However, something tells me there are cheapers ways of achieving this than getting all these licenses.
Added to this they have made the licensing so complicated that I'm having a hard time understanding.
If you can explain what the benefit of having a server and what CAL's will even do for us that would be great.
We're trying to consider this all on multiple levels:
1) We might want to host SQL server locally in the server in the office and ultimately switch to a webhosted SQL server. This way we'd have a local testing environment. But this alone cannot justify a Server.
2) We don't have much data but we definitely need a data storage mechanism. We can use a NAS box, true.
3) We are going to be developing Win32 applications and that is possibly one reason why a Windows server might benefit us.
So it seems that a windows server would be "nice" but ultimately seem very necessary. It is for this reason that I need to look to experts and say, well, what do you think?
I'm busy trying to digest all this information.
Right now I'm trying to understand myself exactly what Microsoft Server would actually do for us - and what functionality CAL's actually offer. By your explanation, it seems, everyone's data would synchronise with their account on the server so if their laptops get stolen it would be kept on the server. However, something tells me there are cheapers ways of achieving this than getting all these licenses.
Added to this they have made the licensing so complicated that I'm having a hard time understanding.
If you can explain what the benefit of having a server and what CAL's will even do for us that would be great.
We're trying to consider this all on multiple levels:
1) We might want to host SQL server locally in the server in the office and ultimately switch to a webhosted SQL server. This way we'd have a local testing environment. But this alone cannot justify a Server.
2) We don't have much data but we definitely need a data storage mechanism. We can use a NAS box, true.
3) We are going to be developing Win32 applications and that is possibly one reason why a Windows server might benefit us.
So it seems that a windows server would be "nice" but ultimately seem very necessary. It is for this reason that I need to look to experts and say, well, what do you think?
I'm busy trying to digest all this information.
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ASKER
Sorry if it's a mammoth question. I hope I can simplify it.
We can go straight to the hardware supply companies and do everything ourselves (installing the server etc) - or we can get quotes from contractors. At this stage we are looking at doing it ourselves actually but we might need assistance in choosing hardware specs.
To answer your other question we do not need to buy staff new computers. they will use their existing laptops.