I need Server Purchase/Disaster Recovery Configuration Advice
Hello,
I am trying to plan for a server revamp and need some advice. I have 6 servers(listed below), and need to ensure that I make wise purchases. Our current system is based on older servers running MS Server 2003 Standard. I would like to update both hardware and software, and plan for disaster recovery. I don't necessarily need instant recovery, and could manage with up to 24 hours downtime. With that in mind, I've been looking at virtualization, clustering, system images, etc. as possible solutions, but I'm unsure which route to take. I have around $30K budgeted for this project, but work for a non-profit and get good discounts from Microsoft.
I also have a need for file storage, with around 7-8TB of data now sitting on desktops and external drives, which needs to be centralized.
Here is my current server configuration:
Physical Server 1 – Primary Domain Controller
Physical Server 2 – Secondary Domain Controller/Radius Server
Physical Server 3 – Exchange Server 2003
Physical Server 4 – SQL Database Server/Financial Management Software Server
Physical Server 5 – DNN Web Server
Physical Server 6 – Print Server, BES, Helpdesk Server
All current servers are Dell, and have been very reliable. Dell support has also been great, but I'm open to other manufacturers as well.
I have been backing up documents & critical data to external drives, and the data gets uploaded automatically to Amazon S3. I would prefer future backup systems to be to disk, and not tape. However, I do have a Quantum Superloader 3 that I can use if I must. Tape is just such a pain in the neck!
Thanks, in advance, for any advice.
I am trying to plan for a server revamp and need some advice. I have 6 servers(listed below), and need to ensure that I make wise purchases. Our current system is based on older servers running MS Server 2003 Standard. I would like to update both hardware and software, and plan for disaster recovery. I don't necessarily need instant recovery, and could manage with up to 24 hours downtime. With that in mind, I've been looking at virtualization, clustering, system images, etc. as possible solutions, but I'm unsure which route to take. I have around $30K budgeted for this project, but work for a non-profit and get good discounts from Microsoft.
I also have a need for file storage, with around 7-8TB of data now sitting on desktops and external drives, which needs to be centralized.
Here is my current server configuration:
Physical Server 1 – Primary Domain Controller
Physical Server 2 – Secondary Domain Controller/Radius Server
Physical Server 3 – Exchange Server 2003
Physical Server 4 – SQL Database Server/Financial Management Software Server
Physical Server 5 – DNN Web Server
Physical Server 6 – Print Server, BES, Helpdesk Server
All current servers are Dell, and have been very reliable. Dell support has also been great, but I'm open to other manufacturers as well.
I have been backing up documents & critical data to external drives, and the data gets uploaded automatically to Amazon S3. I would prefer future backup systems to be to disk, and not tape. However, I do have a Quantum Superloader 3 that I can use if I must. Tape is just such a pain in the neck!
Thanks, in advance, for any advice.
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ASKER
If I use two physical servers for my PDC and Exchange, would it be an issue to virtualize the other 3 servers (listed above)? I am trying to do all of this and stay within my $30K budget.
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ASKER
I will be able to complete my project with the advice given. Thank you.
ASKER
I agree with Dell being a top resource for my needs. I've been reading through the descriptions of Proxy-based, hosted, and guest backups... there's a lot to consider.
As I see it so far, it looks like I will need to purchase at least two servers to replace my PDC & Exchange, and use Server '08 & Exchange 10. Then, I will need to purchase something like the PowerVault-md3200, running Hyper-V, for backups.
If it is not recommended to virtualize my physical machines, as 1ly4me stated, how does Hyper-V fit into the picture?