CapFive Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 ok what would you guys recommend, we are a medium sized real estate with 10 - 15 computers, we use the network to share all our property files and we also have a program that is installed on the network and the database is shared between all the computers, as well as antivirus. what could you guys recommend as a server to buy? im so lost, i know computers but have NO idea on servers...IM SO LOST!!!! Quote
chrismak Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 Are you talking about hardware or server operating system to get? Quote
CapFive Posted July 20, 2011 Author Posted July 20, 2011 the whole shebangour server is running out of space, and we have had it for 5 years, its time to upgrade Quote
lloydc Posted July 20, 2011 Posted July 20, 2011 tough question without knowing more details. I've only had experience with dell servers running MS small business server with exchange.this was handling 30-40 computers on a lan, and probably another 10 via VPN.personally i would opt for this, if it was compatible with what you are currently using:http://www.apple.com/macmini/server/ Quote
Mitch Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Heard good things about the Mac mini's with the dual hard drives. If You wanted/needed something a bit more beefy you could also go the Mac pro with extra hard drives which is a good option as far as backups etc. Go. And the future proff-ness of it.Alot of businesses use windows server 2008 and I'd say it's probably the standard atm. as for which one to choose, it's tough without knowing more details.. What are the client PC's running? If the software you are deploying through the server is for windows you kinda need to stick with a windows server, I don't think you can manage windows software on a Mac server? Quote
chrismak Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 You also have to take into consideration what database your organisation uses and what platform it runs on.You're probably best getting in a consultant to iron out all the intricate details so they can devise the best possible solution for your requirements. Do it right from the beginning and it'll cost you less in the long run. Quote
Mitch Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 I'll second what mrchris has said. For general advice we can help, but for a specific business requirement best to get someone to look at your exact situation and give you a few options. Because With technology in business, reliability is key Quote
BeatLeSS Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Cap, if you need a hand with any info let me know in a PM i'll swing you my work email addy. But pretty much need to knwo what you've got originally, cos a migration is completely different to a new set up (Seeing how you have existing equipment).Things i would be asking;Is it a domain?How is your email done?I'm guessing the programs you use would be ADL/Realworks?Are all your workstations the professional/business editions of the O/S.Don't go down the MAC path, at 15users you're much better getting a SBS domain if you don't have already. Quote
lloydc Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 Cap, if you need a hand with any info let me know in a PM i'll swing you my work email addy. But pretty much need to knwo what you've got originally, cos a migration is completely different to a new set up (Seeing how you have existing equipment).Things i would be asking;Is it a domain?How is your email done?I'm guessing the programs you use would be ADL/Realworks?Are all your workstations the professional/business editions of the O/S.Don't go down the MAC path, at 15users you're much better getting a SBS domain if you don't have already.interested to hear why you wouldn't go the mac path? Quote
CapFive Posted July 21, 2011 Author Posted July 21, 2011 we are getting a quote from the IT guys, but its just hard to trust people these days, its good to hear an opinion from unbiast minds beat ill send you a PM Quote
BeatLeSS Posted July 21, 2011 Posted July 21, 2011 interested to hear why you wouldn't go the mac path?It's just a bitch getting a Mac onto a windows domain, and working, how the client wants it to work.Not to mention the real estate programs won't work no doubt.Harder to implement, harder to support.. Not worth it.That being said, all my colleagues here love their macs. Only reason i'd buy one is for music Quote
Elsamchez Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 interested to hear why you wouldn't go the mac path?It's just a bitch getting a Mac onto a windows domain, and working, how the client wants it to work.Not to mention the real estate programs won't work no doubt.Harder to implement, harder to support.. Not worth it.This and not to mention - depending on the database they are running it would be difficult.At a guess the current server, if it is indeed 5 years old, will be running server 2003. Most real estates use programs that have sql or oracle databases. As you have already started doing - outsource it. Then if it does go wrong it's not on you. Quote
chrismak Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 This and not to mention - depending on the database they are running it would be difficult.At a guess the current server, if it is indeed 5 years old, will be running server 2003. Most real estates use programs that have sql or oracle databases. Indeed. Oracle database 10g is able to run on the OSX platform but not 11g. Sqlserver will only ever be available on Windows platforms.I love MAC with OSX as a desktop, but don't really see any advantages it has over Linux or Windows servers. Quote
Gandy Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 this is pretty much beatless's area of expertise at the moment i can vouch the man knows his shiz in regards to small business setupsjust dont expect him to show up on time to pub lunches and yea consultant would be the go, pretty much what everyone in this thread has said has been spot on, good to see some other tech heads here Quote
BeatLeSS Posted July 22, 2011 Posted July 22, 2011 just dont expect him to show up on time to pub lunches Always good to wine n dine with Gandy! Fashionably late my friend. My team leader doesn't even get me to coffee on time! Quote
buzurk Posted July 26, 2011 Posted July 26, 2011 So many questions to be asked here to gain knowledge of your requirements but in a nutshell i would recommend you stay with a windows server if you are supporting a windows client networkI have been a server admin for several years across all platforms (win, linux, OSX) and can definitely say stick with Windows if you have windows clientsFor a network of your size i would recommend a HP ML150 bundle with SBS Server, this gives you a nice lil server and a solid OS with great features on top, http://www.ht.com.au/part/Y1044-HP-ML15 ... detail.htsensure you get a backup solution also and a UPS for the server, i would recommend backing up data to a tape or usb device and a paid server from backblaze or the link that syncs your data to the cloud alsoIf you want more information, feel free to PM me CapEdit: Dell have some decent server deals too, but you still up around the 3k mark by the time you customise it to match the hp Quote
Duracell Posted July 26, 2011 Posted July 26, 2011 Cap, if you need a hand with any info let me know in a PM i'll swing you my work email addy. But pretty much need to knwo what you've got originally, cos a migration is completely different to a new set up (Seeing how you have existing equipment).Things i would be asking;Is it a domain?How is your email done?I'm guessing the programs you use would be ADL/Realworks?Are all your workstations the professional/business editions of the O/S.Don't go down the MAC path, at 15users you're much better getting a SBS domain if you don't have already.WISEST WHALE Quote
Duracell Posted July 26, 2011 Posted July 26, 2011 PM me the details aswell caps seeing as im in your area I may be able to help. Quote
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