Recommended Servers

[gazzanewpy2]

I am about to develop a new network from scratch and have to investigate the best servers available. The establishment is looking at between £3k to £6 per server. Within that range, what would members recommend?

I prefer the IBM range but have heard some detrimental points. HP, Dell, or other? I'm going for branded this time since the new system requires stability and reliability with relatively heavy loading.

I know this is a software forum but the hardware server area is full of specifics and we are going to use W2003 so your experiences are invaluable.

 

[skialta]

I suspect you will find Dell to be the least expensive, however you will need to provide more info about what you plan to do with your servers. What will you need servers for? File, Print, SQL, Exchange, etc, etc. HP also makes a nice product, however they are not typically as cheap as Dell.

 

[gazzanewpy2]

Good thought!

Okay, one server will be for looking after the majority of users and thus looking after all accounts and the folder redirections for most users. There will also be shared areas for these users to access (though access will be through DFS).

One server will be used for the most sensitive users and will hold their folders and shared areas (again accessible through DFS). A SQL Server application will also be hosted via this server.

One server will be purely an Exchange Server.

A further server will be used as a print server. This will be a low-load server and as such will also host DFS, SUS, RSI, MSIs, etc.

A final server is being supplied and will be used purely for security and system monitoring purposes.

Therefore the first 4 servers I need to source out.

I will state that cost is not the final decision. If there is a difference of a £1000 or so but a far better server then the difference will be found. The system will need to handle 400-500 workstations and laptops, through wired and wireless technology and allow up to 1200 user accounts to be managed.

 

[Sampar]

forget dell, go for

http://www.rackmountetc.com

if you are in us, or

http://www.atic.ca

in canada, supermicro server r reliable and cheap

best regards

 

[Sampar]

Oh one more thing, make sure to know if your company is welling to upgrade or not ur servers, like change cpu, add rams and etc or just make a big buy and stick with it for 5-10yrs.

For a rack, dell as some decent prices, for used rack:

http://www.auctiondepot.com

expect to pay 300-600$us shipping tho. but u can get a 42u compaq rack for 110us rofl

Also, make sure to get a good ups system. Something like a APC SU2200RMXL3U

http://www.apc.com/resource/include...ku=SU2200RMXL3U&fnl=4607,5&fnl_basket=4607,6c

make sure to have a 30A power source tho!

This will support ur 4 servers and switchs with no problem for a good 30-45mins

Cheers


Best regards,

 

[gazzanewpy2]

I ought to point out that I am a brit and so unless shipping costs are reasonable I have to use international.

The intention is to have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years for the servers (realistically we are planning for 2 to 3 years since they are building a completely new building in 2 years time and may look at a completely new system as well). Maintenance must be kept to a min.

Thanks for the UPS. I've always used APC but the model details are brilliant. Thanks for this!