Help in setting up a server for small business

[harpons]

Hi all,

We are in the process of researching of what type of server do we need. We could use some help or someone that can point us to the right direction.

We have a small business with about 15 people working from their home.
And we need to build a File Server where everyone can access the files located on the server from their home through the internet with some sort of security. (maybe SSL???)

Secondly, it needs to be able to host a web access application that is made on VB.NET.

From the research so far, we have this setup in mind.
Dell/HP with AMD 2.0GHz Quad core, 4GB ram, 500GB Sata Hd running Windows 2008 server.

For backup solution, we are thinking about getting two hds, hook one up with removable bay on the server with automated backup everynight. And swap the hds every week so that we always have one onsite and one offsite. (is there any safer suggestions? maybe a NAS? RAID?)

And of course, from reading the comments in the forum, an UPS and a good AV is a must.

Can anyone give us suggestions, are we on the right track? And if our setup is over/under killed.

Thank you very much for your time!

Edit: We do understand that the internet connection (upload speed) where the server is located may be pulling down the performance to other users, we are planning to running 2-3 dsl with mlppp that binds the speed together archiving 15/1.5 (down/up) .

 

[mpilchfamily]

THe solutio0n your talking about will not be able to sit on a residential DLS line. You will have to get and pay for a full buisness internet connection which will have the upload speeds your system will need.

I suggest you get in dirrect contact with Dell or HP about a buisness server solution. They will be able to work with you to figure out the best solution for your needs. Considering there will be abot 15 people on this server at one time you'll want a full server with dual PCUs and upwards of about 8 to 16 GB of RAM. The the Dell/HP reps will be able to help sort that out for you.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
THe solutio0n your talking about will not be able to sit on a residential DLS line. You will have to get and pay for a full buisness internet connection which will have the upload speeds your system will need.

I suggest you get in dirrect contact with Dell or HP about a buisness server solution. They will be able to work with you to figure out the best solution for your needs. Considering there will be abot 15 people on this server at one time you'll want a full server with dual PCUs and upwards of about 8 to 16 GB of RAM. The the Dell/HP reps will be able to help sort that out for you.

Sorry I don't agree with this. It's a file server for 15 people and it runs a simple web app. You don't need anywhere near 16GB of memory, 1GB would be fine, and as for the dual CPUs... what for? There's hardly any processing going on. Any new midrange CPU will be complete overkill. I have cellphones which could do this.

You might want to think about renting a low-end dedicated server, or maybe even a good virtual server, from a reputable hosting company. Off site that is. It will run the web app no problem - that's what it's designed for - and it will also give you a ridiculous internet connection to eliminate any lag on the server side when your users transfer files. They can SCP for secure file transfer. You can also get the hosting company to back everything up for you. If you want your own server the specs you list are fine but keep in mind you'll have to set everything up yourself. You might want to consider RAID 1, but in any case, a hard drive is not a backup. You have to burn everything to DVD or tape and put it away somewhere safe.

 

[harpons]

Thank you very much for the replies mpilchfamily and Atheus.

I'll contact with HP/Dell first thing on Monday.
In the mean time, I'll take a look at renting, or virtual server.
Yes, the internet connection is worrying us at the moment. We will re-evaluate that too.
Thanks again.
Have a great day.

 

[ch33zw1z]

What's your budget? I encourage RAID to ensure server uptime, but RAID is not a back solution. Atheus has the right idea. DVD, Tape, or something along those lines. Budget is very important in these scenarios.

 

[harpons]

ch33zw1z, thanks for your reply.
With everything said and done, we have around $3000 +/- $500 to work with.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: harpons
Hi all,

We are in the process of researching of what type of server do we need. We could use some help or someone that can point us to the right direction.

We have a small business with about 15 people working from their home.
And we need to build a File Server where everyone can access the files located on the server from their home through the internet with some sort of security. (maybe SSL???)

Secondly, it needs to be able to host a web access application that is made on VB.NET.

From the research so far, we have this setup in mind.
Dell/HP with AMD 2.0GHz Quad core, 4GB ram, 500GB Sata Hd running Windows 2008 server.

For backup solution, we are thinking about getting two hds, hook one up with removable bay on the server with automated backup everynight. And swap the hds every week so that we always have one onsite and one offsite. (is there any safer suggestions? maybe a NAS? RAID?)

And of course, from reading the comments in the forum, an UPS and a good AV is a must.

Can anyone give us suggestions, are we on the right track? And if our setup is over/under killed.

Thank you very much for your time!

Edit: We do understand that the internet connection (upload speed) where the server is located may be pulling down the performance to other users, we are planning to running 2-3 dsl with mlppp that binds the speed together archiving 15/1.5 (down/up) .

depending on the file sizes that are going to be transferred...that is no where near enough.

You would be better of setting up the box in a collocation on a 100mb/1000mb port...maybe even renting the server instead of purchasing it yourself. That way it's managed, backups are dealt with by the management company, and you have piece of mind knowing your hardware is being looked after.