How to become a huge server?

[maxhornbeck]

I'm gathering information on the process of becoming a server capable of streaming video files to millions of users. I was first wondering if anyone knew of documentation that perhaps explains the process. Second, does anyone know how much it could cost and know of any companies that install servers?

Thanks

Max

 

[montag451]

I would think, the first thing you would need is some racks of many gigaterrabytes of hdd's.
If you are doing this, it may serve you well to have your own tech supp department, rather than relying on external ppl.

 

[maxhornbeck]

It's most probable that I would need a lot of storage space. But what about the connection I would need. Does one obtain a backbone OC3 type connection to serve tons of people? Who provides the OC3, or OC12. Is there a company that will come and set up all the proper server hardrives as well as facilitate a fast connection to some sort of internet backbone?

 

[jhu]

how to become a server? that may fall into the realm of impossibility until sufficently advanced technology arises.

 

[Bassyhead]

Originally posted by: jhu
how to become a server? that may fall into the realm of impossibility until sufficently advanced technology arises.

yep

 

[sdifox]

If you are asking these questions here, I think you need to hire someone.
These are a few things I can think of right now.

1. You can get OC3-12 into your building if you are willing to pay for the link. Your building may not have the connection yet to let you buy OC3-12.

2. millions of people? Tons of money, and I mean thousand dollar bills weighting in at x metric Tons.
3. Server room space, plan on tons of servers, tons of storage, tons of cooling, UPS and generator.
4. Staff, you need people to take care of these servers + configuration of them.

I am sure there are consulting firms willing to take this on, but is your company willing to pay for it?

 

[maxhornbeck]

Yeah, the company I work for is willing to pay. But as of right now I can't even find a company that offers consulting services for building and hosting servers. Does anyone know of a company or a few companies that do such a thing? So far I know that we'll need lots of hardrives, someone to maintain the server, and a fast OC3-12 connection. I sorta knew this from the beginning, but my question to the board is HOW does one obtain these things and from who?

 

[jlbenedict]

whoever manages your contracting & assets department would most likely be the department within your organiztion that would need to get the ball rolling on this..

need to analyze your needs and your target audience first off..
Of course in any network infrastructure.. you're going to need numerous amounts of racks, servers, SAN devices, and other resources..
contracting support, vendor specific support, telecom infrastructure support, etc... etc.. etc..

its a long, drawn out process, and isn't just as simple as a fast connection and lots of space..

 

[MrDudeMan]

getting hard drives in the gigabytes is wrong...you will need terrabytes. if you want to know how to get an uber internet connection to your location, you could always try calling local ISPs to see if they can offer any information. i doubt they will help much but its worth a shot.

 

[pm]

The main providers of high speed links are the Baby Bells - whichever is in your area... in our area, it's unfortunately, Qwest. Contact their "large business" department regarding "high-capacity data" or whatever their web page terms it. One nice about dealing with large sums of money - I was a bit staggered by what our OC1 runs us - is that you never have to wait on hold. You should get through to someone instantly and they can direct you from there... we had them send out a representative who met with us, looked at our set up and then presented our options.

As far as setting up a server farm, if I had a fairly good idea of what I wanted, I would probably talk to HP, Sun and IBM first. Calling up IBM's services group - probably their "Network solutions group" and they will likely be exceedingly happy to meet with you regarding setting up your server infrastructure. Both companies have recently been pushing completely tailoring packaged services, often leased, in recent years. So they will help set the whole thing up too.

The lead times on all of the above - but particularly the data connection - are fairly long. I would start with your local Baby Bell and work from there.

 

[Xyo II]

This belongs in networking, doesn't it?
For shame on all of us.