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Is there a "best" server brand?

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Originally posted by: RebateMonger
SBS 2003 Release 2 will be given to buyers of OEM or System Builder Servers if you purchase between March 1 and July 31. Retail copies aren't eligible.
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Okay, thanks. Guess I won't worry about it too much if there's no real make-or-break feature changes.

Originally posted by: Boscoh
Build you an Excel workbook with tabs for all the products and hardware you use and keep track of the licenses, keys, date of purchase, place of purchase, and any service contracts or open license numbers you have, and serial numbers of devices. If your business grows like you're hoping it will, the IT manager you hire in 5 years will be grateful for it.
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Great point, thanks.

Originally posted by: spikespiegal
So, I stick to my rec of a Dell SC430 with dual Core P4
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Are the dual-core P4's worth it in a server? I had my doubts based on the lackluster numbers compared to AMD, but then that was more gaming oriented. I am not adverse to the idea of dual-core if it gets me more headroom.
 
Originally posted by: 440sixpack
Are the dual-core P4's worth it in a server? I had my doubts based on the lackluster numbers compared to AMD, but then that was more gaming oriented. I am not adverse to the idea of dual-core if it gets me more headroom.
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As long as it doesn't cost a fortune, dual core would be a good idea.

Dell may try to get you to buy 3rd-party backup software. For most small businesses, there's no need to use anything beyong the built-in SBS Backup Wizard and its NTBackup. It works well and is well understood by small business IT consultants when you need help.

Speaking of which, be aware the CORRECT configuration of SBS is critical. People who've never done it before, even people who have worked with standard Windows Server, tend to make serious mistakes the first time or two they install SBS. You may want to consider locating a Microsoft Small Business Specialist to assist you with your installation and to guide you in applying its many features. He/she can also give you a quick course on how to manage your new SBS Server. It'd probably save you a LOT of time doing it that way.

Many of my new clients come from people who've bought a Dell SBS Server and did their own install or hired an uncertified person to do it. I get to wipe their hard drives and start over. It's REALLY tough to fix some of the mis-configuration errors when newcomers to SBS make a basic mistake or try to go around the Wizards. SBS is pretty easy to manage and use, but it MUST be configured properly to function properly.
 
Originally posted by: 440sixpack
We do plan to lock the server up - I am more uptight about security than my business partner
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Don't forget about AC. Today's CPU's put out a lot of heat. Just one server isn't that big a deal... it just needs to be in a ventilated room ("lock the server up" gives me visions of a closet somewhere).
 
It is a whole room, albeit on the small side, so no closets for this hardware. 😉 We'll be moving to a new location in a couple months so I'll be looking out for a proper room then as well.
 
I had my doubts based on the lackluster numbers compared to AMD
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2.8ghz dual core P4 is no match for a dual core X2 or Opteron in a server role.

HP (and IBM perhaps) might offer a a dual core AMD, but the price will likely go way up, and I'm staying within your budget.

Dual core P4 makes for a solid budget machine.

I've set up one SBS box, and as I recall you need to be really carefull when it comes to the sequence of DNS and Active Directory.
 
Dell or HP.

IBM really sucks. They do some odd shenanigans with their hardware and drivers. Their support is decent but you'll pay out the ass for it.

HP and Dell both have pretty decent support.
Dell is by far the least expensive.
Dell will ship you a box ready to go.
HP is likely going to send you several boxes...not a big deal for a single server I guess. When you buy like 50 though it's a pain in the ass.

Dell is my preference but I wouldn't knock anyone that chose HP.

Buy IBM and I'll laugh at you as your head turns into a big sucker.
 
Are the dual-core P4's worth it in a server?
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Dual Cores are great but i wouldn't spend extra to have it in a server that will support 10 users. Unless it will be running a multi-threaded server app or something like that. take the extra you would have spent on that and buy a extra HD that you can make a hot-spare with. now that is money well spent. HD's always seem to go out right before a holiday or weekend. good luck though
 
Originally posted by: spikespiegal

2.8ghz dual core P4 is no match for a dual core X2 or Opteron in a server role.

HP (and IBM perhaps) might offer a a dual core AMD, but the price will likely go way up, and I'm staying within your budget.

Dual core P4 makes for a solid budget machine.

I've set up one SBS box, and as I recall you need to be really carefull when it comes to the sequence of DNS and Active Directory.
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Okay, that's what I thought. You're right about keeping the budget and what we'll be doing with it in mind. Thanks for the info. 🙂
 
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