my office needs a server for backup and file sharing

[SoFChef]

since everyone here is on a laptop, my office needs a server for backup and file sharing. Our "tech support" is back in Ill. I've been tasked to make this happen, so I'm asking for pointers. I need something I can get in the office quick and plug in to the existing network without shaking things up too much. I can handle basic active directory management and I can install/start services as required. The current office network allows us to vpn back to our divisional hq for exchange access. All we have now is just a linksys router and some switches. I don't want to touch that if possible. I also would like to leave the networked printer setup as-is. I can order whatever is REQUIRED. No bells and whistles. Something like this:

300GB or more storage space, RAID 1
1GB RAM or more
P4 or better
Win2k3 Server
===============> if this list is deficient, feel free to add to it, with justification
===============> and let me know if it's over kill for ~10 people w/ no large CAD or Media files

On the outside chance this is simpler than I am imagining, I could build this myself. Once the box is hooked up, our Ill. tech guy can RDP in and work the rest. Let me know what you think.

TIA

 

[mechBgon]

I would add:

• tape-backup system with tapes (you got someone reliable who can change tapes for you?)
• high-quality uninterruptible power supply with plenty of capacity, something like this

Tape backup is "real" backup. You can go back in time and get stuff that got deleted, corrupted, virus-infected, or blank-saved. RAID1 is a good thing, but it's nothing more than fault-tolerance, so make sure that if you're putting all your eggs in one basket, that the basket has a tape-backup system

Best practices call for some of the tapes to be off-site in case ____________ (pipes break, building burns down, thieves steal the server at night, whatever), so possibly get a safe-deposit box at a bank that's within walking distance?

When you set up the server, take the time to document everything that an outsider would need to know in order to pick up the reins. Usernames, passwords, settings, what's what, why it's that way, where the server's recovery discs are, etc. Make sure the key people know where that info can be found (you want a copy on CD or printed in case the server dies, too).

(where I used to work, by the time I left, I'd built enough documentation to fill two DVD-Rs :Q)

 

[SoFChef]

Thanks mechBgon