Process of putting business server "online"

[Drakkon]

So a small company here leases a line, has a static IP they are paying for, and gone through all the loops so that we can use our machine for any sort of server if we want.
Now we already own a domain name and have been operating off it for some time, but want to transfer it all to our own internal network so things like email, calendar, etc can go through this domain name.
Is there a class, book, guide online, whatever that steps through the process of what is needed to get www.mycompanyname.com to actually connect to an ip of a computer you own? I know how to buy a domain name, set it up with hosting companies, and i know it has "something" to do with the nameservers and having those direct properly, but what goes into setting up a nameserver, setting up the point from ip to comp, and those sort of things?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I would get someone to manage it for you, that will be the easiest and most reliable options.

Also, you should consider having it put in a datacenter or you can just rent a server at a datacenter with server management. I'll PM you some personal preferences!

 

[JackMDS]

Connecting to the Internet is a 10minute issue.

Deciding on what type of server and how to set it up is the important thing.

As an Example if your number of internal computer is about 60 or less you can install Windows2003 Small Business Server Premium Edition (if you perceive more then 60-70 LAN sits it is the same solution but you have to go with the Regular Windows 2003 package which is more expensive).

It would provide you with Windows 2003 SBS + Exchange Server (email) + ISA server (Firewall) + SQL server (Data Base).

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/howtobuy/pricing.mspx#EPAA

If this is a route you decide to go with, buy a book take a class and learn how to administer Windows SBS. Once you know how to set and administer Windows 2003, connecting to the Internet is the least of your worries. You can get a DNS service for few $$$ and you point it to your IP/Domain.

If you are not familiar with the DNS issue read this page (it is geared toward home users but it the same story for other Network as well) : Connecting to a Network/Computer/Server through the Internet?

:sun:

 

[Drakkon]

Already have SBS 2003 setup and running well, company only 15 people in size, deal with MASSIVE ammounts of data (video, already have a 4TB storage thing going on) so has to be managed locally (which is done so already). We looked at datacenters and cost was just too much or wouldn't handle what we're storing anyways so just not worth it to go that route. Already took the basic class on how to setup and administer 2K3 as a domain solution for a network that isn't connected to outside world so I got that far, but they said nothing in how to connect the ip with nameservers, setup exchange and those sort of things. Got the books on SBS and they prettymuch assume you've already connected it to the outside world and have it running as a webserver which is kind of annoying. Already using DNS redirection, the dyndns service and all that and that was fine and easy to setup but the domain name just looks ugly and would like to use our own if its possible.
I'm not saying i want or need another solution (who knows if I'll even do this permanently, we were going to buy a cheap domain to play around with this idea first anyways)....I'm just asking what it takes to get a .com to direct to a local computer...

 

[JackMDS]

You can use your own Domain name with the DNS service as well.

Here is a list of most free (and for pay) DNS Services.

http://www.directupdate.net/services.html

The important aspects of the table in the link bellow are the first two columns.
Link to: DNS Services.

Column 1 - Sub Domains. It means that you do not have to buy any Internet Domain (as an example www.ezlan.net is a name of a domain). Your Domain becomes a sub domain of the service.

Example: If you subscribe to the DNS service www.myip.us as "jack" your Internet address would be http://jack.myip.us (notice no www since it is sub domain of www.myip.us).

Column 2 - Custom Domain. The DNS service might be free but it requires you to buy a Domain before you start to use the service. The cost of a Domain is about $7-$15 per year.

The DNS service will provide the redirection service but your Internet address will be your domain. I.e. if you bought the Domain www.jack.com any one who types www.jack.com into their browser will be Routed to your Server.

Quote from: ( http://www.ezlan.net/myip.html) ).

Your solution is in Column 2, and you do not need to buy a book.

:sun:

 

[Drakkon]

cool thats exactly what i was thinking of and looking for is their any advantage of a pay service vs a free service? (besides you get what u pay for of course)

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Drakkon
cool thats exactly what i was thinking of and looking for is their any advantage of a pay service vs a free service? (besides you get what u pay for of course)

Should not as long as they are around (Some of the Frees tend to disappear).

eNom is cited on this table as providing this service for $5.99

eNom.com is a real TLD registrar, so if it is available I would go with eNom.

:sun: