setting up a server based network

[rcasellas]

I'm on the verge of upgrading the current computer setup at my office. It consists of two dell servers running single core xeons, two dell laptops and a dell desktop. The reason I'm writing to this forum is that I'm wondering if there is a more efficient/better way to set up my network given my computing needs. I work with relatively large numbers of patients, each with their own electronic file that contains various pieces of data such as PDF files, and scans. All this data must be backed up daily. Also, each of the computers in the network must be able to access this database and make changes to it in real time. Currently, one of the dell servers serves as the central hub, but this computer is used as a desktop too. This same computer runs iTunes with a lot of songs (to provide ambiance music for the waiting room). I believe that this combined with the large amount of read/write operations due to the database software has led that computer to experience several hard drive faliures. Is there a better way to set up my network? Budgetwise, I'd be willing to spend up to 6k. Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions you guys might offer.

 

[Nocturnal]

I don't necessarily think that would cause a hard drive to fail. Do you have a UPS in place? If not, then I would suggest, with such critical information, that you invest in one. Also, are you the sole person who setup this network? If not, I would seriously consult that person who you normally use. This is a touchy subject, I would think, since you are dealing with patient information.

 

[rcasellas]

you're completely right. ups is in place and I am the person that set the network up. the patient information is properly backed up, but i would like to reduce computer redundancy and maybe make the network as a whole work more efficiently

 

[MerlinRML]

First of all, you didn't actually mention a single thing about your network other than to say that you have one. Everything you're looking at is server-focused.

So you're focusing on the disk system as being too slow. If your server disk I/O is your bottleneck, you should look at upgrading the storage system. Without knowing any more details, it's hard to tell you what to do.

Some easy options might be installing faster disks. Or you could try installing more disks and separating which applications hit each disk (if your OS, database/applications, and iTunes are all hitting the same disk constantly you may be working the disk pretty hard).

Also, it wouldn't be a bad idea to run RAID 1 if you're having regular disk failures. This will give you better uptime in the event of your disk failures. Just make sure you keep doing your regular backups, too.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Do you have raid in place in this server if not, look at getting a raid 5 for better performance and redudancy

 

[SilthDraeth]

Definitely price one new server. Get a raid 5 setup as RadiclDreamer mentioned. Invest a bit heavier in the Ram, I say minimum of 4gb. Maybe 8gbs. Run a virtual server on top of this server, that is your itunes server.

Don't use the server as a workstation. The server should only be used as a server.

More details needed to add anymore suggestions.

 

[SilthDraeth]

Oh yes, one more thing. I know that budget is obviously a concern for you... but try to give yourself some leeway. Setting a hard figure on server upgrades can run into problems, with you buying cheaper in the beginning, but your total cost of ownership ends up being significantly higher. Hard drives with a 5 year warranty, ie Seagate is a good choice. Hitachi also makes quality drives. Since you are running single core xeons, I am making a guess that your servers are quite old.

 

[RebateMonger]

NEVER use a Server as a desktop PC. You are asking for accidental data loss or for trojan/virus/spyware contamination on your Server.

Last Spring I was asked to assist in the reconfiguration of a Server 2003. This was a paycheck-cashing facility and they wanted greater security. I saw that they were using the Server as a Quickbooks workstation and advised them to buy a cheap Dell desktop instead. They did so immediately

I installed ISA Server 2004 on their Server, to give them better management of their web access. But I couldn't get ISA to install correctly. The problem, it turned out, was that ISA couldn't listen on its normal port. It couldn't use the normal port because an employee had accidentally installed a trojan. TWO of them, in fact. These were sitting there listening 24/7 for commands from the Server's REAL "owner", somewhere on the Internet. One mistaken click by an employee working in Quickbooks had handed their Server to a complete stranger.

Basic hardware requirements for an office file server:
ECC memory
RAID 1 or RAID 5 hard drive array
Ongoing offsite backups
UPS

As you likely realize, you are subject to HIPAA regulations (assuming you are in the U.S.A.) I suggest you either have an IT professional (experienced in Medical offices) design your network, or at least have him/her survey your site and make recommendations on how to make your network secure.

For $6K you can easily have a whole new Server, with everything mentioned above, and SBS 2003 installed and properly configured by an expert.