Small Office Server ($1800 to $5000)
A server is a computer on a network that manages network resources, centralizes storage and security, and runs applications. Usually, servers are dedicated to performing server tasks and are not used as a workstation. Typical examples of a server are: a) file server where network users have access to a central file storage location, b) a print server where the server manages one or more printers, c) a network server that manages network traffic, d) an email server where emails are managed and housed, and e) a database server that processes database queries. In smaller organizations, one server usually performs all or some of these tasks. Larger enterprises will often have separate servers for each function. In most cases, an organization should have 10 or more users to justify deploying a server.
Most servers use some form of RAID (redundant array of independent disks) technology, which improves fault tolerance and performance. RAID systems store data on more than one drive, ensuring that if one drive fails no data will be lost. RAID 1, or “mirroring” writes data simultaneously to two drives. RAID 5, or “striping” writes data simultaneously to three or more drives. RAID 5 is best for reliability and performance, while RAID 1 is acceptable for very basic small office servers.
Since servers are essentially computers that are turned on and run 24 hours a day/365 days a year, budget to migrate to a new server approximately every 5 years at a maximum. Additionally, be wary of donated or used servers. It is not a good idea to load all of your critical data and processes on older equipment that has been turned on and running for years before you receive it.
Consider:
- Setup, configuration and maintenance will cost more than the hardware.
- Servers are “shared” and need to be as reliable and fast as you can afford.
- Server set up and client set up takes about 2 days (16 hours) for basic 10-20 person office – more time for data conversation from old server.
- Processor speed, hard drive speed & size, and RAM are important factors in server performance and should be maximized.
- Video card and monitor are not important.
- 3 year warranty is a must.
- Use a dedicated hardware RAID controller (SCSI or SATA) Do NOT use the “on-board” controller.
- Server Backups – External USB Hard Drive solution or tape drive is appropriate for most servers.
- When obtaining a network operating system like Small Business Server, be sure to acquire enough client area licenses (CALs) for each user or computer in your organization.One CAL is required for each user or computer on your network.
- If eligible, order operating system for the server (Windows Small Business Server or Windows Server 2003) and the appropriate CALs from TechSoup rather than the server manufacturer to save a significant amount of money
- A server should run an enterprise antivirus program such as Symantec Corporate Edition 10.2 (available from TechSoup at a discount for eligible nonprofits).
- Servers are very expensive pieces of office equipment and should be protected from power outages and surges with a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with a rating of at least 1500 VAs.
Recommended server specs for a 10-25 person office:
- Dual or Quad core processor
- 4 GB of RAM
- Windows Small Business Server or Server 2003
- Gigabit network card
- Add-in SATA controller card supporting RAID 1, 5, or 10
- 2 to 4 SATA hard drives (depending on RAID configuration) at least 250GB each
- CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive
- Minimum of 3 year hardware warranty
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