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Looking for a server.

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05-01-2013 , 07:42 AM

Chilltown

SuperMegaElitePoster

Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 40,141

Something to run MS Server 2012, designed for like 100 people.

Zero ****ing idea where to start.

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05-01-2013 , 07:46 AM

mahnahmahnah

adept

Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 805

It would depend more on what the server is to be used for (Active Directory? File and print? Web? SQL? Exchange? All of the above?).

Also, how will you store the server? Do you have a server rack? or will it be an "under the table" server?

I have a similar number of users at work ~ 100 and use entirely HP DL360 / DL380's.

HP are more expensive than the alternatives, but as my old manager used to say "No one ever got fired for using HP"

If you can give more details, I can point you in the right direction.

Last edited by mahnahmahnah; 05-01-2013 at 07:52 AM.

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05-01-2013 , 08:40 AM

Chilltown

SuperMegaElitePoster

Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 40,141

100 users and maybe some wiggle room for like an expansion of 20 more later.

Active Directory a must. Yes to file and printer services. Nay on the other stuff.

Tower server preferably. No server rack.

This is all theoretical for now but I would definitely like more information.

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05-01-2013 , 08:57 AM

mahnahmahnah

adept

Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 805

That should be fairly easy to spec...

Active Directory for 100-150 users (including standard networking services like DNS, DHCP, etc.) will not use much in the way of processing / ram, so the server doesn't need to be highly spec'd.

The main things I would recommend looking for are;
- Raid 5 as a minimum (RAID 10 preferred) - something like a Smart Array P420 controller
- Hot swap HDDs (so if 1 fails, you can replace without turning the server off)

One of my branch offices has this server http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en...961.html?dnr=1 which should be comparable to what you need.

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05-06-2013 , 03:18 PM

Freakin

bacon wannabe

Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 17,153

HP Servers are solid.

Make sure whatever server you get has remote management (HP iLO or equivalent) so you can manage the server without plugging in a keyboard/mouse/monitor.

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05-08-2013 , 05:56 AM

Hasten

stranger

Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 9

What work will do your typical user? What tasks are?

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05-08-2013 , 05:18 PM

Gullanian

Carpal \'Tunnel

Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 14,014

Are you looking to rent or buy a server? If buy, you going to collocate or get a proper line?

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05-08-2013 , 06:31 PM

jmark

Pooh-Bah

Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 3,790

How much storage do you need?

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