New Server

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  airzone on 31/03/2017 - 20:57

  +1

  What do you want to run on it?

• 

  kipps on 31/03/2017 - 21:39

  Subject to your requirements, the ML10v2 is very good value.

• 

  KitchenSink on 31/03/2017 - 23:36

  +3

  Need more requirements and budget.

  Are you using it as a file server? Domain Controller? Email Server? running Virtual Machines? Rack mountable or just a tower in the corner of the room?

  I've generally worked with HP and their Proliant series especially ML350 lines for small businesses catering 5-25 users. Very robust and reliable, good support from HP, easy to upgrade as users and business grow.
  Dells are another option. Don't know much about Lenovo, but i'm assuming its rather similar to HP and Dell.

  or you can just build a server using consumer parts and hope for the best. If you're tech savvy you can probably get away with this but you'd need server OS knowledge.

• 

  AlienC on 01/04/2017 - 05:16

  -1

  This sounds like a mine con question. I am ashamed enough to know what mine con is :(

• 

  kywst on 01/04/2017 - 09:56

  Storage or VMs? Very different specifications.

  Is there a reason why you want this server to be hosted locally? i.e. Large file transfers (video editing/big data)
  Do you have data redundancy requirements? i.e. What happens if the server gets hit by a cyclone, flood, earthquake and fire in a day and you lose all your data?
  Can you not use a provider such as Vultr?
  If you're asking what server to get … who will install/configure/maintain this server?
  Do you need a server or are you actually after some specific services?

• 

  morgs640 on 01/04/2017 - 14:00

  Thanks for the replies it will be used for file sharing and running a few applications from currently we are just using a workstation with raid 1, which seems to be sufficient but our owner wants a server. Will we see any benefit from this or does it seem a little pointless?

  • 

    KitchenSink on 01/04/2017 - 15:52

    +1

    Any benefits? That depends on your configuration. There's a lot of variables that can make a huge difference to performance vs business workflow.

    For example, You can get better performance buy getting a new RAID controller or changing the RAID1 to a RAID 5 with more hard drives (but do a backup FIRST) and keep the same workstation. This is a cheap option from the top of my head but can also take some time depending on how much data you have.
    You can add RAM, upgrade the CPU etc like a normal computer. or upgrade network devices.

    Or you can get better workflow if you make the server work for you by tailoring it to your business needs.

    Its more than just buying a piece of hardware and putting it in the corner. I suggest you consult a IT guy or Consultant to analyse the business requirements and let them make a better judgement rather than asking the average user off here.

    I've dealt with many small businesses who thought of buying a server but really didnt realise of the potential the server can do for the business, they just thought its a piece of hardware to store and share files. Hope that helps

    • 

      morgs640 on 02/04/2017 - 15:29

      Thanks mate.