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Need help with Servers

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  • Servers
  • Business Computing
Last response: in Business Computing
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March 29, 2013 5:25:41 AM

I am starting a new business but have no knowledge of servers.

We will have 40 workstations and there is already a server room.

I need help, do we need a file server, web server and print server?

Can we have one server that does all of these jobs?

More about : servers

March 29, 2013 5:34:45 AM

File and print services can generally be handled by a single server. The web site should be on its own server(s). Depending on how much web traffic you expect to get, you may wish to consider co-locating with a web service provider who has much bigger internet pipes than your business can otherwise justify. They may also offer database services that may be needed in conjunction with the web site. As complex as this can quickly become, you would probably do well to speak to a local consultant, preferably one familiar with your business, not just computers and servers.
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March 29, 2013 5:44:10 AM

Onus said:
File and print services can generally be handled by a single server. The web site should be on its own server(s). Depending on how much web traffic you expect to get, you may wish to consider co-locating with a web service provider who has much bigger internet pipes than your business can otherwise justify. They may also offer database services that may be needed in conjunction with the web site. As complex as this can quickly become, you would probably do well to speak to a local consultant, preferably one familiar with your business, not just computers and servers.


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March 29, 2013 5:47:23 AM

Thank you for replying. One server to do file and print would be great and save money.

If I wanted the server to do other things ike dns and dhcp?I guess I could use the domain controller for these?
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March 29, 2013 6:07:50 AM

You might want to consider Windows Server Essentials, previously called Small Business server. It comes with a license for up to 25 users and you could use it for everything other than web hosting. Put it on some decent hardware and it should serve you well.
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March 29, 2013 6:14:36 AM

Depending on how you have your switch(es) set up, it or they may handle the DHCP, and DNS services will still likely be provided by your ISP. Once again, the unique details of your environment will likely best be handled by a local consultant. You may wish to visit (non-competitor) businesses of similar size in your area for recommendations.
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March 29, 2013 7:16:09 AM

For the size of your business, and the several various roles you may be looking into, I'd at least suggest Server 2012 Standard, instead of the Essentials. You have the benefit of control for larger networks and more flexibility with virtualization. If you're going to be running a domain controller, print server, storage server, DHCP, DNS, and even possibly web servers, then you are better off utilizing virtualization to give you multiple virtual servers on the same physical hardware.

In addition, given the size of your business, you need to do a lot of evaluation to weigh what it acceptable down time if your server goes offline. Especially if you do plan on putting everything onto one physical server. With the size of your business, and depending upon the business critical roles needed on the server, I'd recommend evaluating how to either implement high availability or at the very least a backup server that you can move virtual machines to and turn on in the event that your primary server goes offline.
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April 1, 2013 7:28:21 AM

I just want to echo what Onus said. Please find a local consultant. If you are going to do everything in house, and have 'little knowledge of servers' you will be leaving yourself, your employees, and your business wide open.
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