New SIMS/Admin server

Having just started at this school recently, I've been checking out the present systems and have discovered our admin/SIMS server is in dire need of replacement. We currently have SIMS, FMS, NovaT, etc on Server 2k3 running on a Compaq ProLiant ML330 that's also acting as a domain controller, DNS, file & print server.

I'm currently considering a Dell Poweredge as our curriculum server is a Poweredge 2800 and it has yet to give any problems.

I'm working on a budget of as little as possible as this isn't an item the school had budgeted for. That said, I suspect this server will be in use for at least as long as the current one (which seems to have been here longer than most of the staff) so I'm trying to plan for future expansion, ie: online registration, assesments, Governments next white elephant, etc..

If anyone can point me at the sort of spec I should be looking at I'd appreciate it.

http://home.capitaes.co.uk/sims/down...dware_spec.pdf

Well according to the Capita, your server is more than up to the job ;)

I think that common sense should prevail - you're speccing up a SQL server so plan for that. Lots of RAM and fast hard disks. You can then use your old server for the menial roles of DC, DNS, etc.

Gees, they are low specs needed, talk about low! NYCC / Serco suggest this for Facility CMIS:
http://www.schoolsict.co.uk/html/sup...mendations.asp

Thanks for the replies, I'm pretty sure of the spec I'm after now.

Now to see just how much I can squeeze out of next years budget

I've asked for the money to build a new SIMS server next year. I've asked for about £3000 I think.

£3000 sounds about the right amount to ask for to get a 2800. We got one with 8x36GB drives and a tape drive/tapes as a SIMS server last year and if my memory serves me right it was just under £3000. Dont forget that Misco are resellers for Dell even though they are not allowed to advertise it. We use them regularly and every time they have beaten Dell by miles.