Server Recommendation Please

Thanks for the input everyone. Some of the Dell machines mention Windows Storage Server 2003 Express - I'm aware of Storage Server 2003, but not the Express edition. Anyone know what this is?

Also, one possibility I discussed with a colleague would be to run a box with Storage Server 2003 with a Raid 1 array. We could then move all our critical user data to this server. I'd like to try and simplify the setup that we have at the moment. As with most things IT, the servers have grown as the school network has grown. We have 4 DCs, all with SCSI but none with any kind of RAID. User data is spread across a couple of them, with Exchange on another and ISA on another. To me (who only started here a few weeks ago) it's a potential problems that needs addressing. We are committed to buying a new server; does my suggestion sound reasonable? Any advice gratefully received - my last school was a single server NT 4 domain where backup fitted on a single tape cassette!

I think the main difference between the Storage server version is the Express version does not support external drives.

I use HP Proliants - DL380 and ML370's. Just got 4 G4 DL380's, seem nice, just need eardefenders to be in the same room as them :)

Hi like john we use HP Proliants -ML350 G3 (have three of them) and (one of them) G4 which are great and are noisy but do the job perfectly would definatly recommend them. they are great because you can have the basic model for upgrade it to what spec you need, you can also have hardware raid controller in it if you want for software raid through windows personally recommend hardware raid

Nutt

Historically our school has bought built to order CSE servers- until I started working there. We have since shifted to Dell PowerEdge servers and never had a problem at all.

As others have mentioned, HP are a good make too- what you should normally think of is support structure (that's why we don't buy off CSE anymore ;-)

Paul

I have 10 Sun servers (lovely) and an EMC SAN :D All were good value and seem to be doing the trick.

Support is a big thing, and touch wood the servers from HP never fail, but HP support are the pitts! I thought Dell was terrible, but trust me HP are the worst ever! My advice is never puchase an upgraded care pack from the standard 1-3 days as HP never meet the 24 hr turn around or the better levels.

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Originally Posted by Ric_

Remember though, if you just need to increase the storage space for your existing servers a SAN may be better - this will alllow block-level access which means you can pop your databases on there, along with Exchange, etc. plus share out files.

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Hi - I'm just being gifted a SAN box (IBM DS400) (lucky me :wink: ) - any advice on the best sort of setup for it - it'll be carrying dbs, Exchange and everyone files - cheers

good to see fellow Proliant ML350 users :)

Going (i think) for a HP Proliant ML150 G2:

http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpr...t_id=HPIA041B7
(cant remember the exact one as there are a few listed but the model is the same)

with 1GB RAM, 2 x 80GB SATA, Adaptec RAID SATA-2 controller, and some other bits and bobs i forget too, for our Exchange 2k3 email box (should be just the ticket as theres only 300 pupils & 50 staff so this should be ideal (i hope/pray).

Looking forward to access work email from home (yes, I'm sad like that lol)

Regards
Nath

@Targuel: Fell out with Insight since they didn't deliver when they promised (in fact I cancelled the order and reordered from elsewhere who delivered it the next day) - hence Insight lost a £4500 order. Messed me about for 3 weeks!!! :angry:

@SpuffMonkey: Good to see that others have seen the light and are buying SANs rather than nasty overpriced NAS-boxes :D

Shame ric - i've never myself had a problem with them.

Unfortunately, its all courier permitting i'd say lol [unless you paid extra for a definate next day]

I thankfully have never had to return a item i've placed thats been the wrong one [only when its the wrong one when either the distribution point has messed up or account manager put down the wrong one lol]

The ict co-ordinator moans why I only use them i hear, but he doesnt do any quoting anymore - except for getting these compatible toners for some of the printers [my poor lovely hp machines]

sorry /rant ;)

Nath,.

http://www.nec-online.co.uk/product/...Id_ProDis=3591

i use an nec-Select TW100, very reliable, very good value for money. Dell poweredge servers are also very reliable (but don't touch their workstations). hp servers are over-rated in my opinion and annoyingly noisy.

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Originally Posted by Ric_

I have 10 Sun servers (lovely) and an EMC SAN :D All were good value and seem to be doing the trick.

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Which EMC? I've just got a CX300 with a Dell 1855 Blade Center (with 6 Blades). I'm using it to run VMware ESX server (with a virtualcenter managment server - also does the backup to a lto library).

I'm about to start building virtual machines for production, I'll have to let you know how it goes :)

6 Months ago I knew nothing about SANs, now I get told off by Dell for doing my own flare upgrade :P

David

Edit: Spelling - typing in the dark at open evening

@DMcCoy: Nothing as fancy as that I'm afraid - just a plain old AX100 :(

That's one seriously fancy setup that you have going there (although I wouldn't have bought all that stuff off Dell ;) )

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Originally Posted by Ric_

@DMcCoy: Nothing as fancy as that I'm afraid - just a plain old AX100 :(

That's one seriously fancy setup that you have going there (although I wouldn't have bought all that stuff off Dell ;) )

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Well, I'm not happy with my old compaqs and IBM didn't even respond.

Dell came to visit, and gave me a nice discount due to wanting a reference as they didn't have any other schools running ESX. I've had the servers for 6 months but implementation has been delayed due to needing to find a high capacity power source for the server room and installing air conditioning. I've worked everything out now though, just need to build the VMs and I'm done.