Monster Server Build

I apologize for being very vauge but I thought I was giving out enough information..... here's to maybe cleaning it up:

- I need a webserver that can handle intermediate traffic running only some web based sales, store front, and company profiling. I need to be able to integrate email into it later but it's not of immediate importance.

- I need to be able from the file backup and file centre location, to automate backups every evening from the accoutant's computer and grab all the important-to-the-company data files including sales of the day and similar. From all the other computers in the building - 8 - I need to beable to make a centre location for them to deposit backups as well as shared files, some may need protection specific computers so something like permissions need to be set.

- I also need to place our own software router behind the ISP's hardware router. We cannot access the current router ourselves and when ever something needs to be changed, we need to call up the ISP. We can though have our own router infront of it routing and seting up everything.

- I need to be able to run a local database in the short term future - within a year - and have it run smoothly. I believe it will just be a ton of text including companies, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, product, contacts, et cetera.

- I would like to build these series of servers, but after viewing most of the previous posts, somethings maybe a little bit above my head - specificly these massive raid options..... - Would we / I be infact better off with a series of Dell rackmount servers?

I appreciate all the help but I've been tossed into the frying pan now and I need to begin ordering stuff tonight or tomorow

John-Michael
 
1) Do not build your own servers.
2) Do not do all that work on one system.

Go to a OEM and get 2-3 machines, and a RAID 5 setup and a tape drive for whichever holds critical files.
 
Upon further discussion with everyone at work, the file server is something we need _now_ so does any one have any recomendations for a Dell server? :-X
 
BioHazard.89 said:
Upon further discussion with everyone at work, the file server is something we need _now_ so does any one have any recomendations for a Dell server? :-X
Click to expand...

Without any details about your user load or storage requirements, I don't see how you can expect anyone to give you a meaningful recommendation. Do you have one, ten, or a hundred users? Do they each need a meg, 100 megs, or a ten gigs of storage? With what performance and access characteristics?

Maybe you need a little PowerEdge 420 machine with a 250 gig drive. Or maybe you need a couple of dual-proc PowerEdge 2850 machines pushing against a PowerVault storage rig with lots of disk.

Nobody here knows. You certainly don't: your description of the applications for these machines is incredibly vague.

You should push back on the pressure to purchase now and get more details. Or maybe you should have your employer give this task to someone who's ready to handle it. Buying a Dell doesn't excuse you from doing capacity planning or coming to understand RAID.

On the other hand, if your company has enough money to just throw it at hardware and hope it works, then go right ahead: close your eyes and pick something from dell.com.
 
Hah - I agree with everything you say ;) - I don't think I'm infact ready to build a server like this.... my knowledge of RAID only is with 0 and 1.... so infact we will be purchasing a Dell.....

We need about 400 gb of hard drive space.... there's a total of 9 computers in the building...... files will range.... letter heads, engineering pictures and graphics, contracts, basicly any and all files that people would need access to in the building.... Any further questions or comments?

JM
 
Three 300GB Maxtor MaxLineIIIs or Seagate Barracuda 7200.8s in RAID-5 will get you 600GB, as will four of them in RAID-10. However, you will require a SATA host that supports these RAID levels in hardware, or do it in software (not recommended). 3Ware and Braodcom/RAIDCore make good SATA RAID controllers. A 4 port controller will be kind of cramped, as that's only room for the 3 drive array and a hot spare. I'd pick up an 8 port card to allow the array to be expanded as needed and allow you to keep the hot spare. 600GB to start and an 8 port controller will give you some room to grow. You will need a tape system for archiving of this online backup and to handle expanding the array when it becomes necessary. However, I can only offer advice and ideas, I can't make the decision for you. You will need to research what's out there, what's compatible/certified on the system you intend to purchase, and what will meet your needs. For example, many RAID controllers have a cap on array size of 2TB, which may be a concern in the future if your business grows.
 
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