OT: I need to set up a small business server

The Avon Lady · 01-31-06, 09:08 AM

Dummy here in need of establishing some web accessable applications on a server. No prior experience.

This is a start-from-scratch project. The ultimate objective, if possible is to make everything K-I-S-S compliant. That stand for "Keep It Simple, Stupid" for those who thought otherwise.

Let's start from the top down. I work for a small company that needs to implement the following 2 applications, for starters:

1) Problem/Incident tracking, allowing for registered customers and company staff to submit incidents and recommendations as well as company staff updating records as necessary.

2) A wiki, to be used to retain product documentation and FAQ information, with full public read access, and update access to registered users only.

FYI, these apps must be hosted from within the company's domain name. So subscription services for such apps hosted elsewhere is out.

There are several commercial and freeware packages available for both of the above. Recommendations will be needed.

However, now comes the really tricky part:

What kind of server should these be hosted on? Dedicated? In house? Hosted by a WEB hosting company? If the latter, some of these apps need to be installed by running an installer locally on the server. Can that be done?

What kind of server? Windows? Linux? Other?

What about security?

I'm sure there are other points I've missed between the top of the post and here.

Finally, and very important, where is there an appropriate forum where ignoramuses like me can continue this discussion, with a helpful forum members present, where I won't be laughed at too much?

TIA!

sonar732 · 01-31-06, 10:13 AM

Since you don't have prior experience, I'd suggest for you to use W00 or W03 server. Keep it inside your intranet for employees to access.

Gizzmoe · 01-31-06, 10:15 AM

Some starter questions...

WhatÂ´s the budget?

How many people are working there?

How many customers need access?

WhatÂ´s the IT infrastructure (current file server)?

How fast is the Internet uplink and downlink?

Do they already have a homepage, if so, is the server in-house?

If thereÂ´s already an in-house webserver, what kind of system is it (CPU, RAM, HD, Tape steamer)?

Will this be a text-only database or will there also be (hi-res) pictures in it?

How many new database records will there be per month (approx.)?

Will those database records expire after some time or is there a need to access or archive them for years?

The Avon Lady · 01-31-06, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizzmoe

Some starter questions...

WhatÂ´s the budget?

Let's assume that the problem here is not expenses. The most important issues are simplicity in setup and maintenance and security.

Quote:

How many people are working there?

Less than a dozen.

Quote:

How many customers need access?

There are many customers but we do NOT anticipate anything overwhelming on a given day.

Quote:

WhatÂ´s the IT infrastructure (current file server)?

Nothing special. LAN in the office. All independent machines. No server. Simple website and domain hosted by a webhosting company.

Quote:

How fast is the Internet uplink and downlink?

Currently, it's an ADSL line, I'll have to check what speeds.

Quote:

Do they already have a homepage, if so, is the server in-house?

As I said. website (so far simple, a few read only pages) is hosted externally.

Quote:

If thereÂ´s already an in-house webserver, what kind of system is it (CPU, RAM, HD, Tape steamer)?

N/A.

Quote:

Will this be a text-only database or will there also be (hi-res) pictures in it?

There could be pics but they would be screenshots for the most part.

Quote:

How many new database records will there be per month (approx.)?

50-100?????

Quote:

Will those database records expire after some time or is there a need to access or archive them for years?

Possible need to access or archive.

kiwi_2005 · 01-31-06, 12:50 PM

This aint much help, but when i hear servers mention i think of LINUX.
As long as you got others in your company helping you, i would go with Linux. Red Hat or SuSE [Debian is a better choice but can be a nightmare to setup if your not into linux] if your company are in need of a solid support contract these may be the best options, but for the more casual sysadmin, this may be abit over the top. Red Hat & SuSE have packages you choose to install, & security and services options then if you want to have a web server you can always install Apache. Everything is there to choose on installation.

Gizzmoe · 01-31-06, 01:45 PM

Quote:

The most important issues are simplicity in setup and maintenance and security.

Windows 2003 Server isnÂ´t too difficult, but itÂ´s not really simple. If you take Linux instead of Windows 2003 you save about $1500. Both Linux and Windows Server are low-maintenance and safe if you configure them correctly.

Quote:

Nothing special. LAN in the office. All independent machines. No server.

Are they happy with that or would a centralized file server be very useful for them? IÂ´m asking because the web/database server could also be a file server. For small companies itÂ´s usually ok to use a 3-in-1 server.

BTW, which OS do they use on the workstations? And which database software and Wiki software have you found?

Do you need some general advice regarding the server hardware?

tycho102 · 01-31-06, 04:06 PM

'Dunno about Israel.

In the States, I'd tell you to go with a fairly reputable vendor that offers a respectable support plan. Sun V20z and V40z's, if cash is no issue. Silicon Mechanics and Supermicro also offer onsite guarantees, and a broad range of configurations.

You can build one, but you have to choose the parts to go with the operating system (not vice-versa). And significant burn-in time, along with tweaking configurations for stability.

As for backups, depends on the time frame. Tapes and DVD-RAM work ok for about 5 years, anything over that is MO, only. Incrementals are very simple to setup with an automatic disk-changer or just a daily/weekly rotation.

Kapitan · 01-31-06, 05:10 PM

i love this line

" step into my orafist"

01-31-06, 09:08 AM	#1
The Avon Lady Über Mom Join Date: May 2005 Location: Jerusalem, Israel Posts: 6,147 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	OT: I need to set up a small business server Dummy here in need of establishing some web accessable applications on a server. No prior experience. This is a start-from-scratch project. The ultimate objective, if possible is to make everything K-I-S-S compliant. That stand for "Keep It Simple, Stupid" for those who thought otherwise. Let's start from the top down. I work for a small company that needs to implement the following 2 applications, for starters: 1) Problem/Incident tracking, allowing for registered customers and company staff to submit incidents and recommendations as well as company staff updating records as necessary. 2) A wiki, to be used to retain product documentation and FAQ information, with full public read access, and update access to registered users only. FYI, these apps must be hosted from within the company's domain name. So subscription services for such apps hosted elsewhere is out. There are several commercial and freeware packages available for both of the above. Recommendations will be needed. However, now comes the really tricky part: What kind of server should these be hosted on? Dedicated? In house? Hosted by a WEB hosting company? If the latter, some of these apps need to be installed by running an installer locally on the server. Can that be done? What kind of server? Windows? Linux? Other? What about security? I'm sure there are other points I've missed between the top of the post and here. Finally, and very important, where is there an appropriate forum where ignoramuses like me can continue this discussion, with a helpful forum members present, where I won't be laughed at too much? TIA! __________________ "Victory will come to us from the wombs of our women." - Houari Boumedienne, President of Algeria, Speech before the UN, 1974

01-31-06, 12:50 PM	#5
kiwi_2005 Eternal Patrol Join Date: May 2004 Location: Aeoteroa Posts: 7,382 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 1	This aint much help, but when i hear servers mention i think of LINUX. As long as you got others in your company helping you, i would go with Linux. Red Hat or SuSE [Debian is a better choice but can be a nightmare to setup if your not into linux] if your company are in need of a solid support contract these may be the best options, but for the more casual sysadmin, this may be abit over the top. Red Hat & SuSE have packages you choose to install, & security and services options then if you want to have a web server you can always install Apache. Everything is there to choose on installation. __________________ RIP kiwi_2005 Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.

01-31-06, 05:10 PM	#8
Kapitan Sub Test Pilot Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK + Canada Posts: 7,130 Downloads: 77 Uploads: 7	i love this line " step into my orafist" __________________ DONT FORGET if you like a post to nominate it by using the blue diamond Find out about Museum Ships here: https://www.museumships.us/ Flickr for all my pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/131313936@N03/ Navy general board articles: https://www.navygeneralboard.com/author/aegis/

01-31-06, 10:13 AM	#2
sonar732 The Old Man Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Central MO Posts: 1,562 Downloads: 6 Uploads: 0	Since you don't have prior experience, I'd suggest for you to use W00 or W03 server. Keep it inside your intranet for employees to access.

01-31-06, 10:15 AM	#3
Gizzmoe Silent Hunter Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 3,668 Downloads: 4 Uploads: 0	Some starter questions... WhatÂ´s the budget? How many people are working there? How many customers need access? WhatÂ´s the IT infrastructure (current file server)? How fast is the Internet uplink and downlink? Do they already have a homepage, if so, is the server in-house? If thereÂ´s already an in-house webserver, what kind of system is it (CPU, RAM, HD, Tape steamer)? Will this be a text-only database or will there also be (hi-res) pictures in it? How many new database records will there be per month (approx.)? Will those database records expire after some time or is there a need to access or archive them for years?

01-31-06, 04:06 PM	#7
tycho102 Ace of the Deep Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,100 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	'Dunno about Israel. In the States, I'd tell you to go with a fairly reputable vendor that offers a respectable support plan. Sun V20z and V40z's, if cash is no issue. Silicon Mechanics and Supermicro also offer onsite guarantees, and a broad range of configurations. You can build one, but you have to choose the parts to go with the operating system (not vice-versa). And significant burn-in time, along with tweaking configurations for stability. As for backups, depends on the time frame. Tapes and DVD-RAM work ok for about 5 years, anything over that is MO, only. Incrementals are very simple to setup with an automatic disk-changer or just a daily/weekly rotation.