The Bulletin
Technical Tips
By Tom Snyder Ph.D.

Many small firms can benefit from having their own servers, but deciding what to buy can be a challenge. The key is to assess your needs accurately. Consider current and future applications your firm will run, whether you will host your own e-mail system or Web site and how fast you anticipate your firm growing. Unless you are extremely tech-savvy, I recommend having or hiring a technical advisor to help you assess and plan. The following are some rules of thumb that will help you evaluate whether your advisor is steering you in the right direction.

1. Plan for future growth. Look for a server that has enough speed, disk space and functionality to handle your growth requirements over a three year time frame. Servers are almost always limited by disk speed as opposed to processor speed. You are much better off putting any extra money into more and faster disks than into a second processor.
2. Look for a system with server-specific features such as specialized server chipsets and high speed, dual SCSI or IDE drive arrays
3. If your firm is likely to suffer financially from a server outage, buy a server that includes readily available components and software to minimize down time.
4. Don’t forget to include operating, back up and anti-virus system costs when pricing servers. Unlike desktop systems, most servers don’t include a pre-installed operating system and they definitely don’t include a back up system. You also need anti-virus if you are planning on hosting your own e-mail system. These systems can add another $2,450 or more to the price.
5. Determine how much room you want to devote to your network infrastructure. If you have serious space constraints, a rack optimized server may be a better choice.
6. If you go with a rack mounted configuration, remember to factor in the costs for racks and accessories such as cabling trays and power supplies
7. Buy from established manufacturers. In going with lesser-known manufacturers you run the risk of more compatibility issues, lower reliability and having nowhere to turn for warranty service or support.
8. Warranty service should be three years with same-day on-site service.
9. Provide adequate UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect against surges, provide backup power and the capability to automatically shut down the server in the event of a sustained power outage.
10. Provide a cool, low dust environment.

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If you have questions or concerns about your particular situation, please e-mail me at tpsynder@xantrion.com.. I will use your input to direct future columns.
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