Gotta buy a small business server - need suggestions

[BrendonTW]

Hey folks,

Back in the day I built my own computers, dabbled in networking and the likes. I have since then forgotten most of what I knew and my knowledge is just completely dated. Don't want to build my own computers any more or anything like that. But I definitely don't want to buy what I need from Best Buy if you know what I mean.

We run a small service business. Two computers in the office, 5 trucks in the field with iPads.

We are switching from a cloud based software to a on-premises server based software.

I am going to keep the server at my house and will connect from the office via VPN. iPads will connect in the same way.

I am looking for suggestions on a pre-built small business server. The demands are pretty low as the data transfer/storage will not be excessive by any stretch. I am trying to go as inexpensive as I can, but obviously want to make sure that I get a solid machine. Since I haven't been in this world in so long, I don't have any idea where to start. Newegg has some built servers for $300-ish. I presume I would just need to buy the OS and then be ready to roll. Can I get something decent for that kinds of price these days? Here are the system requirements of the software we are going to be using. Any assistance for this outdated fellow would be greatly appreciated.

Operating systems supported

• Windows 10, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed
• Windows 8, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed
• Windows 7, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed
• Windows Server 2012 (Small Business Server/Essentials), Small Business Server 2008
• Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 including 64-bit, natively installed

Database Servers

• Windows: natively installed & Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 (SP1), Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 - Terminal Server Config., and Windows Small Business Server 2012
• Note: Windows Home Server Edition is not supported.

Hardware and operating system requirements (client and server)

• 2.0 GHz processor. 2.4 GHz recommended
• 1 GB RAM. 4+ GB RAM recommended
• Display optimized for 1024 x 768 screen resolution or higher with up to 1 Extended monitor
• Windows:
  • U.S. version only
  • Regional Settings are supported when set to English (United States) with keyboard setting to U.S. only
  • Natively installed
• Disk space requirements:
  • 2.5 GB of disk space (additional space required for data files). 250GB recommended
  • Additional software: 250 MB for Microsoft .NET 4.0 Runtime
• Laptops are not recommended, unless they are stationary.

 

[Ertaz]

We are switching from a cloud based software to a on-premises server based software.

What are your motivations for doing this? Support? Price? Performance? Have you done a cost benefit analysis comparing running this yourself vs outsourcing?

I am going to keep the server at my house and will connect from the office via VPN. iPads will connect in the same way.

How much time do you plan to spend maintaining and backing all this data up? Do you have business grade circuit/Static IP with your home ISP? Have you simulated this type of VPN connectivity back to see if the performance is going to be adequate? Do you have dedicated time to design and maintain secure connectivity from all your devices? Does your database hold personally identifiable information or credit card data about your customers and does your underwriting cover loss from legal issue around a data breach?

I am looking for suggestions on a pre-built small business server. The demands are pretty low as the data transfer/storage will not be excessive by any stretch. I am trying to go as inexpensive as I can, but obviously want to make sure that I get a solid machine. Since I haven't been in this world in so long, I don't have any idea where to start. Newegg has some built servers for $300-ish. I presume I would just need to buy the OS and then be ready to roll. Can I get something decent for that kinds of price these days? Here are the system requirements of the software we are going to be using. Any assistance for this outdated fellow would be greatly appreciated.

Operating systems supported

• Windows 10, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed
• Windows 8, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed
• Windows 7, all editions including 64-bit, natively installed
• Windows Server 2012 (Small Business Server/Essentials), Small Business Server 2008
• Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 including 64-bit, natively installed

Database Servers

• Windows: natively installed & Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 (SP1), Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 - Terminal Server Config., and Windows Small Business Server 2012
• Note: Windows Home Server Edition is not supported.

Hardware and operating system requirements (client and server)

• 2.0 GHz processor. 2.4 GHz recommended
• 1 GB RAM. 4+ GB RAM recommended
• Display optimized for 1024 x 768 screen resolution or higher with up to 1 Extended monitor
• Windows:
  • U.S. version only
  • Regional Settings are supported when set to English (United States) with keyboard setting to U.S. only
  • Natively installed
• Disk space requirements:
  • 2.5 GB of disk space (additional space required for data files). 250GB recommended
  • Additional software: 250 MB for Microsoft .NET 4.0 Runtime
• Laptops are not recommended, unless they are stationary.

Your PC needs are pretty basic, and of the low end stuff should suffice.

 

[BrendonTW]

What are your motivations for doing this? Support? Price? Performance? Have you done a cost benefit analysis comparing running this yourself vs outsourcing?

It's a much better software. Much more robust and stable than what we have been using. There are only a handful of business management softwares tailored for our needs. We are switching from one of those on that handful to another. I have considered hiring out to a local IT company. I reached out to a few, but didn't get any returned calls. I still may do this, but I am just exploring the difficulty/expense of doing it myself vs hiring out. After talking with you all I may just decide to hire it. Having a bit of background in networking (though outdated) I am just wanting to see if I can do it myself and save money. I am aware that my abilities are not anywhere close to what a pro would be. I deal with this POV from my own customers on a daily basis.

How much time do you plan to spend maintaining and backing all this data up? Do you have business grade circuit/Static IP with your home ISP? Have you simulated this type of VPN connectivity back to see if the performance is going to be adequate? Do you have dedicated time to design and maintain secure connectivity from all your devices? Does your database hold personally identifiable information or credit card data about your customers and does your underwriting cover loss from legal issue around a data breach?

I'll probably back up daily or every few days. I believe we can obtain a static IP. I definitely need to check this. We have a 300mb connection. Connection almost never goes out. I use ubiquiti network hardware. Our database doesn't hold anything personal besides addresses. We are a lawn company.

 

[mxnerd]

The requirement looks pretty low, but don't get any system with 4GB nowadays.

8GM minimum should be minimum. Modern browsers eat a lot a memory.

Ask your software vendor how to backup the database everyday, you can't lose it.

If you think your business can't stand any down time, use RAID 1 on the server.

 

[BrendonTW]

I appreciate the advice. Any pointers as to where to find a decent built server?

 

[Markfothebeast]

Basically you need a simple PC that can communicate with 2 PCs and 5 remote iPads? This wouldn't require much more than a basic desktop with decent hardware. If you want an enterprise type server you can find them all over Craigslist for less than $200. They are power hungry and loud. Decent PCs can be had on Craigslist for cheap if you hunt around.

Here's the minimal specs I'd aim for on a basic desktop server:

-Intel i3, i5, i7 (or AMD equivalent), avoid cheap integrated processors.
-4GB+ Memory (RAM)
-1TB Hard Drive (Internal)
-A brand name power supply of adequate size if it is running 24/7

Like you mentioned, I'd avoid a laptop altogether. Windows Server is not really needed for this setup. I'd be looking for low power consumption and decent hardware that can handle prolonged running time.

I'm still running a 5 year old Intel i7 with 8GB RAM and it exceeds the demands for anything I do as well as gaming, video server, etc. I've had it running for over a year without turning it off or in to standby. Having a decent brand name power supply is what has helped keep my machine going. As well as keeping it running cool.

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[mxnerd]

I build everything myself. Most people go with Dell or HP. "Decent" costs money. Since your requirement is pretty low, I don't think you need very expensive build. Just buy a good desktop will do.

You don't need server OS, it costs money and very difficult for average people to maintain. If you hire pro to do it, you will be shocked how much it costs.

 

[BrendonTW]

Gotcha. I may have a local PC shop just build me something if I don't need an actual server machine. Just provide them the software specs and let them put it together for me.

I wish I could run the software on XP. I have an XP machine that I have been running for over 15 years lol.

 

[Markfothebeast]

Gotcha. I may have a local PC shop just build me something if I don't need an actual server machine. Just provide them the software specs and let them put it together for me.

I wish I could run the software on XP. I have an XP machine that I have been running for over 15 years lol.

PCs now days don't require any special knowledge to slap together. Other than avoiding static. Back in the old days it was about soldering chips to the board, etc. Than in the mid to late 90s having jumper settings on the mainboard and such.

Everything is so automated now days. When looking for parts it's all about matching the RAM, CPU, and mainboard. Than it basically just goes together from there. I wouldn't pay a computer shop... The O/S pretty much installs itself when it boots from the disc drive or USB flash drive.

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[Markfothebeast]

I build everything myself. Most people go with Dell or HP. "Decent" costs money. Since your requirement is pretty low, I don't think you need very expensive build. Just buy a good desktop will do.

You don't need server OS, it costs money and very difficult for average people to maintain. If you hire pro to do it, you will be shocked how much it costs.

When I hear those words "Dell, HP/Compaq", it brings back some memories of failing Chinese power supplies, poorly designed overheating laptops, and imminent failure. I always run in to mass quantities of retired enterprise desktops by either manufacturer. Even Asus seems to have went down the drain quality wise. With all of the "Netbooks", "Tablets", and portable devices around, the demand for desktop PCs has really slowed. This is why I suggest (to the OP) to find a used desktop on Craigslist and get a better bang for the buck. Buying individual components on Newegg becomes expensive quickly.

 

[Rifter]

make sure whatever computer/router is running the VPN connection can keep up with the throughput you will need. Alot of the soho routers cannot do VPN very well, encrypting the data is very CPU intensive with high throughput VPN connections.

 

[mxnerd]

When I hear those words "Dell, HP/Compaq", it brings back some memories of failing Chinese power supplies, poorly designed overheating laptops, and imminent failure. I always run in to mass quantities of retired enterprise desktops by either manufacturer. Even Asus seems to have went down the drain quality wise. With all of the "Netbooks", "Tablets", and portable devices around, the demand for desktop PCs has really slowed. This is why I suggest (to the OP) to find a used desktop on Craigslist and get a better bang for the buck. Buying individual components on Newegg becomes expensive quickly.

I know, I handled them before. Dell/HP servers usually are noisy & hot, they have fans that are as loud as jet engines, need to be locked in a room and have air condition on, the motherboards will fail, the fans will fail, power supplies, hard disks & uninterrupted power supplies fail too, the only thing that usually won't fail is memory, but that happens too! Actually I can't think of anything that won't fail. So what can you do?

People buy Dell/HP because they are the name brands they know, you can also contract with them and have their tech support do onsite services, but it costs a lot! But corporations do this anyway. IT department can always point fingers at Dell/HP if something went wrong.

OP's requirement is very basic, he can walk in Fry's, Best Buy, Costco or Sams Club stores and just pick one Windows 10 desktop. Or like what you said, a retired enterprise desktop or server from Craigslist, just don't pick the one with fans that are as loud as jet engines.

 

[DarkManX]

Why do you want to keep the server at your house? you are introducing additional points of failure and a bottleneck.

 

[Elixer]

Why do you want to keep the server at your house? you are introducing additional points of failure and a bottleneck.

I was thinking this as well, you only got 1 failure point with doing it at home, and if you lose ISP access, or power outage, fire, theft, or... then you will be screwed.

Seeing as how your needs are minimal, I would be renting a server instead, and let them worry about security, backups, redundancy, and all that good stuff.
Azure or AWS should fit your needs.

 

[sdifox]

Why not leave it in the office equipment closet? Home internet tend to be asymmetric. Any server will do, or even a beefier desktop. In fact for you guys desktop or workstation is the better bet.

 

[Markfothebeast]

I'm thinking it's more of an access point to retrieve the data at home rather than sitting in an office. If it is simple sheetspread or word processing data that's really nothing.

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[sdifox]

I'm thinking it's more of an access point to retrieve the data at home rather than sitting in an office. If it is simple sheetspread or word processing data that's really nothing.

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No he wants to run some sort of software package.

 

[ch33zw1z]

My .02 is more of a think about impact on things.

1. If the "server" (PC) goes down, how will that impact the business?
2. If the server goes down, how much money will you lose per hour?

People buy servers with redundancy for a reason.

Consider these questions before resting your business on a $500 pc.

One solution I've seen out in the wild is to buy two cheapo Lenovo TS140's, and use Hyper-V to move images between hosts.

 

[BrendonTW]

make sure whatever computer/router is running the VPN connection can keep up with the throughput you will need. Alot of the soho routers cannot do VPN very well, encrypting the data is very CPU intensive with high throughput VPN connections.

We really don't have much going through. It will be minimal data. All that will be coming in from the trucks to the server will be information like jod address, details, start/stop time, and maybe a picture occasionally.

Why do you want to keep the server at your house? you are introducing additional points of failure and a bottleneck.

I will still be officing at home a lot, and I will be able to keep a closer eye on it here. It's more secure here than the location where our offices are. We have a room built inside a metal building at our HQ. Here at the house will be a better option.

My .02 is more of a think about impact on things.

1. If the "server" (PC) goes down, how will that impact the business?
2. If the server goes down, how much money will you lose per hour?

People buy servers with redundancy for a reason.

Consider these questions before resting your business on a $500 pc.

One solution I've seen out in the wild is to buy two cheapo Lenovo TS140's, and use Hyper-V to move images between hosts.

It isn't a major catastrophe if it should go down. All the data loss would be a big deal, but I will use RAID or may do what you're suggesting with two computers. That's probably a better idea.

 

[ch33zw1z]

If you wanna get more into it:

PC's on separate circuits

UPS for each PC

 

[dave_the_nerd]

When I hear those words "Dell, HP/Compaq", it brings back some memories of failing Chinese power supplies, poorly designed overheating laptops, and imminent failure. I always run in to mass quantities of retired enterprise desktops by either manufacturer. Even Asus seems to have went down the drain quality wise. With all of the "Netbooks", "Tablets", and portable devices around, the demand for desktop PCs has really slowed. This is why I suggest (to the OP) to find a used desktop on Craigslist and get a better bang for the buck. Buying individual components on Newegg becomes expensive quickly.

Or you can buy an actual server instead of lowest-bidder consumer garbage, and then you don't have "failing Chinese power supplies .... and imminent failure". Just saying.

This is NOT a situation where it's appropriate to build your own anything. And if it's revenue-critical, buying a used desktop computer to run as a server is... a very bad idea unless there's just next-to-no money in the budget and you don't have a choice.

IMO, either HP MicroServer w/ cloud backup or AWS / hosted. Although AWS may be more expensive, it'll also be more reliable and you won't need to buy any hardware up front.

 

[kevnich2]

What you decide to go with ultimately depends on how mission critical this system is for your business and your bottom line. If you can afford a few days of downtime, then you can go with cheaper system. If even an hour of downtime would be bad for your company, you need to really rethink your entire approach and either co-locate the server or rent an AWS instance or something like that. No matter what, ensure you have almost real time, continuous backup of the system to the cloud in addition to possibly having dual mirrored drives in a RAID1. RAID is NOT a backup, but merely provides protection from a hard drive dying and gives you more time to replace it without having to take the system down. All drives will die at some point.

FYI - this is a big reason cloud based software is doing so well. Business owners don't really want to deal with server hardware, IT maintenance, etc anymore. It's easier for bigger SAAS companies to handle all of this.