Server Recommendation

[goodwill]

Hi All -

I am hoping I am placing this in the best category in the forum.

I have a few questions. I am currently interested in having my own server for my website / company. I currently have been using shared hosting through various hosting providers online, but I have begun to outgrow these resource wise and I am looking into the cost / benefit analysis of having my own server instead of going through someone else. It very much interests me to do this as well. However, I know next to nothing about servers. I would like to know what servers are good and top of the line in terms of what is currently something solid and well worth the money.

I have been looking at the xserve and that has been it so far. I run my own small business (1-5 people and I would be hosting a vbulletin graphic design forum with a current MySQL database at @ 85mb) I would prefer a linux server, but again, that is not written in stone. Much of my knowledge is limited, but I would like to get a good grasp on what and where I should be looking at. If I can help provide any further clarity, please let me know. Go easy as this is my first post anywhere about this. Also any information on what ballpark in price something of my needs would require would be appreciated if someone has an idea. Thanks!

 

[camiloken]

Xserve for 5 people?

Xserve is way overkill.
Linux could be the way to go... but it may be a bit complicate to set up, and if you have macs, then I would recommend you the mac mini with snow leopard server version.

 

[Zjef]

Dear Goodwill,

Linux is a fine option for a server. But the same can be said about Windows and Mac servers.

Assuming that you’re using Mac’s for your business (it is a Mac centric forum after all) it is more than fair to look at Mac servers.

One recommendation I can make is that you learn about servers so that you can define your need. You already have a small scope of requirements with bringing outsourced services in-house. Please do realize that once you know and understand that an in-house server can facilitate much more you’re list of requirements might increase ;-). Again, most, if not all platforms can do what you require.

When you look at the Mac and the support you require (1-5 people), I would start small. A mini would be enough. Once you get the hang of it, get a second and a third mini for deploying additional services. The benefit is that the amount of money involved is limited. Your scope can grow with your newly gained knowledge. And you will have some kind of redundancy.

Looking at the financial side of things. I find the Mac servers fairly priced. You get a lot of value for your money. Even while using 1/4th of all services, I find it money well spent. But the truth is you have to invest a serious amount of recourses (time, money, people) just for learning. Even when thinking, “I’ll do that in my spare time”, it will cost. That being said, the cost on learning resources is in my humble opinion key for choosing the server platform.

Anyway I wish you a lot of fun, frustration and anger, so that in the end you can make us all proud on a job well done .

Zjef