With the advent of $300 terabyte NAS drives I've actually shut down all of my servers.
The only time i every use one is if I need it to run a process in the background. But for file and print sharing, NAS and straight IP printing are the way to go.
I've also found that when I do need to run a real server app, just running it on a laptop in the rack, with some nas space mounted works great, is quiet, and doesnt run up the electric bill.
I'll admit it doesnt have the geek appeal of a rack full of "real" servers, iwth their fans humming and a drive array with its row after row of synchronized flashing lights. But comeon $300 for a terabyte of space is a great deal.
The only time i every use one is if I need it to run a process in the background. But for file and print sharing, NAS and straight IP printing are the way to go.
I've also found that when I do need to run a real server app, just running it on a laptop in the rack, with some nas space mounted works great, is quiet, and doesnt run up the electric bill.
I'll admit it doesnt have the geek appeal of a rack full of "real" servers, iwth their fans humming and a drive array with its row after row of synchronized flashing lights. But comeon $300 for a terabyte of space is a great deal.
