our small company is looking to get a server. we run the company out of our home and have 4 local computers and 2 that will connect accross the internet. I don't have a network rack though i have room for small on or for towers to use as a server.
if money wasn't an option i would get an intel xserve with 2+ xserver raids (mirrored). ahhh to dream.
since that isn't an option. i am exploring other options. based on funds, i can either do one of the following:
1. used powermac g5 install server.
2. used xserve g4 (prob around a dual 1ghz)
3. used xserve cluster node as the server.
(i am not even sure that this is posible, i know that a cluster has no vga card (i feel comfortable doing a network install) or optical drive (i have an external one i can use)
(i already have 10.4 server)
we will be using the server for the following:
file/print sharing
maybe email
vpn
network based home directories
antivirus server
when leopard is released:
calendar / address book server
wiki server
spotlight server
I am going to be getting somekind of NAS or xraid - but that can be anothe conversation.
my questions are:
based on my use and these three options, which is the best option for the money?
can a cluster node be used a a server?
does anyone have any insight for a better solution or something else i should keep in mind?
thanks in advance
if money wasn't an option i would get an intel xserve with 2+ xserver raids (mirrored). ahhh to dream.
since that isn't an option. i am exploring other options. based on funds, i can either do one of the following:
1. used powermac g5 install server.
2. used xserve g4 (prob around a dual 1ghz)
3. used xserve cluster node as the server.
(i am not even sure that this is posible, i know that a cluster has no vga card (i feel comfortable doing a network install) or optical drive (i have an external one i can use)
(i already have 10.4 server)
we will be using the server for the following:
file/print sharing
maybe email
vpn
network based home directories
antivirus server
when leopard is released:
calendar / address book server
wiki server
spotlight server
I am going to be getting somekind of NAS or xraid - but that can be anothe conversation.
my questions are:
based on my use and these three options, which is the best option for the money?
can a cluster node be used a a server?
does anyone have any insight for a better solution or something else i should keep in mind?
thanks in advance