Re: Re: [OT] - Office IT support

["James - SJ Computers" <jimmyc1163@xxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with everything that has been said before. I thought I would
update
you on the latest news on Windows SBS 2008.

To be released on November 12, 2008, Windows Small Business Server (Windows
SBS) 2008 represents the next-generation integrated server solution for
small businesses (up to 75 users or network devices).

Microsoft have announced an estimated price guide for the US and Canadian
editions of Windows Small Business Server 2008.

- Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard (1 Server + 5 CAL) $1,089
(=A3570)
- Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite 1-pack $77 (=A340)
- Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite 5-pack $385 (=A3200)

For more details visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver/essential/sbs/default.mspx
where you can even download a free preview.

Regards

James
SJ Computers


2008/8/9 Paul Gordon <paul@xxxxxxx>

>   I'd have to say a jolly big "here here" to everything that
Ian just
> said. I am also, and have long been a big fan of SBS. The new version
sho=
uld
> be due out "real soon now" - traditionally the SBS release
has followed
> around about 6 months following the main new server version release...
> Windows Server 2008 was released in February....
>
> It's fantastic value for money, it ticks every single one of your
boxes,
> it's easy to install, well supported by both Microsoft and the various
> hardware vendors who supply off-the-shelf complete pre-built solutions
> including a server, SBS preinstalled, configuration services, Network
set=
up
> etc. etc.
>
> I'd also suggest sacking your current solution provider, as they
clearly
> aren't putting your requirements above their own... - anyone who wants
to
> charge a small business =A314K for a 1TB store plus a GB switch are a
bun=
ch of
> shysters in my opinion.. Tell you what; I'll sell you one for =A31K...
>
> Paul G.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ukha_d@xxxxxxx <ukha_d%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:
> ukha_d@xxxxxxx <ukha_d%40yahoogroups.com>] On Behalf Of Ian Lowe
> Sent: 09 August 2008 09:46
> To: UKHA Group
> Subject: [ukha_d] Re: [OT] - Office IT support
>
> I don't work in support any more, but I did run a support company for
> a few years. Your mileage my vary, but here are my suggestions.
>
> >My office is expanding, currently at around 30 and need to be
around
> 45 by the end of the year.
>
> You are prime candidates for Windows Small Business Server. It
> supports up to 75 users, at which point you can 'scale out' onto full
> blown server, exchange etc.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver/essential/sbs/editions.mspx
>
> >Currently we run a linux system with outlook (but no exchange)
with a
> 1TB NAS server with 12 x 300GB SAS drives which we are now at 94%
> capacity.
>
> That's completely `fur coat no knickers' to be honest. Outlook without
> exchange is pointless, and SAS storage when you are at the 30 user
> level smacks of `shiny toy syndrome' from the supplier. And who lets a
> company they are supporting reach 1Tb of space and still be on 100Mb?
>
> >We need a stop gap solution for the next 3 months, but then when
we
> move I want to reuse the new stuff, but put it into a new more
> efficient system.
>
> Tbh, that's probably a false economy. Wait three months and do it
> right, or take the hit now. If you are out of contract now, I'd wing
> it - it's not long.
>
> Both HP and Dell sell SBS at OEM pricing with new servers - it's a
> *very* cheap way to get it.
>
> > In addition we have a problem with software and licensing. Not
> everyone has the same version of software and this is causing problems
> as people without adobe CS3 cannot open the files.
>
> SBS has software distribution by group policy built in. it is
> *seriously* good.
>
> > We have a tape backup system, but it takes so long to back up we
> effectively could lose 2 days worth of information should there be a
> fire.
>
> Given your data volume, I would advise you to look at D2D2T (disk to
> disk to tape) - basically a lot of cheap space in your backup server
> will get you past the backup speed issue and allow fast recovery, with
> slower tape streaming from the backup server's own disks. Who cares if
> the backup runs for 14 hours if it doesn't affect anyone, right?
>
> > The IT solution company at the moment proposing we get another
1TB NAS
> with a gigabit switch (though we are currently on 100mbit) - which
> will cost us another =A314k roughly.
>
> Are you *sure* that's not a SAN node? 14K for a NAS seems awfully
> expensive...
>
> > I don't understand the real advantage of the SAS drives.
>
> Because there aren't any at your level. SAS allows dual connections so
> they can be multi-homed on two controllers at once (a fault tolerance
> feature on higher end kit) it's also blisteringly fast.
>
> Even Storage Area Network kit supports SAS for high speed and SATA
> shelves for less critical (in performance terms) data. SATA is plenty
> quick enough for normal office use.
>
> > 3. I will want to upgrade to Exchange server, and run windows
server
> (which would also allow for immediate file recovery). At the moment we
> have no shared calendars due to linux - we must have this. I would
> prefer to run a separate email server and storage server.
>
> SBS has *very* good licence terms and gets you Sharepoint and Exchange
> - the best combination you can get at the moment.
>
> 6. I will want full access to the network - email and files remotely.
> At the moment we only have access to webmail
>
> Small Business Server gives you this. Full Remote Desktop to all
> workstations, remote email etc.
>
> 7. Everytime a computer is attached to our network it needs to be
> automatically distributed with the relevant templates and settings
> from the server.
>
> That's what Group Policies are for - Small Business Server has a
> `network wizard' that sets up the machine, adds it to the domain,
> installs the required software (automatically) and what's more - your
> settings roam from machine to machine with you.
>
> I am a fan of Linux, but this is where Microsoft earns it's bread and
> butter. Small Business Server will eat any alternative platform for
> breakfast - SBS 2003 was damn near unbeatable, SBS 2008 is going to be
> simply the best software for any business in the `up to 75 staff'
> category to have.
>
> if you are buyng before November, make sure you get SA (sofwtare
> assurance) with SBS 2003 R2 - it will give you upgrade rights to SBS
> 2008 when it ships.
>
> Hope that Helps.
>
> Ian.
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> **** Sponsored By http://www.Berble.com ****
> **** Computers You Carry ****
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.0/1601 - Release Date:
08/08/200=
8
> 09:02
>=20=20
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


------------------------------------