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Server Specification

Our advice is to acquire a FS with as high a specification as economically feasible, so as to prolong the working life of the unit. Also to contain room for expansion as future software may require increased storage space and memory enhancements.

We suggest

The purchase of a FS with the following specifications

• To contain a racked and shelved lockable cabinet, ideally ventilated with a housed fan.  

• The front door to be glazed and contain a rack for sliding shelves to allow for a keyboard mouse and monitor, directly connected to the FS, for secure maintenance and upgrade purposes.

• Processor: Intel Xeon Quad Pro, 3Ghz processor, 4 MB Cache, or similar

• Memory: Via 8 Dual Rank DIMM’s, containing  512MB DDR2 memory, 4 GB in total

• 3/5 x 300GB SAS HDD, Hot Swappable

• Internal SCSI Tape Drive,

• Internal CD/DVD Re-writer

• At least 2 x Front mounted USB2 Ports

• Raid Controller, whatever but to allow hot swappable drives

Web Server

• Separate unit, linked to FS, to handle Mail Programs (Exchange) and Internet Traffic

• Smaller specification “Shuttle”, to fit inside FS Cabinet, say P4 with 512 MB Ram, 200GB HDD, ideally 2 of, hot swappable, but not critical

• Microsoft Exchange appears to be the preferred option for mail handling etc. There are other options I believe (Netnow)  which I would invite comment upon.

• Systems to be protected by Antivirus and Anti spyware, I prefer AVG products, but note that Symantec has been suggested, which in my experience is not as proficient.

Other

We would suggest a web cam mounted at the access points, linked to the main FS, using TCP/IP technology. Cost would be circa £400.

This could be accessed by reception staff, using an IP address, so that callers can be identified from any linked terminal, furthermore Video snapshots can be taken of the callers as required.

VPN

Consideration to be given to the creation of a VPN Tunnel for say 10 communication channels.

Database Platform

Comments are invited as to the use of MS Sequel Server Software, particularly in relation to Database requirements which are  in a state of changing development.

Finally

Having determined an agreed system, we suggest that you contact your principle software suppliers , internet hosts, web providers etc, inviting their assurance that their product will work within the heirachy envisaged.