|
|
Our Hot Pick: Rising Antivirus 2006 - Certified by TUV & Checkmark! Get 10% discount by entering this coupon code: ONDISCOUNT10
Hello Everyone
I would like some advice regarding server manufacturers and specifications.
I am starting out as a Small business IT consultant and would like to build
my business around SBS and CRM.
Dell
Dell are popular here in the UK with clients but Dell don't seem to want to
have anything to do with resellers. When I have contacted them they say they
only sell direct and will not give me any margin to supply their kit.
Does anyone have any advice in dealing with Dell on this issue?
Acer
They are attempting to expand their UK server base and are receptive to
resellers.
Looking for any comments \ experience with Acer kit.
Specifications
I am going to specify a standard server for SBS installations.
Do you think that RAID 5 SAS with hot swap drives and battery backup up is
advisable or overkill?
Same with dual redundant power supply.
What would you recommend as the minimum amount of RAM and HDD space.
I am leaning towards 3 partitions, 1 OS, 1 applications, 1 DATA and log
files?
CRM
It would appear from my research that the small business version of CRM is
designed to be installed on the SBS itself. Does this have any implications
in terms of specification required? i.e. CPU, RAM, HDD space?
Thank you for your time and any advice.
Regards
Lee
|
|
In article <erG9l0jwHHA.840[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl>, nospam[ at ]nospam.com
says...
[Quoted Text] > Hello Everyone
>
>
>
> I would like some advice regarding server manufacturers and specifications.
> I am starting out as a Small business IT consultant and would like to build
> my business around SBS and CRM.
>
>
>
> Dell
>
> Dell are popular here in the UK with clients but Dell don't seem to want to
> have anything to do with resellers. When I have contacted them they say they
> only sell direct and will not give me any margin to supply their kit.
>
> Does anyone have any advice in dealing with Dell on this issue?
In 1 year we did about 1.8MM with Dell for a couple customers - dell
would not give a discount based on volume with other customers of ours
unless we put all purchases under our name - not doing it.
Dell website is crappy for building servers and they typically get every
quote wrong, often changing things that you didn't ask them to change
and when you send it back to get corrected they screw something else up.
I've stopped using Dell where possible.
> Acer
>
> They are attempting to expand their UK server base and are receptive to
> resellers.
Would NEVER consider ACER - they are a home computer line.
IBM servers, while costing a little more than Dell, offer better
performance, better warranty, better real person support, and you can
often find a reseller that is willing to work with you. I've found that
the distributors will keep track of all your quotes that have been
placed as orders by customers and give you a discount for your total
volume so that ALL of your customers benefit from your volume.
> Specifications
>
> I am going to specify a standard server for SBS installations.
>
> Do you think that RAID 5 SAS with hot swap drives and battery backup up is
> advisable or overkill?
Hardware RAID is a must, battery on the RAID controller is standard on
any quality controller. RAID5 SATA, SAS, SCSI, all good options, just
get 5 drives or more. A 3 Drive R/5 is slow when you look at the server
performance with a 5 drive R/5.
> Same with dual redundant power supply.
Always a good idea - just make sure you allocate enough UPS for this.
> What would you recommend as the minimum amount of RAM and HDD space.
RAM: Min 3GB, Max 4GB.
> I am leaning towards 3 partitions, 1 OS, 1 applications, 1 DATA and log
> files?
HD Space, depends on what you want to do. If you have SBS 2003 Prem then
I would setup with 300GB single partition minimum or a multi-array setup
like this: Array 1 (C) 32-48GB O/S, Array 2 (D) 200-250GB
Data/SQL/Exchange, Array 3 (E) 120GB SQL online backup space, Utilities,
Misc area for Admin to use for maintenance.
You forgot to ask about the MOST IMPORTANT PART - Backup!
LTO-2 or LTO-3 Tape backup for entire server on one tape, daily backup
of full server.
USB/Other - Daily backup of all data on this secondary media. Good for
doing a backup before you install service packs and updates.
--
Leythos
- Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.
- Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a
drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"
spam999free[ at ]rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)
|
|
Lee,
These are all great questions, but it would almost appear that you don't
have a great breadth of experience with a wide variety of hardware and
applications?
I'd be concerned about your ability to act as the "trusted agent" for a
small businesses in guiding them toward decisions on software and hardware
if you don't have that background.
How many SBS servers have you installed, configured and supported?
--
Cris Hanna [SBS-MVP]
-------------------------------------------------
Microsoft MVPs
Independent Experts (MVPs do not work for MS)
Real World Answers
---------------------------------------------------------
Please do not contact me directly regarding issues
"Lee" <nospam[ at ]nospam.com> wrote in message
news:erG9l0jwHHA.840[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > Hello Everyone
>
>
>
> I would like some advice regarding server manufacturers and
> specifications. I am starting out as a Small business IT consultant and
> would like to build my business around SBS and CRM.
>
>
>
> Dell
>
> Dell are popular here in the UK with clients but Dell don't seem to want
> to have anything to do with resellers. When I have contacted them they say
> they only sell direct and will not give me any margin to supply their kit.
>
>
>
> Does anyone have any advice in dealing with Dell on this issue?
>
>
>
> Acer
>
> They are attempting to expand their UK server base and are receptive to
> resellers.
>
>
>
> Looking for any comments \ experience with Acer kit.
>
>
>
> Specifications
>
> I am going to specify a standard server for SBS installations.
>
>
>
> Do you think that RAID 5 SAS with hot swap drives and battery backup up is
> advisable or overkill?
>
>
>
> Same with dual redundant power supply.
>
>
>
> What would you recommend as the minimum amount of RAM and HDD space.
>
>
>
> I am leaning towards 3 partitions, 1 OS, 1 applications, 1 DATA and log
> files?
>
>
>
> CRM
>
> It would appear from my research that the small business version of CRM is
> designed to be installed on the SBS itself. Does this have any
> implications in terms of specification required? i.e. CPU, RAM, HDD space?
>
>
>
>
>
> Thank you for your time and any advice.
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> Lee
>
>
>
>
|
|
"Cris Hanna [SBS-MVP]" <crisnospamhanna[ at ]computingnospampossibilities.net>
wrote in message news:e3sBgJkwHHA.2180[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > Lee,
> These are all great questions, but it would almost appear that you don't
> have a great breadth of experience with a wide variety of hardware and
> applications?
Apologies if I came across as green. I am somewhat in this space
Built my first computer from parts when I was 14. My dad had an Amstrad
pc1640 and western digital wanted £600 for a hard card for it. So I built
him a computer. Been working in IT over 10 years.
Worked in telecoms hardware support. 6 nines uptime, passive backplane rack
mount chassis, 10,000 lines that had to be up or we got huge penalties.
My concern is that what I am used to supplying clients with telephone number
budgets might be overkill for SME clients.
I have no doubt about my technical abilities to deliver SBS, CRM and
anything else a 50 seat business will require. I'm trying to get a feel for
IT from a 50 user level not a 500+ user level.
> I'd be concerned about your ability to act as the "trusted agent" for a
> small businesses in guiding them toward decisions on software and hardware
> if you don't have that background.
My experience goes back to DOS 5 (and DR DOS) and wfwg 3 all the way up to
present. I even had some fun with banyan VINES!
I'm looking for advice from people working in the <100 seat space, regarding
what they would specify for a server and what experience they have had with
vendors when you are not putting £10 million of business their way each
year.
I know how nice HP \ IBM can be when you buy 200 servers from them a year, I
wonder what they are like when you buy 20 from them.
> How many SBS servers have you installed, configured and supported?
4 in commercial environments. IBM series x system builder models. Remotely
supported via TS. Premium installs, everything working perfectly. Including
windows mobile access.
Used the wizards for everything. Didn't get clever and start messing with AD
myself just let SBS organise the OU's how it wanted.
Was very impressed with how easy I found it to get everything up and
running. Including RWW, OWA, VPN (dont forget GRE pass through) and TS for
support. Even found getting access for PDA running windows mobile to be
relatively easy once I got the certificate installed on the PDA.
These were done when working for a previous employer. Unfortunately they
didn't want to pursue that space, wanted bigger profits.
Have 2 networks at home, 1 is for testing 1 for running my business.
I have decide to work for myself and build a reputation for providing
enterprise level solutions for SME level clients (at SME prices). I believe
SBS will be an integral part of that.
This is why I am asking questions now. I want to get things right first time
for all my clients.
Any advice appreciated.
Lee
|
|
Hi Leythos,
Bit OT but I'm curious why your company didn't want to purchase the
hardware, reap the discounts etc. Was it a warranty issue or some other
reason ? Funnily enough, I'm just starting to think about buying the
hardware for my clients (Dell have just offered me £800.00/$1600-ish
discount on a 2900 for a client). My thoughts here are a quick profit but
strangely, they won't answer my emails regarding transfer of warranty to my
client. Reading your reply made me wonder why you are against buying the kit
?
Many thanks.
Regards Colin.
"Leythos" <void[ at ]nowhere.lan> wrote in message
news:MPG.20fc2147a4933187989751[ at ]adfree.Usenet.com...
[Quoted Text] > In article <erG9l0jwHHA.840[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl>, nospam[ at ]nospam.com
> says...
>> Hello Everyone
>>
>>
>>
>> I would like some advice regarding server manufacturers and
>> specifications.
>> I am starting out as a Small business IT consultant and would like to
>> build
>> my business around SBS and CRM.
>>
>>
>>
>> Dell
>>
>> Dell are popular here in the UK with clients but Dell don't seem to want
>> to
>> have anything to do with resellers. When I have contacted them they say
>> they
>> only sell direct and will not give me any margin to supply their kit.
>>
>> Does anyone have any advice in dealing with Dell on this issue?
>
> In 1 year we did about 1.8MM with Dell for a couple customers - dell
> would not give a discount based on volume with other customers of ours
> unless we put all purchases under our name - not doing it.
>
> Dell website is crappy for building servers and they typically get every
> quote wrong, often changing things that you didn't ask them to change
> and when you send it back to get corrected they screw something else up.
>
> I've stopped using Dell where possible.
>
>> Acer
>>
>> They are attempting to expand their UK server base and are receptive to
>> resellers.
>
> Would NEVER consider ACER - they are a home computer line.
>
>
> IBM servers, while costing a little more than Dell, offer better
> performance, better warranty, better real person support, and you can
> often find a reseller that is willing to work with you. I've found that
> the distributors will keep track of all your quotes that have been
> placed as orders by customers and give you a discount for your total
> volume so that ALL of your customers benefit from your volume.
>
>> Specifications
>>
>> I am going to specify a standard server for SBS installations.
>>
>> Do you think that RAID 5 SAS with hot swap drives and battery backup up
>> is
>> advisable or overkill?
>
> Hardware RAID is a must, battery on the RAID controller is standard on
> any quality controller. RAID5 SATA, SAS, SCSI, all good options, just
> get 5 drives or more. A 3 Drive R/5 is slow when you look at the server
> performance with a 5 drive R/5.
>
>> Same with dual redundant power supply.
>
> Always a good idea - just make sure you allocate enough UPS for this.
>
>> What would you recommend as the minimum amount of RAM and HDD space.
>
> RAM: Min 3GB, Max 4GB.
>
>> I am leaning towards 3 partitions, 1 OS, 1 applications, 1 DATA and log
>> files?
>
> HD Space, depends on what you want to do. If you have SBS 2003 Prem then
> I would setup with 300GB single partition minimum or a multi-array setup
> like this: Array 1 (C) 32-48GB O/S, Array 2 (D) 200-250GB
> Data/SQL/Exchange, Array 3 (E) 120GB SQL online backup space, Utilities,
> Misc area for Admin to use for maintenance.
>
> You forgot to ask about the MOST IMPORTANT PART - Backup!
>
> LTO-2 or LTO-3 Tape backup for entire server on one tape, daily backup
> of full server.
>
> USB/Other - Daily backup of all data on this secondary media. Good for
> doing a backup before you install service packs and updates.
>
> --
>
> Leythos
> - Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.
> - Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a
> drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"
> spam999free[ at ]rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)
|
|
In article <64B41C81-76F3-4D96-8AB8-65FCD7351689[ at ]microsoft.com>,
colin[ at ]home says...
[Quoted Text] > Bit OT but I'm curious why your company didn't want to purchase the
> hardware, reap the discounts etc. Was it a warranty issue or some other
> reason ? Funnily enough, I'm just starting to think about buying the
> hardware for my clients (Dell have just offered me £800.00/$1600-ish
> discount on a 2900 for a client). My thoughts here are a quick profit but
> strangely, they won't answer my emails regarding transfer of warranty to my
> client. Reading your reply made me wonder why you are against buying the kit
Everything should be in the Clients name, warranty, lease, etc... If you
purchase it and resell it there is no direct Dell Warranty support.
Many distributors will provide you a quote with 1% or so markup already
in the quote and then send you a check monthly for your cut if you want
to do that. I personally have our company structured so that we don't
have the tax liability, if we made a profit on the hardware we would
have to file/pay taxes monthly, and it's not worth it - we provide a "at
cost" quote and give it directly to the customer, they make the purchase
by their own means. This also means we don't get stuck with a
server/cost if the client changes their mind at some point.
Dell is just not worth doing business with.
--
Leythos
- Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum.
- Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented worker" is like calling a
drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist"
spam999free[ at ]rrohio.com (remove 999 for proper email address)
|
|
Leythos wrote:
[Quoted Text] > In article <64B41C81-76F3-4D96-8AB8-65FCD7351689[ at ]microsoft.com>,
> colin[ at ]home says...
>> Bit OT but I'm curious why your company didn't want to purchase the
>> hardware, reap the discounts etc. Was it a warranty issue or some
>> other reason ? Funnily enough, I'm just starting to think about
>> buying the hardware for my clients (Dell have just offered me
>> £800.00/$1600-ish discount on a 2900 for a client). My thoughts here
>> are a quick profit but strangely, they won't answer my emails
>> regarding transfer of warranty to my client. Reading your reply made
>> me wonder why you are against buying the kit
>
> Everything should be in the Clients name, warranty, lease, etc... If
> you purchase it and resell it there is no direct Dell Warranty
> support.
Dell warranties are transferable.
( but I completely agree with everything else. )
>
> Many distributors will provide you a quote with 1% or so markup
> already in the quote and then send you a check monthly for your cut
> if you want to do that. I personally have our company structured so
> that we don't have the tax liability, if we made a profit on the
> hardware we would have to file/pay taxes monthly, and it's not worth
> it - we provide a "at cost" quote and give it directly to the
> customer, they make the purchase by their own means. This also means
> we don't get stuck with a server/cost if the client changes their
> mind at some point.
>
> Dell is just not worth doing business with.
--
/kj
|
|
Making the transistion from enterprise to small business can be a real
challenge for some IT folks.
Its good that you understand the difference in budget and that can be the
real challenge
Your small business clients need the same services and security that the
enterprise clients do. They just need it at a better price.
i.e. Antivirus: many companys have versions of their full product
designed for the SBS world
None of the Server Vendors are going to do much for you, because as was
pointed out, you are not usually making the purchase, your customer is, so
as far as the vendor is concerned, you have not made any purchases.
As for hardware, stay away from Broadcom nics, always do at least RAID 1,
partitioned up properly, but this is no different from Enterprise. You take
your customer's budget and configure the best you can, but if the customer's
budget doesn't allow for the miniums, sometimes they either have to cough
up, or you are better off walking away
--
Cris Hanna [SBS-MVP]
-------------------------------------------------
Microsoft MVPs
Independent Experts (MVPs do not work for MS)
Real World Answers
---------------------------------------------------------
Please do not contact me directly regarding issues
"Lee" <nospam[ at ]nospam.com> wrote in message
news:OAJ9U9kwHHA.4800[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] >
>
> "Cris Hanna [SBS-MVP]" <crisnospamhanna[ at ]computingnospampossibilities.net>
> wrote in message news:e3sBgJkwHHA.2180[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>
>> Lee,
>> These are all great questions, but it would almost appear that you don't
>> have a great breadth of experience with a wide variety of hardware and
>> applications?
>
>
>
> Apologies if I came across as green. I am somewhat in this space
>
>
>
> Built my first computer from parts when I was 14. My dad had an Amstrad
> pc1640 and western digital wanted £600 for a hard card for it. So I built
> him a computer. Been working in IT over 10 years.
>
>
>
> Worked in telecoms hardware support. 6 nines uptime, passive backplane
> rack mount chassis, 10,000 lines that had to be up or we got huge
> penalties.
>
>
>
> My concern is that what I am used to supplying clients with telephone
> number budgets might be overkill for SME clients.
>
>
>
> I have no doubt about my technical abilities to deliver SBS, CRM and
> anything else a 50 seat business will require. I'm trying to get a feel
> for IT from a 50 user level not a 500+ user level.
>
>
>
>> I'd be concerned about your ability to act as the "trusted agent" for a
>> small businesses in guiding them toward decisions on software and
>> hardware if you don't have that background.
>
>
>
> My experience goes back to DOS 5 (and DR DOS) and wfwg 3 all the way up to
> present. I even had some fun with banyan VINES!
>
>
>
> I'm looking for advice from people working in the <100 seat space,
> regarding what they would specify for a server and what experience they
> have had with vendors when you are not putting £10 million of business
> their way each year.
>
>
>
> I know how nice HP \ IBM can be when you buy 200 servers from them a year,
> I wonder what they are like when you buy 20 from them.
>
>
>> How many SBS servers have you installed, configured and supported?
>
>
>
> 4 in commercial environments. IBM series x system builder models. Remotely
> supported via TS. Premium installs, everything working perfectly.
> Including windows mobile access.
>
>
>
> Used the wizards for everything. Didn't get clever and start messing with
> AD myself just let SBS organise the OU's how it wanted.
>
>
>
> Was very impressed with how easy I found it to get everything up and
> running. Including RWW, OWA, VPN (dont forget GRE pass through) and TS for
> support. Even found getting access for PDA running windows mobile to be
> relatively easy once I got the certificate installed on the PDA.
>
>
>
> These were done when working for a previous employer. Unfortunately they
> didn't want to pursue that space, wanted bigger profits.
>
>
>
> Have 2 networks at home, 1 is for testing 1 for running my business.
>
>
>
> I have decide to work for myself and build a reputation for providing
> enterprise level solutions for SME level clients (at SME prices). I
> believe SBS will be an integral part of that.
>
>
>
> This is why I am asking questions now. I want to get things right first
> time for all my clients.
>
>
>
> Any advice appreciated.
>
>
>
> Lee
>
>
>
>
>
|
|
Hi Leythos/kj,
Thanks for that. Personally, so far, I've had good support from Dell (UK)
and they seem willing to offer me good discounts. However, with your advice
in mind I'll have to rethink my plans.
Regards Colin.
"kj [SBS MVP]" <KevinJ.SBS[ at ]SPAMFREE.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:uIJK%23slwHHA.424[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] > Leythos wrote:
>> In article <64B41C81-76F3-4D96-8AB8-65FCD7351689[ at ]microsoft.com>,
>> colin[ at ]home says...
>>> Bit OT but I'm curious why your company didn't want to purchase the
>>> hardware, reap the discounts etc. Was it a warranty issue or some
>>> other reason ? Funnily enough, I'm just starting to think about
>>> buying the hardware for my clients (Dell have just offered me
>>> £800.00/$1600-ish discount on a 2900 for a client). My thoughts here
>>> are a quick profit but strangely, they won't answer my emails
>>> regarding transfer of warranty to my client. Reading your reply made
>>> me wonder why you are against buying the kit
>>
>> Everything should be in the Clients name, warranty, lease, etc... If
>> you purchase it and resell it there is no direct Dell Warranty
>> support.
>
> Dell warranties are transferable.
>
> ( but I completely agree with everything else. )
>
>>
>> Many distributors will provide you a quote with 1% or so markup
>> already in the quote and then send you a check monthly for your cut
>> if you want to do that. I personally have our company structured so
>> that we don't have the tax liability, if we made a profit on the
>> hardware we would have to file/pay taxes monthly, and it's not worth
>> it - we provide a "at cost" quote and give it directly to the
>> customer, they make the purchase by their own means. This also means
>> we don't get stuck with a server/cost if the client changes their
>> mind at some point.
>>
>> Dell is just not worth doing business with.
>
> --
> /kj
>
|
|
You might find it useful to sign on to the Microsoft SBSC program. The exam
is extremely MS-centric (don't even think of 3rd party solutions), but it
gives the appropriate slant to SMB thinking.
"Lee" <nospam[ at ]nospam.com> wrote in message
news:OAJ9U9kwHHA.4800[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
[Quoted Text] >
>
> "Cris Hanna [SBS-MVP]" <crisnospamhanna[ at ]computingnospampossibilities.net>
> wrote in message news:e3sBgJkwHHA.2180[ at ]TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>
>> Lee,
>> These are all great questions, but it would almost appear that you don't
>> have a great breadth of experience with a wide variety of hardware and
>> applications?
>
>
>
> Apologies if I came across as green. I am somewhat in this space
>
>
>
> Built my first computer from parts when I was 14. My dad had an Amstrad
> pc1640 and western digital wanted £600 for a hard card for it. So I built
> him a computer. Been working in IT over 10 years.
>
>
>
> Worked in telecoms hardware support. 6 nines uptime, passive backplane
> rack mount chassis, 10,000 lines that had to be up or we got huge
> penalties.
>
>
>
> My concern is that what I am used to supplying clients with telephone
> number budgets might be overkill for SME clients.
>
>
>
> I have no doubt about my technical abilities to deliver SBS, CRM and
> anything else a 50 seat business will require. I'm trying to get a feel
> for IT from a 50 user level not a 500+ user level.
>
>
>
>> I'd be concerned about your ability to act as the "trusted agent" for a
>> small businesses in guiding them toward decisions on software and
>> hardware if you don't have that background.
>
>
>
> My experience goes back to DOS 5 (and DR DOS) and wfwg 3 all the way up to
> present. I even had some fun with banyan VINES!
>
>
>
> I'm looking for advice from people working in the <100 seat space,
> regarding what they would specify for a server and what experience they
> have had with vendors when you are not putting £10 million of business
> their way each year.
>
>
>
> I know how nice HP \ IBM can be when you buy 200 servers from them a year,
> I wonder what they are like when you buy 20 from them.
>
>
>> How many SBS servers have you installed, configured and supported?
>
>
>
> 4 in commercial environments. IBM series x system builder models. Remotely
> supported via TS. Premium installs, everything working perfectly.
> Including windows mobile access.
>
>
>
> Used the wizards for everything. Didn't get clever and start messing with
> AD myself just let SBS organise the OU's how it wanted.
>
>
>
> Was very impressed with how easy I found it to get everything up and
> running. Including RWW, OWA, VPN (dont forget GRE pass through) and TS for
> support. Even found getting access for PDA running windows mobile to be
> relatively easy once I got the certificate installed on the PDA.
>
>
>
> These were done when working for a previous employer. Unfortunately they
> didn't want to pursue that space, wanted bigger profits.
>
>
>
> Have 2 networks at home, 1 is for testing 1 for running my business.
>
>
>
> I have decide to work for myself and build a reputation for providing
> enterprise level solutions for SME level clients (at SME prices). I
> believe SBS will be an integral part of that.
>
>
>
> This is why I am asking questions now. I want to get things right first
> time for all my clients.
>
>
>
> Any advice appreciated.
>
>
>
> Lee
>
>
>
>
>
|
|
|