Align Systems builds, installs and supports file servers for businesses from 2 workstations to several hundred. In this article we will address some of the implementations of a business server and outline exactly what makes a server...

What is a server?

A server is a purpose built computer, using very reliable components, and is usually equipped with more memory and hard drive space than a normal workstation. A server usually has no monitor or keyboard and resides in an environmentally friendly and secure location.

Why does my business need a server?

Primarily so you can easily share files between computers and store all your files on one very reliable computer, providing better organisation of your companies information and allowing ease of backup from a central location. Secondly, for reliability, speed and to give you other functions like web based email.

Most businesses start by sharing information between 2 computers. Eventually they need more as their business grows, and so on. If the "master" computer, the one designated as holding the master copy of documents is also being used as a workstation, then the network starts to slow down as more and more workstations are added. More importantly, if the master computer locks up due to some software problem, or Windows locks up, all other workstations on the network are affected, and could lose their work.

How reliable is a server?

A server is only as reliable as the components that it is made of, and the software that is running on it. That is why we only use quality components and the Linux operating system.

Some of the components are:

• Storage
  A server usually has more than one hard drive, in what is called a RAID (Redundant Array of Independant Drives) configuration. If a hard drive fails (and it will), the other drives in the RAID allow your server to continue functioning.
• Backup
  A Tape drive should also be connected to the server. It starts automatically each night and copies all of your data stored on the server to a special cartridge (tape) to backup your valuable work. At the completion of the backup, an email is sent to the person responsible. The email is checked the next morning, the tape replaced with the next one (tapes are rotated according to a schedule) and physically taken offsite.
• Power
  An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) allows your server to continue to function should a power failure occur (and it will). UPS's have come down in price significantly, to the level where they are an affordable way of protecting your data from sudden power shortages.

What about server software?

The main choices are Linux, Novell and Microsoft. We recommend and specialise in implementing the Linux Operating System as the software running on the server. Linux is available in many distributions eg. Red Hat, Suse and Debian. The server software provides essential business services like file and print, internet access, email and security.

We choose to use Linux rather than Microsoft or Novell for a number of reasons:

• Reliability
  Linux is very reliable. This is probably the number one reason. A very comprehensive website about reliability is here. At the 1998 COMDEX, Bill Gates compared the computer industry with the auto industry, stating, "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 miles per gallon." GM's CEO responded by asking, "Yes, but would you want your car to crash twice a day?"
• Scalability - more hardware and software options can be added to suit your needs
• Affordability - Linux is free, open source software
• Flexibility - choose from thousands of open or closed source applications. It becomes your internet server, security/firewall, and email server

What can a server do?

A server can provide many services and functions to your business such as:

File and Print Sharing services
Multiple workstations can share files and printing devices to reduce hardware costs and save time.

Internet Server, Cache & Logging
A server can be used to provide internet access to all workstations, providing a central cache to improve speed and reduce bandwidth. Comprehensive logging and statistics provide valuable information.

Web based email system
An email system that lets you access your email and address books via your web browser from any internet connection.

Protects against unwanted SPAM emails
Scans incoming email and marks those emails that are SPAM related, so they can be dealt with, eg. automatically placed in a folder or deleted.

Blocks emails with attachments that contain potential viruses
We are not in favour of anti virus software running on the server, checking every file accessed. This is an unnecessary overhead that slows down the server. If 99% of email viruses are blocked by the rejection of certain file attachments and anti-virus software is running on every workstation, there is no need for additional checking on the server.

Automatic Downloads of the latest virus protection
We recommend Computer Associates' eTrust InoculateIT. When users log in to the network, the latest anti-virus software is installed on their workstation.

Frequently asked Questions

How many workstations should I have on my network before I should consider a server?
You should considering installing a server when you get to 3 or 4 workstations, or when you need a database server or web based email solution.

How much does a server cost?
These costs exclude the cost of a tape backup unit.

size of business	number of workstations	approximate cost in AUD$
small business	up to 10	$2,500
medium business	10 to 25	$5,000
large business	25 to 100	$10,000
enterprise level	100 to 250	$20,000

You mention that you build servers. Why don't you resell servers from brand name companies like Dell or HP?
By building a server, we know exactly what goes into it, can customise it to your requirements and know that it has been handled with care.

Align only use quality components in their servers

We only use quality hardware in our servers, like:

• Motherboards from Tyan and Supermicro
• Escalade RAID controllers from 3Ware
• Intel Pentium and Xeon Processors
• Hard drives from Seagate and Maxtor
• Cooling fans from Panaflo

Do you supply rack mount servers?
Yes, in 1RU, 2RU or 4RU sizes. Please send us an email with your requirements and we will get back to you with a quote.

What states in Australia do you service?
We are based in Adelaide, but supply servers to all states and regional areas. If support and maintenance is required, then we can call upon the services of organisations like CoverIT, who provide 3 Year On Site Warranty through their network of dealers. We are an authorised CoverIT dealer for South Australia.

Can you monitor our server?
Yes, if you have a permanent Internet connection, our monitoring system continuously checks the status of your server. It checks internet access, disk space, server utilisation and log files. We can provide 24 x 7 monitoring and fault correction, or tailor a support package to suit your needs.

Can we run databases on the Linux server?
Yes. Oracle runs very well, and is the database used by our aeonscope project management and accounting software product. Other databases that run well under Linux include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Progress and Interbase (Firebird). If you have to run Microsoft SQL Server, then you will need to run that on a server running Microsoft NT/2003 software. Microsoft SQL Server does not run under Linux and is not a cross platform database like Oracle.

I have an existing Novell Netware or Microsoft NT server. Can I change over to a Linux server?
Absolutely, that's what we have done for many companies! Using an open source software product called Samba, the Linux server appears on the network just like a Microsoft NT server, so your Windows workstations log into the domain exactly the same.

What is all this talk about Free and Open Source Software?
Here is a site that answers the question: What Does Free Mean? or What do you mean by Free Software?.

Do you build workstations?
We can if there is a special need, but prefer to supply workstations from specialist companies like Compucon, who build in large quantities, therefore keeping the cost down.