Need help Building an Office Network?

mobad

ok im trying to help a friend setup a network for his office.

The requirements are as follows -

Basement Front Office:

Main Server - Windows Server 2003
Wireless Router ( to serve laptops upstairs ) - Already have a Linksys small office wireless router
1 Desktop and 17" Monitor - For Administration/Photograhing purposes
1 Desktop and 17" Monitor - Managers computer

Basement Rear Office:

1 Desktop and 17" Monitor - Managers Computer

Ground Floor Front Office:

2 * 17" Laptops - Estate Agent and Office programs which connect to the server via wireless

Boardroom:

1 * 17" Laptop - Boardroom Laptop

The setup needs to be fast, which is the current issue and enough memory to perform day to day tasks (which involved photo editing on a basic level but the desktops need to be able to function with photoshop).

We also need some sort of instant messaging software between all messages (like office communicator) to communicate quickly/efficently.

All systems require Outlook 2003+ and Office suite (word,excel,powerpoint).

They also require Adobe CS2 which is currently installed on another system with all their required settings.
They don't have the cd for CS2 but is there away to transfer the program across?

Money wise looking to spend around £2,000-£2,500 but as we require around 6 systems, im assuming buying in bulk from say dell, should work a good deal out.

Please any suggestions/ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thank You

HoofeHearted

Are you sure this isn't for your new IT contract job that you are starting tomorrow.

We don't mind helping people out, but can we have a sub-contracting fee?:j

mobad

Not at all lol.
This is defo for a friend.
I changed departments to 2nd line only 2 weeks back.
I know what I need to do I just need help with the suppliers and other options, if my above setup is wrong!

Dime_Bar

As mentioned above your budget is low, but they may be a way round it.

1) What do they currently have in terms of PC's, servers, Laptops and infrastructure? There may be ways to upgrade some of the systems or even sell them to recoup some money.

2) What do you need Server 2K3 for? Are you setting up a Domain for AD or is it just for central storage?

3) Your using Outlook, do you have / need an Exchange Licence?

Let me know the answers there may be other ways to cut down the costs by moving into the cloud.

Dime_Bar

computershack wrote: »

To the OP, please don't unless you want to be constantly on site sorting it out. "The Cloud" is OK until your internet access goes titsup or, in the case of Google, they have an issue and as the paying customers of Google Apps found out 99% uptime can mean a day or more without service. And when they lose all your data, you'll get "Meh. We refer you to Clause 4 of the contract. Should've had a local copy."

Many a sysadmin has lost their job as a result of recommending it when it went titsup and many other sysadmins have put their head in their hands when "management" has decided that "the cloud is the future, its the way to go", knowing full well they'll get the blame for the provider or ISP outage.

Spend good money on a reliable connection and a good Cloud provider and you will not have these problems. Anyone who does not take a backup locally is asking for trouble but you can cut plenty of costs by going to the cloud.

OP there are inherent problems with on site and cloud based solutions so it is matter of checking your priorities.

Computershack you mention 99% up time at Google not being good enough, but what if your server dies, lets face it with the budget of the Op he is only going to have next day support at best.

The Cloud is a viable option for many companies as long as it is entered knowingly and with a DR plan in place.

RobTang

surely the whole point of moving stuff to the clould is not having to manage pesky infrastructure issues like backups and DR (for data), isn't this exaclty what im paying for ?

I can't believe the google sla doesn't include some kind of backup systems.

and frankly when it comes to e-mails and documents employees will never ever keep backups (doubley so fo anyone technical). The funniest thing is sitting in a remote dr location (during a drill) and loads of people not being able todo anything beacuse they have lefts some vitally important files localy stored on their normal work computers....

RobTang

computershack wrote: »

Thats due to whoever set up the system not doing the job properly and configuring a VPN / Remote access so they could get their important files stored on the server at the office from wherever they happen to be. If their files are only stored on their normal workstation then the sysadmin needs to be fired for incompetency.

Remote DR locations run under the assumption that your normal servers / workstations have been destroyed, you can't VPN into somthing that doesn't exist anymore.

and thers always someone who places files in a location that is not replicated or just lock their computers overnight so desktop / my docs are not replicated or somthing like a custom oracle TNS file

Personally im not exactly convinced by (internet) clould systems either, although for small business the cost saving is probably essential give then risk.

In house clould services are fantastic tho.

[Deleted User]

You need to get a consultant in for this business. You clearly don't have the expertise to be able to be able to manage this project and I'll be honest, neither would I in your situation. Spending money to get the right advice at the beginning is going to ensure that whatever funds are spent later down the line is on the correct set up for the needs of the business.