Help me understand what my small business network needs
July 15, 2011 7:09 AM Subscribe
I'm trying to set up a small business computer network and I need some help in clarifying what I need. Although we will be hiring a network person to help us set things up, I'm hoping the hive mind can help me understand the basics so I can figure out what equipment we will need.
We're going to have a network of 20-30 computers running Windows 7, all within the same building. We want the network to allow us to
a) set up logins for the domain, so an individual can log in on any computer;
b) set user-specific folders on the network for saving documents, so each user can access their files from any computer;
c) manage permissions, so the applications that can be run by each user are set as necessary;
d) have a shared, networked printer for the office.
I'm very confused about what we need in terms of hardware and software, and would appreciate any help the hive mind can give. Specifically:
1) Do the individual workstations need to be running Windows 7 Pro, or is Windows 7 Home acceptable?
2) Is it correct that we will install Windows Server on one computer and then just use client licenses on the other computers, or does Windows Server need to be installed on all of the computers?
3) Is ActiveDirectory a separate purchase, or is that included in Windows Server?
4) From what I can tell, we'll need to get a firewall and a router/gigabit desktop switch in order to connect all the computers up and get them onto the internet; is there other hardware that we need?
If there are other questions I should be asking but am not, please feel free to follow up.
We're going to have a network of 20-30 computers running Windows 7, all within the same building. We want the network to allow us to
a) set up logins for the domain, so an individual can log in on any computer;
b) set user-specific folders on the network for saving documents, so each user can access their files from any computer;
c) manage permissions, so the applications that can be run by each user are set as necessary;
d) have a shared, networked printer for the office.
I'm very confused about what we need in terms of hardware and software, and would appreciate any help the hive mind can give. Specifically:
1) Do the individual workstations need to be running Windows 7 Pro, or is Windows 7 Home acceptable?
2) Is it correct that we will install Windows Server on one computer and then just use client licenses on the other computers, or does Windows Server need to be installed on all of the computers?
3) Is ActiveDirectory a separate purchase, or is that included in Windows Server?
4) From what I can tell, we'll need to get a firewall and a router/gigabit desktop switch in order to connect all the computers up and get them onto the internet; is there other hardware that we need?
If there are other questions I should be asking but am not, please feel free to follow up.
Because this is for a business, you might want to bring in a professinal to have this done. I know it will incur costs, but how much would it cost for your business to be shut down because your computer infrastructure is down?
That being said.
1) Windows Home versions won't allow you to connect to a domain. So you need Pro or Ultimate.
2) Generally speaking, you only need one Server. Having two would give you redunancy, but just like insurance, you have to decide your tolarance for faiures. Make sure you have a good backup of that server in any case. Make sure that backup is off site.
3) You will only need one license of Windows Server. AD is included.
4) Get something better than consumer grade networking gear. I have always worked with Cisco products.
If I can help anymore, let me know.
posted by Silvertree at 7:30 AM on July 15, 2011
That being said.
1) Windows Home versions won't allow you to connect to a domain. So you need Pro or Ultimate.
2) Generally speaking, you only need one Server. Having two would give you redunancy, but just like insurance, you have to decide your tolarance for faiures. Make sure you have a good backup of that server in any case. Make sure that backup is off site.
3) You will only need one license of Windows Server. AD is included.
4) Get something better than consumer grade networking gear. I have always worked with Cisco products.
If I can help anymore, let me know.
posted by Silvertree at 7:30 AM on July 15, 2011
Just to elaborate more on what Silvertree said: spending less money probably isn't cheaper. Please price how much your downtime costs. Use that knowledge to decide how much money to spend.
For example: maybe you want redundant hardware, maybe that's too expensive. You don't need a top of the line switch, but a proper switch designed for 24x7 office use is essential.
posted by devnull at 7:45 AM on July 15, 2011
For example: maybe you want redundant hardware, maybe that's too expensive. You don't need a top of the line switch, but a proper switch designed for 24x7 office use is essential.
posted by devnull at 7:45 AM on July 15, 2011
You need to bring in a few different network people or managed IT service companies and let them quote it out for you. 20-30 computers with a server and networking is going to involve more work and setup to get working right. This size of a network is a $25-60K investment depending on your needs. Here's some questions I would include:
How much can they get the computers in for, installed? Can they get volume discounts that you can't?
Is there additional electrical work that needs to be done? You could easily be sucking down 6-10kW with 20-30 computers, not including the server or other equipment.
How much for the total setup including network equipment, wiring and cabling, server, licenses, backup equipment, data backups and backup power?
What type of data backup are they proposing (there had better be on-site and off-site data backups occurring on a regular basis)?
How long to get installed, including start and end dates?
How much for maintenance after installation? Will visits for software updates incur extra costs?
Do they do remote management that might be a time and cost savings?
How much for emergency calls?
Will they integrate other related services such as phones, security, paging and point of sale, including hosted solutions? What prices can they get these for?
Are they certified or able to successfully install whatever software you need for your business such as accounting/billing, full e-mail, webserver, or business specific software?
What are they on the hook for if everything goes down?
Remember: having an outside company come in to do the setup and getting everything up and running can be a cost savings in the long term. Every hour they charge you for can potentially be 2-8 hours or more you have to spend not doing your actual work.
If you want to memail me with your location, I might even have a recommendation or two for companies I deal with on a regular basis.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 8:53 AM on July 15, 2011
How much can they get the computers in for, installed? Can they get volume discounts that you can't?
Is there additional electrical work that needs to be done? You could easily be sucking down 6-10kW with 20-30 computers, not including the server or other equipment.
How much for the total setup including network equipment, wiring and cabling, server, licenses, backup equipment, data backups and backup power?
What type of data backup are they proposing (there had better be on-site and off-site data backups occurring on a regular basis)?
How long to get installed, including start and end dates?
How much for maintenance after installation? Will visits for software updates incur extra costs?
Do they do remote management that might be a time and cost savings?
How much for emergency calls?
Will they integrate other related services such as phones, security, paging and point of sale, including hosted solutions? What prices can they get these for?
Are they certified or able to successfully install whatever software you need for your business such as accounting/billing, full e-mail, webserver, or business specific software?
What are they on the hook for if everything goes down?
Remember: having an outside company come in to do the setup and getting everything up and running can be a cost savings in the long term. Every hour they charge you for can potentially be 2-8 hours or more you have to spend not doing your actual work.
If you want to memail me with your location, I might even have a recommendation or two for companies I deal with on a regular basis.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 8:53 AM on July 15, 2011
People answered your questions already, but be aware of a few more things:
* Windows Small Business Server is a LOT less expensive than Windows Server and comes with e-mail capability if you want it. However, for a business your size, I would recommend outsourcing your e-mail to Google or Microsoft. It may cost you a little more per month, but it will likely save you headaches and labor costs in the long run.
* Buy server-class hardware for your server. That means the server should have redundant, hot-swappable drives, redundant power supplies, at least a quad-core processor and room to expand to a lot of RAM. You probably won't need more than 8 GB to start (if you use Exchange or Small Business Server e-mail) and 4 GB if you don't use those. However, make sure your server supports up to 16 GB of RAM. You may need little servers for various uses, and you're better off buying one big server and virtualizing the little servers than buying multiple little servers or running servers on desktop PCs. I would buy a server with at least four drive bays, and six (or more) would be better.
* Buy business class PC hardware. This will cost you more, but will be better built, better supported and won't come with junkware that will slow your PCs down. If budget is an issue, you can save a lot of money by buying refurbished PCs with warranty from Dell Financial Services or HP's Outlet .
* You're going to need a UPS for your server and a backup system, including backup software for your data. Make sure your backups are redundant (lots of tapes and/or hard drives) and that you can take backups off-site. Neither will be cheap, but both are necessary.
* If the wiring isn't already in place to your 20-30 PCs, you'll need to get it installed. Plan for this expense.
* When you get to ~50 people, consider hiring an IT person. Pay attention to your IT consulting budget. If you're paying $100 per hour, 12 hours per week gets to be close to the cost of a full time IT person, where you get 40 hours of work for the same money.
posted by cnc at 9:11 AM on July 15, 2011
* Windows Small Business Server is a LOT less expensive than Windows Server and comes with e-mail capability if you want it. However, for a business your size, I would recommend outsourcing your e-mail to Google or Microsoft. It may cost you a little more per month, but it will likely save you headaches and labor costs in the long run.
* Buy server-class hardware for your server. That means the server should have redundant, hot-swappable drives, redundant power supplies, at least a quad-core processor and room to expand to a lot of RAM. You probably won't need more than 8 GB to start (if you use Exchange or Small Business Server e-mail) and 4 GB if you don't use those. However, make sure your server supports up to 16 GB of RAM. You may need little servers for various uses, and you're better off buying one big server and virtualizing the little servers than buying multiple little servers or running servers on desktop PCs. I would buy a server with at least four drive bays, and six (or more) would be better.
* Buy business class PC hardware. This will cost you more, but will be better built, better supported and won't come with junkware that will slow your PCs down. If budget is an issue, you can save a lot of money by buying refurbished PCs with warranty from Dell Financial Services or HP's Outlet .
* You're going to need a UPS for your server and a backup system, including backup software for your data. Make sure your backups are redundant (lots of tapes and/or hard drives) and that you can take backups off-site. Neither will be cheap, but both are necessary.
* If the wiring isn't already in place to your 20-30 PCs, you'll need to get it installed. Plan for this expense.
* When you get to ~50 people, consider hiring an IT person. Pay attention to your IT consulting budget. If you're paying $100 per hour, 12 hours per week gets to be close to the cost of a full time IT person, where you get 40 hours of work for the same money.
posted by cnc at 9:11 AM on July 15, 2011
Here's an outline of the Windows7 versions. You need pro, ultimate, or enterprise. For that many computers I'd recommend looking into volume licensing from Microsoft, you could save a bunch.
posted by blue_beetle at 9:13 AM on July 15, 2011
posted by blue_beetle at 9:13 AM on July 15, 2011
Server includes active directory. Dell servers are bullet proof. user pc's id say go with hp . Dell has had way too many motherboard/power supply issues.
Dell switches are good but so are hp's. I say go for hp switches. they can do everything cisco switches can do but for half the price.
On the switch side i say splurge a little bit. get a switch that has more ports then you need so you dont have to buy another one when you expand.
Also Look into buying from CDW. they are great and they have specialists that can help you and guide you into what you need for the amount of users.
For the router/firewall I suggest PFSENSE. all you need is an old pc that has 2 network ports. PFSENSE is free and I run it here on my network at work. You can purchase tech support from them if you need it.
Oh also if your non - profit techsoup.org is your friend. You can get software for awesomely cheap like backupexec 2010 r3 for $100 with all options and agents for unlimited machines, windows 7 pro licenses for $12 .
Anyway if you will be hiring a network it guy then just hire him first and he can walk you guys through it. just make sure you tell him you want some expansion built in.
posted by majortom1981 at 9:57 AM on July 15, 2011
Dell switches are good but so are hp's. I say go for hp switches. they can do everything cisco switches can do but for half the price.
On the switch side i say splurge a little bit. get a switch that has more ports then you need so you dont have to buy another one when you expand.
Also Look into buying from CDW. they are great and they have specialists that can help you and guide you into what you need for the amount of users.
For the router/firewall I suggest PFSENSE. all you need is an old pc that has 2 network ports. PFSENSE is free and I run it here on my network at work. You can purchase tech support from them if you need it.
Oh also if your non - profit techsoup.org is your friend. You can get software for awesomely cheap like backupexec 2010 r3 for $100 with all options and agents for unlimited machines, windows 7 pro licenses for $12 .
Anyway if you will be hiring a network it guy then just hire him first and he can walk you guys through it. just make sure you tell him you want some expansion built in.
posted by majortom1981 at 9:57 AM on July 15, 2011
Most of your questions seem to be pretty adequately answered. Lot of good advice up there.
I do IT support for an organization a little bigger than your company, with a couple of custom web applications on top. I'll add a couple things: you'll want some antivirus software. For your size, you can get away without using one of the centrally managed solutions (places like symantec of mcaffee can sell you an enterprise version that you can track status and policy compliance with.). You'll probably want an extra desktop or two, so that when a system gets totally hosed you can swap in a spare. On that point: consider some disk imaging software. At your size, you don't strictly need it, but if you grow, you'll find that having a standard configuration image ready to go can save a lot of hassle, both in time to deploy new desktops and get ones with serious software issues back in use.
Feel free to memail me if you want more. Like I said, my organization is a bit bigger and more complicated than yours, but I've grown with it since it was about your size. If you're you're interested I can give you some first-hand experience.
posted by mrgoat at 11:34 AM on July 15, 2011
I do IT support for an organization a little bigger than your company, with a couple of custom web applications on top. I'll add a couple things: you'll want some antivirus software. For your size, you can get away without using one of the centrally managed solutions (places like symantec of mcaffee can sell you an enterprise version that you can track status and policy compliance with.). You'll probably want an extra desktop or two, so that when a system gets totally hosed you can swap in a spare. On that point: consider some disk imaging software. At your size, you don't strictly need it, but if you grow, you'll find that having a standard configuration image ready to go can save a lot of hassle, both in time to deploy new desktops and get ones with serious software issues back in use.
Feel free to memail me if you want more. Like I said, my organization is a bit bigger and more complicated than yours, but I've grown with it since it was about your size. If you're you're interested I can give you some first-hand experience.
posted by mrgoat at 11:34 AM on July 15, 2011
Spend some money on installing a wired network for your office, and have the structured wiring done by qualified network wiring contractors, who can do your phone and network wiring at the same time, for around $100 a "drop," basic rack hardware and punch down blocks, and station termination included. A wired network will be faster, and lot less problematic for an organization of your size, than a wireless one. But for convenience, such as the use of visitors or areas like conference rooms, you may want to have a wireless zone in your network, too. I say "too" because I consider this an additional network feature, whereas some people you talk to, hearing that you want wireless capability, and are only a 30 person shop, will try to sell you only wireless network technology, especially if most of your people prefer or will be using laptops, with built-in wireless hardware. But almost all business class laptops, and all desktops, still have a 10/100/1000 Base T Ethernet port, and using it as your main office network will make for a more reliable, secure, and faster data network for everyone.
posted by paulsc at 6:27 PM on July 15, 2011
posted by paulsc at 6:27 PM on July 15, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
2. Yes. For 20-30 machines, you'll want server-class hardware; hardware RAID drives, etc.
3. No, it's part of Windows Server.
4. You'll need something better than a typical Best Buy switch. You'll experience issues with that much traffic on consumer-grade hardware. Dell makes some very nice, affordable switches. You'll also want a separate router/firewall (I am a fan of Sonicwall).
If you're hiring a professional, they should guide you through all this. There may be intricacies that you're not aware of, so, YMMV.
posted by chrisfromthelc at 7:26 AM on July 15, 2011