Setting up a server system

I know this is a bit late but I'm just getting started here on the forums.. My suggestion is to try to figure out exactly what you're going to be running on it (any VM's, etc), are you going to run Windows Server and that sort of thing to provide "Services" to other client machines (e.g. Win 10 desktops) such as Active Directory SQLServer and so forth? 

We've got a small office here with just two employees and some volunteers (we're a non-profit) that come in a few times a week.. We've got a PowerEdge R350 server and after using it a year I'm back looking for more RAM and disk space as I underestimated the needs when I ordered.

I think as you walk down the path of learning these things you'll make mistakes here and there and learn as you go..  We love our R350 server and bought a tape drive for it (PowerVault 114X) that works great with Veeam for backups. Sure, I'm still learning and will continue to learn.

Our little server plugs along nicely for our needs.  Just make sure you're using a wired network that is as fast as possible as part of the plan. You'd be surprised how that network can impact the overall daily "experience" that people feel when they're using the computers/server(s).

We're using gigabit ethernet (cat6) but when we move we'll migrate to fiber and go faster to accommodate some things we're planning in the future..

I hope this helps in some small way...

Blessings.. 

It's fantastic to hear about your new climate and health unit, and your plans to work with large datasets. To get started with a robust server infrastructure within your budget, you have several options. Here are some suggestions:

1. Hardware Setup:

   • Server: A powerful server is key. A good starting point would be the Dell PowerEdge R740 server. It's scalable, reliable and provides powerful performance for a variety of applications. This can be configured based on your specific needs, with the base model typically starting at around $3,000.

   • Storage: Since you're working with large datasets, high capacity storage is crucial. You can consider the Dell PowerVault ME4 Series for a start, which ranges from $5,000 - $7,000 depending on capacity and type of drives (SSD/HDD).

   • Networking: An enterprise-grade network switch like the Cisco Catalyst 2960X-48FPS-L, priced at approximately $2,000, would ensure that your network can handle data-heavy tasks without performance issues.

2. Software Setup:

   • Operating System: CentOS is a solid choice for server operating systems. It's open source (hence free), widely used and has a massive community for support. Ubuntu Server is another great choice, with many organizations using it for its ease of use and robust features.

   • Database Software: PostgreSQL is an advanced open-source relational database system. It can handle complex queries and large amounts of data, and it's free.

   • Data Analysis: For handling and analyzing big data, consider Hadoop, which is a collection of open-source software utilities that facilitate using a network of many computers to solve problems involving massive amounts of data and computation.

   • Data Backup: Consider using a service like Backblaze or Carbonite. They offer affordable and reliable cloud-based backup solutions.

3. Cloud-based Solutions: Depending on the size and complexity of your data, you might also want to consider cloud-based solutions like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, or Microsoft Azure. These services can be more cost-effective as they scale seamlessly with your data needs and you only pay for the storage and computing power you use. However, bear in mind that this is an ongoing cost, not a one-off purchase.

Please keep in mind that the prices mentioned are rough estimates and they can vary based on your specific requirements and the vendor's pricing.

This setup will provide a solid foundation for your unit's data needs. You can build and expand on this infrastructure as your budget allows and as your data needs grow.

I hope this gives you a good starting point. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Best Regards, Hazz Studio 

If you want to go Linux, Dell supports either Citrix Xenserver or SUSE Linux Enterprise. CentOS is sort of in flux right now due to what RedHat did; I'm not sure on the whole story, but it's somewhat ugly, I sure know that.