New Blog Postings Have Moved

I have moved all new postings to my new account.  I kept posting here because Google didn't allow me to post on Google Apps but that was a long time ago.....  Here is the link to the new blogsite:  http://sublimecomp.blogspot.com/

When Should I Move My Server to the Cloud?

The term “The Cloud” makes sales people giggle and technicians cringe.  We have all been using the technology that makes up the cloud for a long time.  However, having your server in another location has not always been a viable option.  There are scenarios where having your server hosted at a data center (AKA in the cloud) is not a good idea.  I am going to discuss a scenario when it is a good idea to move your server to the cloud.

The Really Old File Server

If you have a file server that is on its’ last leg and your IT staff has been begging you to replace it here are some possible reasons:

• Hard drives are failing or failed.
• The manufacturer will no longer provide support for the server.
• Spare parts have to be purchased from Ebay.
• It does not always startup when you turn it on.
• The cooling method is taking the side off of it and blowing a box fan into it.
• The power goes out in your office and your server is offline.
• It is still running 32 bit Windows Server 2000.
• There is not enough RAM to run all of the applications that are needed.
• There is no disaster recovery if the building burns down.
• You have to replace the server anyway.

Scenario:

• Less than 30 Users
• There is a mix of mobile and office workers.
• The files that are stored on the server are emails, documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
• The company has a fast internet connection.

This is a scenario where a cloud server makes sense.  A VPN tunnel is setup between the office and the cloud server.  If due diligence is done, then the users will not notice a difference.  All of their files settings and login will process as normal.  The problems that were listed above are no longer a problem.

• Hard drives are faster, larger and a very expensive drive array maintained by someone else.
• The server is virtual.  The warranty is a SLA’s provided by the cloud server provider.
• The server is in a data center and all of the gear is cooled and powered.
• The server is running 64 bit Windows Server 2008 or 2012.
• Disaster Recovery - The office building can burn down and your server and your data is secure.
• RAM can be increased easily.

Other benefits of cloud servers:

• $200 per month (Based on resources required) for a virtual server.
• Upfront cost of purchasing a server sized for this scenario is typically $5000 plus labor.  
• No longer have hardware depreciation.
• The server can be setup to be accessed from anywhere.
• Users don’t “have” to work from the office.
• IT costs associated with hardware will decrease.

Cons and Considerations

• If you don’t have faster internet at the data center or at the office, then access will be too slow.
• A T1 is not fast internet any more. 1.5 MB upload and download
• A bonded T1 is not fast internet. 3 MB upload and download
• DSL at 50 MB download speed and 10 MB upload speed is fast internet.
• Our recommendation is dual internet.  Fast DSL and an internet T1 for backup at the office.
• If you are processing large files like movies, animations or CAD files, then the cloud will be too slow for you.
• Software like Quickbooks or other programs that have a database file stored on the server will also be too slow.
• There are some good migration paths for converting your existing physical server into a virtual server.  I would not recommend this path unless time is of the essence or software dictates.  I feel that it is better to have a clean server with which to start.

Careful consideration needs to be made when moving servers to the cloud.  Do it when it makes sense for your organization.  This whole process will have to be handled by a competent technician and it can be expensive if the technician doesn’t spend the time planning the move.

Adam Bell

Senior Systems / Network Engineer

Sublime Computer Services

We make your technology work

615-942-0850

adam@sublimecomp.com

www.sublimecomp.com

How Much Should a Desktop Computer Cost?

If you are going to purchase a new computer or replace a computer, then you want to get the most for your money.  You also want to get the right computer that is going to provide the performance you need for the life of the computer.

We try to remain neutral when it comes to hardware.  We make our recommendations based on what is best for the client.  We use Dell because their service and sales are out of Nashville, they stand by their product, I get what I want without assembly and Dell sends a technician out to the client when there is a hardware problem.  We use other vendors for different products all of which the client gets a good deal on the hardware.  We simply charge them for our time.  Enough about us.

A desktop PC can be reliably used up to five years if it is properly purchased. I see a lot of offices where the cheapest possible computer is put into place.  I see user clicking icons and waiting.  I tell them “This is taking way too long”.  They tell me “It is always like this.”   This is bad for employees who want to get work done and employers who are paying to get work done.  How much time is lost over the five years of that computers’ life?   If an $8 an hour employee has to wait 1 hour per week longer than necessary because their computer is slow for 5 years, then it will cost you $2080 over the life of the computer.  ($8 x 52 x 5 = $2080)  That is simply what the computer is costing you in lost salary.  What are you losing on potential income?

So how much should one pay for a desktop computer?  The cost for a computer from Dell that does not need a new monitor will cost $916.  That includes Taxes and 2nd day Shipping.  

These are our minimum recommendations which are in the desktop computer price above:

• Quad Core CPU
• 8 GB of RAM
• Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
• Office 2013 Home and Business
• 500 GB Hard Drive
• Pro Support for 3 Years (for a little more it can cover up to 5 years)

A monitor should not cost more than $200.

I am a business owner and I understand keeping to a budget.  A $400 computer from Walmart sounds great.  How much will that $400 computer cost you in maintenance and time lost over five years.  Will it last five years?  Will they come out and fix it or will they require you to send it to them?

A computer is like any other tool.  How much will it cost to purchase and maintain?  How much money can I make from it?  How long will it last?  My recommendation is to get the right tool that you need to get the job done.  You and/or your employees will be happier and more productive.  So plan in your budget $916 to replace an existing desktop computer or $1116 for one that needs a monitor.

P.S.  If you locate a vendor that has better pricing and I can get the hardware specifications that I have listed above with good service, then let me know and I will look at that vendor.

Adam Bell

Senior Systems / Network Engineer

Sublime Computer Services

We make your technology work

615-942-0850

adam@sublimecomp.com

www.sublimecomp.com