[WEB4LIB] Purchasing a server for a small library

[Phillip Whitford]

I agree with all of what James Klock wrote in response to this question,
there are big differences between servers and plain PCs and when buying a
server you want to get a machine that is up to the task.  But sometimes
there is just not enough money to buy a server from Dell, HP, etc.  For our
small library we have had good luck in using two servers put together for us
by a local vendor and they were cheaper and just as reliable as any product
from one of the big companies. (We also have two servers made by DEC). The
trick is finding a local vendor you can trust that will work with you and in
educating yourself in the technical aspects of a server (like those
mentioned in James Klock's message).  What you lack in budget you have to
make up for in personal knowledge.  If we have the budget we do use a name
brand piece of network iron, but we are comfortable using clones if we have
to.

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Naomi Lloyd
Sent: Friday, March 05, 1999 11:35 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Purchasing a server for a small library


Our library is about to make its catalogue available on the web.  Before
installing the web server software our LAN administrator has suggested I
purchase a server for the library system software, and remove it from the
organisation's central server.  I have asked for quotes from local stores
as well as from Dell and IBM.

There has been a wide disparity in quotes despite most of the specs being
the same.  This seems to be because Dell and IBM's machines (PowerEdge 1300
and Netffinity 3000 respectively) are "servers". The other quotes seem to
be for upgraded PCs.

Here's my question: If I know I only want one processor and a single hard
drive on my machine (we're a very small library), is there any reason to go
with a server rather than a PC with an internal tape back up and UPS?

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!

Naomi Lloyd

Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources
310 Johnston Terminal, 25 Forks Market Road
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4S8
Canada
cierlib at mb.sympatico.ca
Ph: (204) 956-0660
Fax: (204) 956-1895
http://www.cier.mb.ca