Recently, I requested a price for a proxy server for on/off campus access to library resources. Alt

[Jonathan Sparks]

Recently, I requested a price for a proxy server for on/off campus access to library resources.  Although I gave open choice on what server hardware to purchase, I was told that all I needed to purchase was an HP Netserver PII 266 MHz computer with 256 MB ram and 3x4 GB hard drives.

When I questioned if that was a strong enough computer for a proxy server to serve 2,300 students, where user-validated access will be provided to a great host of full-text databases, I was told that "on a Novell Border Manager Proxy server the main need will be plenty of memory and fast hard drives. This is not a processor intensive application but it is a memory and disk intensive application. So, the P II/266 MHz should work fine".

Since I have the budget money now to purchase the appropriate server and do not want to be caught with insufficient power and access in the future, could someone answer if I need to approve this current PO or should I push for a faster and better server now.

Jon Sparks


Jon Sparks, MLS, Ed.S., Ph.D.
Dean of Library Services
Mabee Learning Center
Oklahoma Baptist University
500 West University
OBU Box 61309
Shawnee, OK  74804
EMail: jon_sparks at mail.okbu.edu
Telephone:  (405) 878-2249
Fax:  (405) 878-2256