VCC Servers

At VCC we build all-Intel servers. Intel provides next-day 3 year warrantees on all their parts, so we can pass that warrantee along to our customers. Even if you move out of the area, the Intel warrantee is still valid, so you can get your computer serviced anywhere. Most servers only come with a one year warantee.

Before you purchase a server, be sure you get what you need. If you have a small company and need your own mail server, you will save significant money if you purchase Small Business Server, which comes bundled with Exchange, rather than buying the plain Windows Server and then purchasing Exchange Server as a separate product. If you need SQL Server, there is a version of Small Business Server that includes that also. Be sure to talk to someone who knows the products before you purchase a server. Mistakes can be costly.

Unless you have server software that won't run on 64-bit platforms, we strongly suggest you purchase a 64-bit system. The older, 32-bit architecture is limited to a maximum of 4 gigabytes of memory space. That isn't a lot of memory any more. By the time you are ready to retire a new server, it will be a horrible bottleneck.

Once you have purchased a server, you need backup software. Yes, Windows Server comes with a backup program, but it isn't well-matched with most backup devices and strategies. Again, some thought and planning can save you grief. Do not consider installing a server without a decent backup strategy. A 2004 study by the University of Texas says that only 6% of all businesses who experience catastrophic data loss survive for 2 years. 43% never open their doors again, while 51% go out of business within 2 years. No matter how good the hardware is, you cannot afford to be without a good backup strategy (see our backup article).

The most efficient way to contain network elements is in a rack system, similar to ours. Modern server cases are usually smaller than ours, but they are also noiser. We stuck with 4U cases because we can use larger, slower spinning (and far quieter) fans that allow us to keep them in the same room we work in and show them to customers. If you have a separate server closet, we recommend smaller cases (usually 2U).

Once you have purchased a server, you may need employee training, help with Exchange maintenance, monitoring of backups or help with any number of issues. VCC provides as-needed support, but also offers service contracts for businesses that don't have the necessary in-house expertise.