Today, Linux is exploding in popularity on the server side, and countless server software packages are available on Linux. In some ways, Linux offers the best of both worlds " you get the stability and standards-based approach of Unix, along with the ability to run on cheap, commodity hardware from traditional PC vendors. Support is still an issue, as system administration for Linux servers is not as simple or GUI-based as that on Windows or Apple OS X servers. A Linux administrator needs the same skills as a Windows administrator, including knowing how to set up and configure the server, install the operating system, create and administer users, and deal with security issues. If you've got the staff to support it (or some who are willing to learn), Linux can't be beat for the price/performance ratio.
Vendors: Dell (www.dell.com/us/en/k12), Hewlett-Packard (www.hp.com/wwsolutions/linux/index.html), IBM (www-1.ibm.com/linux), and many others.
Historically, Apple has had easy-to-use workstations but not much to offer, performance-wise, in the server arena. That has all changed with the release of OS X and the XServe line of rack-mountable servers (see glossary). Running the Unix-based OS X, the servers offer a potentially winning combination of solid Unix underpinnings; excellent interoperability with Windows, Macintosh, and Unix workstations, servers, and network infrastructures; and perhaps the most easily usable and configurable system administration tools available. For file and print services, XServe should hold its own against offerings from Sun, Dell, Compaq, and others, and OS X is an excellent desktop and server operating system. Smaller districts that have limited support resources may find the XServe to be a particularly good fit for their needs, requiring a minimum of staff. If you have a significant number of Macintosh workstations, XServe's support for Mac as well as PC clients is unparalleled.
Vendors: Apple (www.apple.com). Apple's OS X-based products are available only from Apple and resellers. The initial purchase price will likely be moderately higher than Windows or Linux-based servers, although some Apple server add-ons, such as the XServe RAID storage array, are an extremely good value from any perspective, and will work with any server you choose.
Of course, the actual server you buy is only part of a complete and capable IT infrastructure. As important as what servers you select are the many other components that make up your enterprise architecture " desktops and terminals, cabling, switches and routers, data backup procedures and devices, firewalls, uninterruptible and backup power supplies, disaster recovery plans, and so on. Many smaller schools get by with a minimal infrastructure, while some larger districts have a data center rivaling what you'd find at a Fortune 500 company. Other schools outsource their hosting to a hosting provider, which can provide a cost-effective alternative to having to buy and maintain your own computing infrastructure.
Bottom line, the servers you select have to meet your particular needs, and don't let any vendor tell you that its offerings are "one size fits all." Among your considerations should be the short- and long-term costs of upkeep, including an on-site repair and maintenance package for at least your most important equipment (if not, don't depend on your servers " they will fail, and at the worst possible time). Also include the real costs of maintaining your in-house support staff, both salaries and ongoing training, in your IT budget. At some large schools, the costs of patching and doing frequent security fixes on servers can run into the millions, and staff will need access to training for whatever new technologies you bring in.
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