Stem Computer Systems Ltd - Servers

Whether for simple file and print sharing or for more advanced functions such as centralised databases and groupware, your server is the foundation of your business I.T. model. That's why it's so important to make sure that you have the correct solution for your needs.

At Stem Computer Systems Ltd., we discuss your current and future needs in this area and plan for possible expansion from the beginning.

Some items may sound obvious, such as the number of clients served, storage capacity, and backup facility. Some may be less clear; automated failover in the event of a disk fault, clean shutdown when power is lost. You'd be suprised how many companies don't consider these things until it's too late.

In addition, we supply high quality server systems within a reasonable budget.

When dealing with an area which would leave your entire staff with no computing facilities, you really have to use the best components within your means, and we ensure that we do just that!

Stem recommends Linux Servers as your best choice!

Why use a Linux based Server System?

Stability – Linux based server systems don’t need to be restarted periodically in order to maintain peak performance or to adjust settings. Most Linux servers are on for hundreds of days and are only shut down when being moved.

Reliability – Each server based program is self contained. Changing the settings of one program doesn’t affect anything else. There are more Linux based systems running the Internet than all the other operating systems put together.

Performance – Linux was designed to make the maximum use of the hardware it runs on. It’s sleek and efficient even when handling hundreds of users and connections.

Security – Linux is a true multi-user system from the ground up. It was programmed to allow access only to approved areas at the start. Compare this with Windows, where almost every user can do almost anything.

Economy – Licenses for Microsoft 2003 servers are a major part of the cost. Adding new users means that you have to buy new licences, and they are not cheap. Linux has no licensing requirements, so adding new users is completely free.

"With the new Linux server, I get an email everyday to report on the backup status. This gives me real peace of mind to know it's working, and I would know straightaway if it had failed for any reason"
- Barbara, Energy for Business

Do I have to learn Linux to use the Server?

Absolutely not! - Our SteLAR servers don’t come with a screen, a keyboard, or a mouse. They don’t need to. For convenience, we provide a simple to use web interface to allow you to add and remove users, modify email addresses, and to choose access levels. If you want to make major changes, we can perform this via a remote access over the Internet. If it wasn’t for changing backup tapes, you’d probably forget where it is.

How resilient is it?

In a word, very – All our SteLAR servers come with a smart UPS which provides power in the event of a mains failure. Should power be off for a long time, the server will neatly close itself down when the UPS battery is running low. Once power is resumed, it will restart itself when the battery is sufficiently charged.

What if a drive fails?

Redundancy – SteLAR servers have three hard disk drives. All data is written to the first two drives, so should one fail, the data is still there on the other. Not only that, but then the server will bring the third drive into play and copy all of the data to that so you’re never without an extra copy. It then sends an email to say what has happened!

What if .....?

Backups – All SteLAR servers have an inbuilt tape drive for backups. The backup routine ensures that all of your data is stored on removable media and can be taken offsite. The backup routine can be scheduled to run automatically on a daily basis at a time of your choosing, so all you need to remember is to change the tape. It even sends an email to say that the backup has succeeded or otherwise.

Pros & Cons of SteLAR Linux Server vs Windows 2003 Server