Here is a breakdown of the key features of our office server.
Performance
- Hardware
Only the finest quality computer components are used. These are thoroughly tested for long periods of time to make sure they are ready to be running 24/7.
- Software
The operating system used is Gentoo, a highly customisable distribution of Linux providing exactly what the server needs and no more. Gentoo is built from scratch and optimised on the machine running it, making it a highly efficient system.
Safety
- Firewall
The internal network link to the internet will be protected by a rock-solid firewall, which also allows filtering of unsuitable content.
- Data Backup
Automated off-site backup is provided to a secure location in Zurich, Switzerland.
- RAID
This is a technology that employs the simultaneous use of two or more hard disk drives to achieve greater levels of performance and reliability. If one of the drives should fail then the spare drive will automatically take over, copy all data to itself and continue as normal.
- Hard Disk Drive Health Monitoring
Modern drives have the ability to self-analyse their temperature and mechanical wear-and-tear, thereby anticipating impending failures. Linux has software which will monitor this every minute and report to the engineer.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply
By having the server, network hub and modem all protected by a UPS, data loss can be avoided by allowing the systems to run for a period of time after mains power has been lost.
Value
- Cost
All the software used to run the server is open source and free of charge.
- Technical Support
The engineer is notified by SMS the minute anything major happens to the server – such as power loss or faulty hard disk drive. The engineer can also remotely access the server to perform updates and changes to the software, which reduces the cost of maintenance.
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