Goochie

I'm currently fighting a battle with our MD to move our peer-to-peer network to a client server system. However, due to his previous bad experiences with server based networks he is finding every excuse to avoid even thinking about it again. So, in order to strengthen my arguement I'm after;

Rough costs for:
1)A file server to manage 20PC's and 5 printers
2)Patch panel for 20 PC's
3)Software for the server, including MS Exchange
4)Cabling to network 2 offices, 15m apart, with 10PC's in each.

Anything else I need to know to help my cause?

sti555

Goochie, this can be done quite cheaply sorry!

1) and 3)

file server, Win XP Pro will support 10 concurrent connections and share printers, so 2 of your desktops can be run as simple servers..
or
Have a look an ebay for Win 2000 Server, normally bundled with 5 CALS (client Access Licenses), but you may see it with 25, additonal licences are quite cheap afaik, you dont really need exchange if you do look for Windows server SBS edition, this is included otherwise from a cost/management point of view setup some POP boxes through an ISP www.titaninternet.co.uk is a good un.


2) and 4)
Go wireless, no need for a 'patch panel', otherwise known as a switch or hub, just need some wireless PCI cards and an access point. Have a look at www.dlink.co.uk for suitable products.

Dont worry about it mate def the way forward