What server specification should I look for?

[MatthewS]

I am looking for a server to run Filemaker server 5.5 on. It is going to be used for our main contact/subscription database and will be accessed by 40+ people at any one time. The database has 7 main files.

Main file has 27 fields and 10,000 records when compleated

There are 5 other files with under 30 fields all with 10,000 fields growing by 2,000 fields a year.

There is also going to be another file with 95 field and 2,000 records growing at 3,000 records a year.

I am looking for a windows 2000 server to fit in with our current network infastructure.

Can anyone recommend a system specification I should be looking at to run this on?

[Anatoli]

Maybe the W2k will work for you.

We are still using the NT4 server with FM5 server and it runs beautifully. Our user number is the same, but our databases have more than 100 000 records.

W2k still has many issues in server software.

[MatthewS]

Thanks for the reply, but I was thinking more about what sort of hardware I should be looking at getting than the operating system. I noticed the specification in the handbook is very basic.

[RickK]

I am currently using Windows 2000 as my FM server with 50 users and 78 databases and have no problems at all. I was using NT4 prior to that again without problems.

The main issue I have found is that you use a new machine. Any problems I have encountered in the past have always been caused by using older hardware.

[RickK]

I use ide drive (scsi does not have an advantage in this db world), 10/100 netwark cards and hubs. User have 10/100 cards also. Speed is fast. My outside connect is via cable modem (very broadband). This set up gives me very good react time, solid service and no complaints from users without having to spend a bundle for all the fancy hardware.

[slstrother]

Get the Filemaker Server "Best Practices" White Paper from Filemakers site. It will give you more information on how to configure your system.

[Anatoli]

RE: I use ide drive (scsi does not have an advantage in this db world),

I wish that were true in FM case...