In support of the case study highlighting our project to implement file replication across an organisation and limit the impact of the loss of the wide area network, we thought it might be beneficial to run through a costed example if you were starting from scratch.  We are assuming that the business in question already has a suitable broadband connection or virtual private network and a centrally administered domain, preferrably with Active Directory.  If not, then we can help out with this too.

Each branch office will require a suitable server for file sharing and potentially print sharing duties.  For a relatively small satellite office with no more than 10 individuals, we would recommend a HP ML110 G5 with 2GB of RAM, twin 160GB SATA hard disks and Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Standard.  If you don’t have an existing licence agreement with Microsoft for core CALs, then you’ll also need to purchase one Client Access Licence (CAL) for each item of equipment that you intend to connect to the server.

Based on current prices and assuming that there are no existing Client Access Licences within the organiation an outline cost for hardware, software, server set up and initial configuration would be approximately £1,500 per office excluding VAT.

The systems would be installed and configured at our site and we would then complete the set up at your various locations.  Depending upon the speed of the network, number of sites, number and size of files the initial replication process can take anything from a day to over a week and we would be available to answer any queries during this process.  Prices also depend upon the geographical spread of the satellite offices and we are assuming no more than 2 – 4 hours is required per site.

Additional services are also available including the installation and configuration of a central Active Directory structure to store the relevant information, manage user and computer accounts, etc.  Please get in touch via our contact form for any further information.