Small business server.

[Kokushi]

So im doing research on my plan to start a business and i know i need a server setup to start. Im looking for suggestions on inexpensive server build that can handle some basic requirements until i could upgrade.

 

5 to  10 security cameras

Data center for said video 

Some simple automation controls

 

Im not sure how much I can put onto a server machine for responsibility. Cause i would have at least 3 or more office stations for internal use. That may need a whole separate computer or those mini computers on the back of monitors. 

 

In the future i may add in more things like a green room vr and more security cameras. But i assume that would be another dedicated pc.

 

Go easy on me im just starting research. And i know this community is where to find out what i need.

[VectorTech]

12 minutes ago, Kokushi said:

-snip-

Ah, the perfect question for me.

First off lets get all the needs of your server / potential Virtual Machines out of the way first.
 

• Network Video Recorder (NVR)
• Network Attached Storage (for NVR, and potentially PC's)

Aside from that in the future you may want it to play virtual reality games on? How big is this small business, and do you need to support any users with Active Directory (allow them to sign in on multiple computers and share resources more easily)?

[Electronics Wizardy]

34 minutes ago, Kokushi said:

to  10 security cameras

Data center for said video 

Do you want to keep all video, or only during events?

 

What resolution of video/bitrate?

 

HOw long do you want to keep it?

 

With this info you can get the storage you need pretty easily.

 

35 minutes ago, Kokushi said:

Some simple automation controls

What do you want to automate?

 

35 minutes ago, Kokushi said:

Cause i would have at least 3 or more office stations for internal use. That may need a whole separate computer or those mini computers on the back of monitors. 

If there for employees, id get laptops. Otherwise Im a fan of the normal buiness desktops like optiplexes. Works well, not much hassle.

 

How do you plan on managing the systems? Are you using windows? 

[Kokushi]

27 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Do you want to keep all video, or only during events?

Both long term when open for insurance reasons and events for security. If that makes sence. Im thinking top storage time would be a month.

 

What resolution of video/bitrate?

Im thought 1080 would be best.

 

 

27 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

 

What do you want to automate?

Not sure? Lights thermostat. Play timers 

 

How do you plan on managing the systems? Are you using windows?  Windows for sure.

 

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, Kokushi said:

 

 

Use one of those survalence camera calculators to see how much storage you would need.

 

Id probalby just get a premade NVR, less setup and hassle and probably cheaper.

 

What brand of devices are you automating? Probably just use the cloud option here for most use.

 

Id go azure AD for the windows systems. Then manage them from the cloud, you can use intune if you need more, but probably don't bother with 3 systems.

 

 

[Kokushi]

56 minutes ago, VectorTech said:

Ah, the perfect question for me.

First off lets get all the needs of your server / potential Virtual Machines out of the way first.
 

• Network Video Recorder (NVR)
• Network Attached Storage (for NVR, and potentially PC's)

Aside from what your starting point the only one who would have main access would be me and everyone else would have limited access. No major resources would be shared from server to machine besides mine. If that makes sence. Like the front desk would access the camera but only make copies. 

 

[LogicalDrm]

-> Moved to Servers and NAS