NONE: Re: My own server
Re: My own server
Jeff Yoak (yoak_at_ix.netcom.com)
Mon, 08 Jul 1996 01:56:21 -0400
I realize that this is off-topic. If anyone is annoyed at this thread and
complains I won't post any more follow-ups except privately. [Note from
moderator: yep, it is getting off topic, and I've received a dozen similar
replys which I have forwarded to Gustave. I'm forwarding just a couple
representative posts to the list as a whole. --Cliff]
At 11:59 PM 7/7/96 -0700, someone wrote:
[snip]
>1. When (or why) do you advise a client to get their own server? and how much
>does that cost?
I do everything in my power to convince clients not put up their own
server unless they have A Very Good Reason.<SUP>TM</SUP> It is a bottomless
pit of money and time. Putting it together from parts and software you can
download, you can do it for about $2K plus maybe $200 per month for
low-volume access. If they are asking you (a salesman) about doing it, they
proabably don't have someone in-house that can maintain it. This will make
the residual expense very expensive either in another employee or in
outsources support which is VERY expensive.
You can buy lightning fast space for $18.50 a month with everything
expertly set up. All tech issues (except of course for page authoring) are
handled. It includes 20 Megs of space and lots of resources. Why would
anyone want to go through the expense above?
There are a couple of good reasons, but unless one of these are met
there is no reason to do it. One fairly good reason is that you are a
really big company with computer staff. If you put up your own server you
have more control and access to more facilities in most cases. Another good
reason for putting up a server is delivering some specialized resource to
the public. Perhaps you need to make the contents of a CD-ROM available
through some interface or you have a WebCam or something. These things are
usually handled more simply with your own server. A third reason is
security. If the webserver is in your office you have greater control to
who has access to your data. IMHO, even commercial transactions are not a
reason to have your own server. An expert can set up proper encryption so
it is safe to use an ISP and that is a lot cheaper.
That really is about it.
>2. Is there an intermediate solution? When is a page (or several pages)
>through a local provider not good enough?
I think the above answers this. Size, btw, is never an issue. I
have 20 Meg sites running beautifully from an ISP with online ordering and
other features.
Cheers,
Jeff
P.S. The web space deal I mention above is from Clever Computers at
http://clever.net/self/ I have no relationship with these people except
that of a customer for six months.
