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Small form factor PCs have been around for some time, but only enthusiasts have converted these into servers. This has changed with Ayrsoft's Icon Server, which hosts a number of applications within a Shuttle box.
Our review system was powered by an Intel P4 2.4GHz processor. The twin 80GB hard drives were mirrored for redundancy and 512MB of PC2700 Ram was installed. Because of the case's size, there are only two available memory slots and a single PCI slot.
The hardware configuration is designed to cope with more than 24 users, while the base operating system is a customised version of Mandrake Linux. There is no need to know Linux, though, as the unit is managed via a secure web browser connection.
A wizard guides you through the installation and, once completed, the well-designed web-based management screen lets you configure additional options. This takes a few minutes, after which the office software can be managed. This includes applications such as intranet, email, file sharing, firewall and VPN support. It can also run a MySQL database. Distributed Internet will soon be available, and automatic upgrades from Ayrsoft can be scheduled every night.
There are several versions of the Icon software, from a starter pack to a Plus edition, which includes options such as anti-spam filtering. Additional subscription services can be purchased, and bespoke applications can be incorporated.
It's a powerful system that can be managed easily. Expansion is restricted to three Firewire and four USB ports, while the Linux operating system may limit support for peripherals.
Contact: Ayrsoft 01294 318 772
www.ayrsoft.com
Specifications:
- Pentium 4 2.4GHz
- 2GB
- Two Ethernet ports
- One PCI slot
- 2 x 80GB hard disks
- Email, firewall, web, print server (additional extras available)
- One-year RTB warranty
- 200 x 285 x 185mm (w x d x h)
See also:
All Servers
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