We offer a "Virtual server" solution for an annual fee of $500 where we provide the hardware and handle all server setup, patching, maintenance, and upgrades and all you need to do is provide your users a browser and internet connectivity. However, the virtual server solution is not for everyone as it cannot do hardware auditing or LDAP authentication. If you need these options or would just prefer to have your helpdesk server being local, then you will need our own Windows server, specifically:
You will need Windows 2000 or 2003 server (even if it is a workstation class machine). Only the smallest of sites can get by with an XP desktop since the operating system limits you to a practical use of only 5 connections.
We provide the free Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition if you do not already have Microsoft SQL.
All of your hardware vendors sell a machine like you need, but as an example, Dell has one for around $1200 (Click here for Dell specs).
Below is a general guideline if you were to set up a new computer for this:
1) Install Windows 2000 or 2003 SERVER (Make sure to assign it a fixed IP address)
2) Install IIS
3) Goto Windows update and do all critical patches
4) Run the installer program from a link that will be mailed to you on request
