Quote:
Originally Posted by Rathji
Capacity is exactly the issue with our file server. It was built last year before someone decided that we needed to store hundreds of hours of HD video in a secure manner. I never considered just attaching storage directly to the server. That solves pretty much all the problems we have. Other than the Drobo Pro is way overkill for the storage we need now, that is a perfect solution.
I think I will suggest an eSata RAID Enclosure, like this unless they decide they want to throw some money at it. |
I wouldn’t go that low end for anyone’s business data, but that’s your call.
Even a base Drobo is a better idea - you can purchase extended warranties, Drobo has technical support you can call (try that with Startech...), they actively update their firmware and utility software, etc.
None of this sounds important today, but when this “temporary” solution is suddenly two years in, with no end in sight, you’ll be glad you bought something a little higher end (particularly something that you can expand so easily, that can hot-swap failed drives, etc!). Edit: it’s the little things too, like the Drobo can email you when running low on capacity, when a drive fails, etc.
And regardless of whether you need their tech support or not, it sure as hell looks good to be able to call in technical expertise from the vendor if it does break. Businesses deal in all manners of risk - and having warranty and technical support available is risk mitigation, whether its needed or not.
You need to show the clear benefits of a better-than-dirt-poor solution, and let the business make the informed decision. You might be surprised at how much they are actually willing to spend when they realize what it buys them.