We run a 19 pos + 2 dedicated manager workstation setup. Even reindexing everyday, looking up old transactions consumes much time, and on busy days even posting transaction after a sale takes 15-25 seconds. Can any with experience on an installations this large give me and idea for server specs that they would recommend. I know larger is always better, but I don't also want to throw money away. Right now we run SQL 2000 on a Dell 400sc, 2.8ghz HT, 512mb Windows SBE 2003.
Thank you
There's more that goes into performance than just the server specs. Just based on what you've said, I would have speced a much more powerful server, but you also have to consider both the network and the client configurations. Have you tried testing the response time locally to the server? I know that's not realistic for posting transactions, but you can search the Journal from SO Manager - if those transaction lookups are fast when done at the server, it would indicate that you have a network bottleneck. That's a huge over simplification of performance tuning, but it's an example... You really need to get a partner on site to check this out, preferably one that understands SBS/SQL Server and networking as well as RMS...
If you need to find a local partner, check
Patrick,
I agree with Glenn's comments. I would also add that given your current server configuration I would be running a minimum of 1 GB of memory and I would add as much RAM as your server can handle if possible - although not more than 4 GB Windows SBS has a 4 GB limit. RAM is probably the least expensive fix option you have.
On the network side, I would check the max speed of the switch and the max speed of the network cards. I would set the switch (if manageable) and the network cards to their max speeds - but make sure they match - i.e. 100 Mbps / Full Duplex on the server and workstations and 100 Mbps on the switch ports to which they connect.
Your RMS partner will be able to help you with all of these things.
Best regards and Good luck,
Gordon
Patrick,
The guys are right on. The Dell 400SC is not a true server, but rather a workstation. Even for the smallest SBS implementations, 1GB is desired, and that is for Standard. You are running SBS Premium since you have SQL, and the minimum desired RAM is 2GB, especially if you are actually using SQL.
Exchange and SQL will hog memory, and there setting you can adjust to minimize the amounts of ram either application will consume. You should really talk to a partner who knows both SBS and RMS to get the proper sepcifications for your situation.
Amy
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