Reply by Andrew Winter from Red Bass Consulting on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 - 10:05

Suggest you seriously look at what cloud services can do - this is the best option for many small businesses today. Please look at http://redbass.net, give me a call anytime 0400141330 - Regards, Andrew

Reply by David Sia from Techware on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 - 10:06

Hi Paul, It depends on the server function: File Sharing and Email - Option Office 365 or On Premise Application - Cloud (if the software vendor providers this?), On Premise Server or Private Cloud To adequately assist you with the answer, it may be useful to have a provider review your system. Hope this helps.

Reply by David Perks from Within Reach Software on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 - 10:07

Hi, eligible not for profits can get a cloud service to replace their servers from Microsoft at no cost. This is part of the Office 365 for non profits program and will allow you to have the same set of services without having to maintain the physical server yourself. More info here http://office.microsoft.com/en-au/non-profit/office-365-for-nonprofits-FX104085114.aspx Some resources on our website too www.withinreach.com.au

Reply by Matt Walton from Infoxchange on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 - 10:24

Hi Paul, Your dilemma is very common in the sector at the moment and a lot of organisations we are working with are moving to Office 365 instead of replacing their local file/email server. However many organisations, particularly medium/large not for profits also require local servers or NAS devices for applications or local storage, so it is dependent on your requirements. Infoxchange can assist with both cloud and on premises solutions - an Office 365 Readiness Assessment may be a good place to start http://mig1.cisa.asn.au/partner/microsoft-office-365-readiness-assessment.

Reply by Grant Laing from Blended IT Solutions on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 - 10:28

Hi Paul, The main question here is to look at your current and future needs, and also how much bandwidth you have at your site as well. We provide solutions to non-for-profits that are both based on servers inhouse and cloud and a mix of both. Cloud works well if you have access to good broadband services eg. nbn, symetrical services. Sometimes the cost to upgrade the connection is not worth it though depending on cost. Our main question to start with would be how many users do you need to support, and what type of programs you are trying to run. Happy to speak to you about this and your options further if you wish. feel free to send us an email to grant@blendedit.com.au and we will give you a call back. Thanks Grant

Reply by Allen Shubin from HostUs on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 - 10:45

Hi Paul, The different options would change depending on your needs now, and where you envision your company needs in the next few years. Are you needing to run a complex ERP or CRM? Do you have a lot of data storage? Do you need to access your server off-site? One option that many people are looking at is a managed, hosted environment. This means you don't have to worry about buying or maintaining a server, and you can access your desktop from a variety of devices. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Reply by Jürgen Mertin from Parish IT on Tuesday, 16 September, 2014 - 11:12

Hello Paul. As all of these posts have suggested, this should be best performed as an assessment of your current environment and your needs, as well as your budget. It really is about looking at what you use, what you need and what you see your organisation doing in the next five years. A server replacement is the also best time to also look at the the issues currently faced by you and your team, so that they can be addressed at the same time. For example, perhaps it is time to look at your internet connection at the same time as replacing your server, getting you better speed and a better price. Office 365 is a great solution for email and collaboration, but perhaps you could consider training as well in order to best use these tools as well as to overcome some skill deficits you may have. I think we can help with this overall integrated picture, rather than just implementing best of breed products cobbled together.

Reply by Grant Laing from Blended IT Solutions on Monday, 22 September, 2014 - 13:32

Hi Paul, If you need help with this we are still available and can do this over the phone and remotely if you like. Thanks Grant