Servers, on demand?

Question

I am a photographer with a need to have a website capable of showing 4500,7500 images a year for people to view(low res) and place a credit card order online......any suggestions....I am computer savvy, (lol) to a large degree, but want this to work while I am sleeping....What equipt. is needed?? thanks!

Answer 1

well, you need a server for a start. if you're aiming for a lot of traffic, you want to make sure it can process each client request efficiently. you need to strongly consider how powerful this will need to be and how many clients you think you will get. most definately opt for an intel-based server or buy one fresh from ibm. Also employ a RAID interface for the local storage in case your primary disk gets cained by something.
secondly, you will need a server operating system. you can either use linux or microsoft server 2003 (for example). those are two popular choices but it's down to preference, people go for unix, linux in all forms and even older versions of microsoft server OS's. i reccomend 2003 if you are going to attempt managing this yourself.
you will need to make sure that your isp can provide you an adsl line which is fast enough in upload and download rates with no capping on bandwidth. last thing you want is to let 100 customers use up your maximum usage allowance by checking ur pictures before you pay for anything!
you will also need to invest in a network interface such as a switch. your network interface MUST be compliant with Secure Socket Layering encryption, layers 2 & 3. It is extremely complex hosting a server for online transactions without a wealth of knowledge as security must be accounted for to an extreme. The SSL will then ensure the safety and integrity of encrypted data between your server and the client's computer. I also reccomend a switch which has a firewall built in and also the ability to throttle any viruses/worms which head your way. Cisco and HP (procurve) are two places you should check for these interfaces.
You will need to make sure you have a wealth of backup for your website, as well as a backup option for your entire web hosting solution should there be a glitch or disruption to your primary server. YOu should invest in NAS (Network Access Storage) Devices and also a backup server perhaps?
This is the tip of the iceberg but just the key pointers. You need to consider safe housing for your solution i.e air conditioning, adaquate room conditions, physical security from dirty thieves.
Make sure you register a domain name for your website as well.
I suggest you consult someone who is experienced in web development as to how feasible managing a secure e-commerce ready solution by yourself would be, if thats what u are intending to do.
as for working while your sleeping, design your page using active server pages as it will be much easier managing large amounts of content, providing you know how to set this up.
once you have all the necessary kit and utilities for managing the site, it's just a matter of daily and routine admin. it's a fun life :) I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Um, idk about the credit card thing.. but flickr and photobook are both picture websites that i know..no equiptment needed XD