Server Support Plan

With 18 years experience, a dedicated technical services building and a team comprising of more than 12 Apple-qualified repair and support engineers, Solutions inc. provides the most advanced server support for schools and colleges in the UK.

Best in Class

Solutions inc. is a well established Apple partner. Founded in 1992, the company holds an impressive array of Apple accreditations. The first of a new breed of Apple Education Solution Experts (a scheme founded back in 1999)  over the past eleven years, we have developed an understanding of the needs and pains of education establishments.

Solutions inc. technical services department moved into its own dedicated facility back in 2001. It comprises of an Apple Authorised Service Provider carrying out repairs of desktop, mobile and server systems.

Solutions inc. headquarters in Hove houses an Apple Authorised Training Centre, one of only a handful in the UK qualified to deliver the more advanced Apple server and support training courses. This unique blend of Apple qualifications, accreditations and Authorised Service Provider status gives Solutions inc. access to parts and the ability to carry out approved repairs.

2 Hr. Response

Our dedicated support contract telephone lines are answered directly by a team of Apple Certified Systems Adminstrators. With access to the latest Apple server technology (our facilities play host to one of the UK’s largest Mac server farms) our support technicians spend their entire working week addressing and resolving technical issues relating to Apple server based technology. Response times are regularly monitored to ensure quality of service.
Calls answered 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday (except bank holidays).

Web ticketing

Our online support portal provides a web ticketing service allowing contract customers to report incidents 24 hours a day via a standard web browser. The site also provides a great central resource for FAQs and the ability to track response and activity for each incident reported. A useful tool where more than one technician or individual is involved in either reporting, tracking or resolving technical issues. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Server monitoring / remote access

Servers will be monitored remotely via a dedicated BT broadband line, installed and maintained by Solutions inc. at no extra cost. Fail-over notification is available by eMail, and telephone. Our technicians can assist with fault diagnosis and software configuration at any time using remote access software, working alongside your ICT technicians.
BT Broadband Line and router included (where required).

Hardware cover / emergency response

Our server contracts include on-site cover for all parts and labour associated to component failure of Mac server models. Logic Board, drives, power supply and fan array are all covered for the duration of the contract. With parts held at our technical services facility we are ideally placed for a fast response.

8 hr on-site response.

Half price training offer

Receive two half price vouchers for Apple certified training courses held at Solutions inc. Apple Authorised Training Centre. Empower your ICT team with the skills required to administer and support Apple server technology. Help them to work alongside our Server technicians in maintaining your investment. Valid for 6 months from the date of commencement.

Contact the education team on: 0844 8751 610

Media Server Guide: Download PDF

Our latest Media Server Guide now includes comprehensive notes to help you choose the correct specification, the most suitable configuration and an implementation to suit you.

What is a Media server?

A media server is simply a file server optimised for use with rich media DATA.
e.g. digital video & audio files

What are the benefits of a Media server?

• Secure centralised DATA storage and back-up with guaranteed performance
• Hot Desking (the ability for users to log-in at any computer)
• Advanced user & DATA management

Configuration

What makes our Media Server configuration unique is that users can log-in to any workstation, work locally on an audio project and across the network on a video project all in the same log-in with no need to think about where their files are located.

User Management

We can implement a Media Server within a stand-alone network or integrate with your existing infrastructure. Apple use a management platform called Open Directory and Windows uses Active Directory, similar but with some important differences. Our guide explains the various integration options and relative pros and cons.

Specification

We always recommend that students' data is stored on drives in a RAID configuration (normally RAID5) because this offers reliability. It actually provides redundancy so that if a drive fails, the data is still available. Although we always consult with you regarding your specific requirements, there are two popular server specifications dependent on how many simultaneous users you have and how much data you require per user/student. Our Media Server Guide also includes media file sizes, hardware performance listings and diagrams that explain how we calculate specifications.

We always prefer to consult with our customers face-to-face before specifying a server to suit your individual requirements.

Please contact your regional Education Advisor on 0844 8751 610 for more information.

Download our comprehensive Media server guide PDF: HERE