Mac Mini running OS X Servers and Drobo 5D's

[PaoloCanuto]

Hello MacRumors Community!

Paolo here, and I want to know if I can use a Mac mini for an OS X Server and expand the server storage by connecting the Drobo 5D via ThunderBolt. Will devices connected to the server be able to make TimeMachine back ups that are sent wirelessly to the Drobo 5D too? The reason I'm asking is that I want to convert my mom's clinic to an Apple based one, she has tons of digital x-rays and important charts, and we want to make sure it's completely safe from harm, thats why I thought of the Drobo 5D.

Is there a better solution to this problem?
The overall gist is that I want two Mac mini's, one being the main sever Mac connected to a expandable storage that not only stores files in one spot, but also backs up the computers connected to the server.

Thank you for your time!
Paolo

 

[maflynn]

I'd opt for a full blown NAS instead of using a drobo. They use a propriety RAID system, that may give you some headaches.

What is your mother using now, for storage and archiving?

I'd look for an existing software solution that caters to her field, even if that means running windows and a PC.

 

[PaoloCanuto]

Hey maflynn! Thanks for your reply.
I don't exactly know what she has connected to her server, she barely knows how to use, but I do know for a fact they use an external usb harddrive to manually back up the files. I'll check what her set up is like after we come back from outsmart state. She's telling me about her windows are not doing her justice, they are about 5 years old and extremely slow now compared today's benchmarks. I was thinking it would be a nice change to apple.

So a NAS would be able to be managed with OS X Sever? I was leaning towards the Drobo because of the whole ease of replacing of harddrives, and mix and matching of HD sizes.

 

[dyt1983]

edit: To remove personally identifying info not relevant to the conversation.

 

[PaoloCanuto]

B&H has a flash deal on a Drobo 5D today and I was considering getting one to hook up to my Mac Mini server. I've been looking at my storage issue and weighing the pros and cons, and decided Drobo might be easiest. And the flash deal means it might happen today.

I expect it to be able to do what you require: act as TM server and be a "set it and forget it" type of thing, and notify when a hard drive is failing so that anyone in the area can pop it out and replace it with one of the cold spares I will have sitting near it. Sure, I would love to have an 8-bay and be able to configure separate slices distributed across multiple devices and warm spares that automatically replace and rebuild when a drive fails. It's just that plugging it in and having it work, for only $500, is a big benefit.

I know Drobo gets a lot of bad rap, but a lot of times it is from people who are asking more from it than it is intended to provide. Primarily it is supposed to be "easy RAID". So performance, customization, and value will not be as good as other offerings, but those other offerings will require more sweat-equity. That's time I don't have or am willing to spend, coupled with the server being located away from me the majority of the time. So administration is easy by anyone.

EDIT: I forgot to add... those are a lot of the reasons Apple gets complaints (performance, customization, proprietary, price, value). So I don't have a problem with them.

Hey Dyt,

So you have experience with OS X Servers? How easy would it be to incorporate a Drobo 5D, or any array for that manner, with the server?

 

[dyt1983]

Hmm, moving these threads around is not consistent... Drobo threads go to the Server Forum, the Peripherals forum, and now the Buying Tips forum! Sorry I didn't see it right away.

edit: To remove personally identifying info not relevant to the conversation.