Requestion for Configurations: Unix Server System

[Dave Taylor]

I am currently contemplating upgrading my main Unix computer to a newer, 
faster machine and am interested in hearing recommendations from people 
on what they think would be an ideal solution.

The machine is intended to be a file / mail / CPU server, so I don't need, 
for example, a bit mapped X Windows console.  Instead, I need a machine 
that is *very very* reliable, and can handle a relatively adverse operating 
environment (high dust levels, somewhat extreme temperatures, etc) as well 
as little, if any, ongoing administration or maintenance. 

Specifics:

	- at least 8MB of RAM, probably 12MB or more ideal
	  (it'll have 2-3 users most of the time)

	- at least 1 GB of disk space - prefer regular SCSI

	- at least 6 serial ports - either built in or on add-on cards
	  (at least 3 should support modem connections too)

	- a backup media of some sort (8mm, cartridge tape, etc)

	- LAN capabilities, or at least an upgrade path

	- System V or BSD based -- just very *solid* software including 
	  a robust C compiler, mail system, HDB UUCP, etc.

	- $10,000 (or less!) completely configured w/support contract

The kind of thing I figure might fit the bill include a SPARCserver-1+
from Sun, a low-end MIPS box, perhaps a NeXT (though I think that the
reliability would be poor) or an HP.  I'm not sure, though, and I am
hoping that the net can assist in this information quest.

Also, please feel free to forward this note to a sales office, if you 
have connections with a particular company too.

	Thanks for your assistance!  I shall summarize my findings
	  in the group "comp.sys.misc" in a few weeks.

						-- Dave Taylor
Intuitive Systems
Mountain View, California

taylor at limbo.intuitive.com    or   {uunet!}{decwrl,apple}!limbo!taylor