Opinions needed

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Just started a new job where I work mostly as a computer operator (uploading, downloading files), and I am trying to get more experience actually maintaining a network. My last job was all theory and advice, no actual time spent setting up or maintaining a network.

So here is the sitrep: Small company with about 20 boxes, all IT work is subcontracted out. The email and web servers are hosted by a 3rd party and I was thinkin I could put in a proposal (after I found out what they pay) of setting up and maintaining everything onsite. I have set-up a rudimentary Linux sendmail server, but it was in a intranet, it wasnt "live". So....would it be worth my time to research costs, manpower, etc. and submitting a proposal? I think I would just start out with a email server, i am not too familiar with security on a web server so I would probably wait till after i set up the email box.

While I am no guru, I do think I could figure everything out by myself (with some help from Windrivers =) but I don't know if I am ready to take responsibility for such an intergral part of the company. Should I maybe wait until I get some real experience maintaining a sendmail server b 4 i try to do this?

Just as a sidenote; my boss would be receptive to me doing this; he knows that I don't wanna be just a monkey on a keyboard. Thx all for your opinions, maybe I can cash in all the advice I've given out :p

[craigmodius]

I would look into starting small. You say All the IT work is subcontracted out. Concentrate on taking over that work first. Before someone calls the 3rd party IT support to upgrade memory or replace parts, etc. Have them call you, and point out how much $$$ they're potentially saving.

Leave the third party web hosting and the email hosting to the professionals. Wait until you have proven than you can support the intranet before you offer to handle the internet chores.

Take it a step at a time. I think they will be more receptive to a gradual approach rather than handing everything to you.

Good Luck and keep us posted~

[silencio]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by craigmodius:
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Leave the third party web hosting and the email hosting to the professionals. Wait until you have proven than you can support the intranet before you offer to handle the internet chores.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ditto. You could cost this company some seriou money if you break something. If that happens they could sue you directly.

[EvilCabbage]

Im just going to echo these guys, and add my 0.2c worth.

Dont do it. You said you have just been doing theory? Its no where near enough unfortunately. If you bite off more than you can chew, you will choke on it.

Ive seen it a few times now, with people just assuming its all easy, and well and truly rogering *everyone* over.

Start small, work up slowly. Good luck.

[Fubarian]

Might want to take some training classes -- I've heard some (I stress some) good things about those. Just pick and choose, and ask around, see whats worth it and what you could use NOW and in the future.

[Lowland]

There's nothing wrong with anyone learning more about what they want to, and for personal development that's great.

From a Company perspective, there is the "economy of scale" to consider. An ISP will always be able to give a better price than a local service simply because the cost of running 1 web site is much higher than running and maintaining dozens.

Who handles everything if you leave (or are taken ill)

Who covers you when you want a vacation

Where's the backup system for when the server goes down

An ISP can cover all this cost-effectively

Good luck!