Lion server - is it right for me?

Question

We are currently using a Mac Mini in our small office for file serviing. It is running 10.6 (NOT server). I have some software running on it that allows me to set up "mount points" for different user groups. I run the mini headless, and am able to "screen share" via the local network or through my MobileMe account using "back to my mac."
The setup works fairly well, but can be difficult to administrate.
I am considering the jump to Lion server. Looking past the marketing department descriptions I want to make sure it is the right choice for me. Here are some of the things I am doing and would like to do:
- I would like to continue sharing files. We have about 5 users. I would like to be able to set varying levels of access for each person. I can do this on an individual basis but would also like "workgroup" permissions/access.
- Right now we only have local access (except for my admin login). Ideally I would like to have the same file access (with restrictions and permissions) extended to sharing files via internet. Even better if I could limit which files or folders are available over the net for all except me.
-Looking beyond file sharing, I am interested in the WebDAV features discussed on the promo page. The short description of these features seems like I can basically run an iDisk on my mini. I can then let workers upload and download pages/keynote/number documents. We can also use this to coordinate calendars locally and across the internet. Plus it will sync with our iPads and iPhones. Am I understanding this correctly?
-Along the same lines, there is also iCal Server 3. The way I understand it, this can basically act as a replacement for the old MobileMe calendar, right? I see how calendars can be shared and understand how that works. But can these calendars also be administered, with permissions, from the server? In other words, can I (as admin) create calendars for Bob, Tom and Doris - let's say a personal and business calendar for each. Then set it up so that Doris can see Tom's business and personal calendars but only Bob's business calendar?
-Web server: I have played with the Apache server on previous non-server OS X versions. Can Lion server be easily set up to run as an INTERNAL web server? (Web pages viewable on the local network). If we wanted to make those web pages viewable outside the local network, is the process very difficult? We have a company to host our regular web and email services. I am only looking for some simple "company news" type information and maybe a small Filemaker database for a handful of employees.
We don't currently have a static IP, which I guess would be necessary for making some of these features accessible from outside the office. Do I need to get a static IP from my ISP, are there features in Lion Server that eliminate the need for that (e.g. back to my mac) or are there other options that provide a workaround for this?
Based on the above, is Lion Server what I need? Is there another product/application better suited for the above tasks?
Thanks in advance for any ideas, help or suggestions.

Answer 1

Do you think the monitor on the new Imac is good?
Yes, I use mine for both digital photography and working with video. The extra screen real estate is extremely handy.
If you need portability, I would keep the iBook also.