Long time computer user looking into server techs for the first time

Question

Hello there,
I was hoping to get some guidance on if we should upgrade to a server or not. We run a small three person business from our home doing audio and video work. Our main goal is to keep things organized and digital organization is not our strong suit as artists.
So, we would need large shared space for media and project files (gigabit ethernet is fine) as well as a large shared Time Machine for our three workstation's system drives. Also, the idea of a shared ical and shared contacts would be really helpful. None of this needs to be open to the public over the internet (security from the internet is greatly preferred), all just needs to be accessed via ethernet and local wifi via AirPort (iPhones for shared contacts and ical).
The only thing stopping us is the idea that a lot of this can be done without the $500 server software and the headaches of setting up something completely new to us. I have tried asking some Apple store reps for advice but have yet to find anyone there that can give me a for sure answer, which is why I am here to get some professional opinions. So the question, do we need to go the server route to have all these features even though none of it will go though the internet?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks all!

Answer 1

do we need to go the server route to have all these features even though none of it will go though the internet?
"need"? no, but you might prefer to do so.
Let me explain.
First off, there's nothing in Mac OS X Server, per se, that says it's designed for internet-facing applications. Sure, some of the services are internet-leaning, but don't think that internet/non-internet is the deciding factor of whether to use Server over client.
The fact is that much of what you describe can be done via Mac OS X Client, but it can be done much easier with Mac OS X Server. You might find that the hours you save, and the productivity you gain far outweighs the cost of Mac OS X Server.
Case in point, you have three workstations, right? Is each one used by an individual? or are they shared?
If they're shared, would it be easier for any user to be able to log on at any workstation and get their normal desktop environment, preferences, etc? That's something that's easy to do with Mac OS X Server, but not via Mac OS X Client.
You've already touched on shared iCal and contacts, neither of which are part of Mac OS X client, so you'll have to decide how much they're worth to you.
At the end of the day, you'll have to decide for yourself. Of course, you could take the easy option and defer until Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) comes later in the summer, in which case the server functions are included as optional installs for no additional cost (i.e. buy client and get the Server for free).