I've just started as the IT Lead at a medium-sized company with around 30 workstations, and I'm the only tech person here! I'm really looking forward to growing in this role, but I need some advice on how to set up our IT infrastructure effectively.
Currently, we have just an ISP-provided router and some old cables scattered around. I'm thinking of creating a more structured network using pfSense or OPNsense along with an HP switch. After that, I want to implement an Active Directory (AD) for user management and set up a file-sharing SMB server.
I'm keen on using only open-source tools, as convincing our Finance department to pay for software licenses is a challenge, especially since I'm working in Brazil where costs can be high. I'm also looking for alternatives to Kaspersky for antivirus and endpoint security.
Lastly, I'd appreciate recommendations for virtualization software. I'm considering Proxmox and XCP-ng but can't decide which one is better suited for our needs. Any advice on tools for integrating SMB and AD, as well as security and virtualization options, would be really helpful!
5 Answers
When I transitioned to a larger company, my first step was evaluating all the existing systems, both software and hardware. There wasn’t much of a budget for IT, so I found ways to save costs—like switching to VOIP—which created a proper IT budget for me. Focus first on saving the company money, then you can justify investing in better tech.
I'd recommend Proxmox due to its ease of use and comprehensive documentation. XCP-ng might be free but can be tricky to set up, requiring a good bit of knowledge about hypervisors. Proxmox also has a solid support system if you run into trouble.
Take your time with everything you add. You don't want to end up in a scenario where you’re just maintaining without time for improvements. AD and SMB are great first steps to organize your infrastructure. Also, keep in mind that with paid software, you're often paying for support and assurance of stability.
Proxmox is fantastic, especially its latest version. Many small to medium-sized businesses are happy with it. For network management, look into NetBox, and for inventory, Snipe-IT. If you need documentation, consider BookStack unless you already use SharePoint—then stick with that!
Check out Action1. It's free for up to 200 endpoints and great for inventory management, patching, and running scripts. Definitely a solid choice to manage your network effectively.
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