A little background: At work we currently run about 20 clients (two OS X.3.9 the rest OS 9) off of an ASIP 6.3 server. We're going to upgrade half of the office to new hardware with 10.4 while keeping the rest on OS 9 (because one particular software package would be $20K to update). We'll also be getting a new Xserve. We store most files (images, Quark documents, Illustrator files, text files) on the server so they can be accessed by everyone. Our current network is a mix of Cat3 and Cat5 cables strung randomly throughout the ceiling connected by three 16 port 10/100 switches.
The questions: First we're going to need a new UPS for the Xserve and we'll keep the old Beige Desktop G3 (ASIP server) around also. I'm looking at the APC Smart-UPS 1500VA USB & Serial RM 2U 120V. Does anyone have any experience with this model? Is there another that y'all would recommend over this one?
Second, we're going to have the network professionally rewired with Cat6 and a single (most likely 24 port) 10/100/1000 network switch. I'm looking for recommendations on switches. Price is a factor and I'm sure we'd like to keep it under $1,000. However if there is a compelling reason to spend more we will. Do we really need a managed switch, or will unmanaged work just as well in our small office? If we need managed what "layer" do we need? (I honestly don't know the difference between layer 2/3/4 switching.) Here are a few choices I've been looking at, I'm definitely wide open to suggestions.
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3C16479
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=39&prid=569
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=40&prid=673
http://www.smc.com/index.cfm?event=viewProduct&localeCode=EN_USA&cid=7&scid=&pid=1414
Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond.