Help! H/W Spec For SQL Server 2000

Hi,

I have a SQL server 2000 database running in Windows Server 2000. The database only consists of a handful of tables and is taking multiple inserts from @40 client PCs.

The server exists on two servers with half the clients talking to each. The databases use transactional replication to stay synchronised.

Each PC generates about 100 SQL transactions per busy hour, each being an insert.

The customer is expanding the number of client PCs from 40, through 300 to, ultimately, about 3000. They are asking me what hardware spec is required and want to be told it in a “for each additional 50 client applications you need XYZ” type of format to allow for gradual growth.

I have to say I am unsure how to go about scaling and configuring the servers!

So, is there such a thing as an automatic ‘configurator’ which automatically produces a required spec for a given number of transactions and clients? Are there other criteria they/I need to take into account such as number of logins etc? For archiving I am guessing that a CD/RW drive is the way to go?

Also, in terms of design between the two servers they have. With clustering, mirroring, replication etc I am unsure as to which is most appropriate.

The thing I do know is that they are willing to spend serious $$$ for the right design and need 99.9% up time.

They also pull significant amount of reports which I think logically equates to a third server to keep this traffic away from the live database. So, is replication the best way to go? Say replication every 15 minutes to a reports server?

I am also of the opinion that they need to move from Windows 2000 Server to Advanced Server for added scalability but will pursue that elsewhere.

Any input MUCH appreciated.

Out of my depth! :confused:
Paul