Migrating a SBS 2003-based network to a Server 2008-based network; Where do I start?
This office has been running on a single SBS2003 server for quite a while, and because of expansion, we decided we really needed to be more serious about our server tech. We bought a cabinet, typical rack supplies, and 2 Dell Poweredge servers, a 2950 and an R200, the 2950 being the "workhorse" so to speak, and ideally the R200 acting as an application/file-storage server (maybe I have that the wrong way around?).
So, basically my question is; What would be the best way to migrate all of the sbs 2003's server settings, active directory, file structure, all that onto server 2008, and then have the new server take the reigns? I've read some of the microsoft-made migration guides, and they are horribly un-user-friendly.
So, basically my question is; What would be the best way to migrate all of the sbs 2003's server settings, active directory, file structure, all that onto server 2008, and then have the new server take the reigns? I've read some of the microsoft-made migration guides, and they are horribly un-user-friendly.
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Really good suggestion, I'm definitely looking into that.
So how about a different scenario, then? We never did a whole lot with the SBS 2003 server other than use it for file hosting and user organization. We don't even use security policies, it's a family business, and we're all pretty laid back.
How about we just "recreate" what we need to have operational on the new Server 2008 installation rather than attempting any sort of migration?
So how about a different scenario, then? We never did a whole lot with the SBS 2003 server other than use it for file hosting and user organization. We don't even use security policies, it's a family business, and we're all pretty laid back.
How about we just "recreate" what we need to have operational on the new Server 2008 installation rather than attempting any sort of migration?
You certainly could do that, but just be aware that even though its a family business and you're all pretty laid back, your network is connected to the Internet, which makes it possible to be attacked by folks who aren't so laid back. Furthermore, if you are expanding then you really should be a bit more security concious. I suspect that you lock the office's front door at night, and you keep your money in a bank account... don't be any less concerned about the information you own, and be even more concerned about any information you might have that you don't own... such as customer's information.
If you've never configured a stand-alone server network before, you should be extremely careful that you don't leave yourself wide open. Using the SBS and EBS products helps to ensure that you are configured securely and efficiently.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
If you've never configured a stand-alone server network before, you should be extremely careful that you don't leave yourself wide open. Using the SBS and EBS products helps to ensure that you are configured securely and efficiently.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
Jeff,
Is EBS the new SBS? Meaning, SBS 2008 is now lower-tier audience?
I thought that SBS 2008 is a two-server setup, moving SQL onto the second box.
With EBS, you're up to four servers by the time you add SQL.
Am I understanding that wrong?
Is EBS the new SBS? Meaning, SBS 2008 is now lower-tier audience?
I thought that SBS 2008 is a two-server setup, moving SQL onto the second box.
With EBS, you're up to four servers by the time you add SQL.
Am I understanding that wrong?
EBS is not the new SBS, it's the next step beyond. SBS 2008 Standard is still a single server. SBS 2008 Premium is 2 servers. It's still designed for environments with up to 75 users. EBS is designed for organizations that have up to 300 users.
Jeff
TechSoEasy
Jeff
TechSoEasy
ASKER
Definitely a good answer. Of course I was hoping for something straightforward and simple (we've already purchased the server 2008 standard licenses and software :( ), but when is it ever like that, eh? I appreciate the help immensely.
Jeff
TechSoEasy