phoenix81
asked on
Office 365
we currently have an SBS 2003 server with 6 workstations.
The users want to migrate to Office 365 in the cloud.
Will this work properly in the sbs domain environment?
e.g could we export the data from the current local sbs 2003 server and export to psts.
Then setup office 365 in the cloud for all users and import the psts to the office 365 environment?
Will this work or will we need to get a new windows server 2012 domain controller?
I have heard that there are problems when trying to use office 365 in a domain environment and that it works better in a workgroup??
Most of our clients need the functionality of a local domain so a workgroup is not really an option for us?
please advise
thanks
The users want to migrate to Office 365 in the cloud.
Will this work properly in the sbs domain environment?
e.g could we export the data from the current local sbs 2003 server and export to psts.
Then setup office 365 in the cloud for all users and import the psts to the office 365 environment?
Will this work or will we need to get a new windows server 2012 domain controller?
I have heard that there are problems when trying to use office 365 in a domain environment and that it works better in a workgroup??
Most of our clients need the functionality of a local domain so a workgroup is not really an option for us?
please advise
thanks
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If all you wart is Exchange then any of the Exchange Online plans will work fine. The level of active directory "integration" is up to you. Dirsync and ADFS are both options, but are not trivial to configure.
Regarding essentials, I recommend it, but clearly you have some concerns so that is a personal decision. Essentials is upgradeable to standard at any time with the purchase of a standard license key and CALs. As far as running software on it, I don't recommend running LOB software on ANY domain controller. Essentials OR Standard. Use a second member server for that.
Regarding essentials, I recommend it, but clearly you have some concerns so that is a personal decision. Essentials is upgradeable to standard at any time with the purchase of a standard license key and CALs. As far as running software on it, I don't recommend running LOB software on ANY domain controller. Essentials OR Standard. Use a second member server for that.
ASKER
i cant really picture how Exchange will work without activie directory integration. Eg untill I see it in practice im just expecting exchange issues i suppose. it would be nice if there was a list somewhere stating things that are possible in exchange with ad integration and those that are not. eg pros and cons?
what do you mean by LOB software on any domain controller? most of our clients will only have a budget for one server so to tell them they need 2 servers going forward will be easier said than done.
thanks again
what do you mean by LOB software on any domain controller? most of our clients will only have a budget for one server so to tell them they need 2 servers going forward will be easier said than done.
thanks again
Virtualize. One physical ever. Two VMs. 2012 Standard has 1+2 rights.
ASKER
We have never done virtualisation - so that in itself is all new to me - do you have to buy a virtual license version of windows server 2012 ? also what did you mean by LOB software? Thanks
No, you do not need to buy anything special. You will need to study up on virtualization licensing and technical implementation for Hyper-V if you choose Microsoft's virtualization solution.
LOB = Line Of Business. Basically any 3rd-party app that is accessible from the network. Bugs in LOB apps are a common security vulnerability (just look at how often Adobe and Oracle patch Reader/Flash/Java respectively) and while there is no such thing as absolutely security, domain controllers are a special case and should be protected as much as possible. LOB apps on a DC can be a huge issue and, if compromised, require a full domain rebuild, not just a simple server or computer reinstall. Expensive, intrusive, and painful for end users.
-Cliff
LOB = Line Of Business. Basically any 3rd-party app that is accessible from the network. Bugs in LOB apps are a common security vulnerability (just look at how often Adobe and Oracle patch Reader/Flash/Java respectively) and while there is no such thing as absolutely security, domain controllers are a special case and should be protected as much as possible. LOB apps on a DC can be a huge issue and, if compromised, require a full domain rebuild, not just a simple server or computer reinstall. Expensive, intrusive, and painful for end users.
-Cliff
ASKER
thanks for your thoughts on this so far we are testing and I will report back
ASKER
Eg shared calendars - shared emails - contacts - integration with the Activie directory?
Would it work if we didnt go for the active directory option? they only have 7 - 8 computers so is a fairly small outfit and is a charity.
Would it be also worthwhile going for Server 2012 standard instead of essentials? I allways feel that essentials may limit expansion of software that could be installed on the server in future etc so try to avoid it where possible!
thanks in advance
I just want to mk