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Windows Server version for new PDC

I have the usual setup with two DCs, each running on W2003 32-bit at a client. It's a small shop with < 10 workstations and two file servers.

I wish to add a new DC as the PDC leaving the old PDC as a normal DC.

But which server OS should the new PDC run in? Should I jump to W2012 R2 or will a previous version be fine? I have a W2008 license which could be allocated for the purpose.
Or I could ask: Will a W2012 R2 based PDC add any relevant benefit for this scenario compared to a PDC running W2008 or even W2003?

The plan is soon to install an Exchange 2013 server. Will that change requirements to the level of AD?

/gustav

SOLUTION

Chris Millard

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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Will Szymkowski

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SOLUTION

Mike Kline

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Gustav Brock

ASKER

Thanks all of you, that was fast!

I should point out that both Exchange 2013 and the new DC will be separate installs on two dedicated servers.

So is it correctly understood that for operations I could go with W2003+ for the DC and W2008 R2 for the Exchange 2013 server, but should choose W2012+ for the DC to be prepared for future updates and to have the ADAC functionality?

/gustav

Mike Kline

that is what I'd do, ADAC is there in 2008 R2 but it is greatly improved in 2012.

Thanks

Mike

Gustav Brock

ASKER

Thanks! Much appreciated.