Steven Swarts
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Upgrade SBS 2008 to what?
G'day guys,
I have a couple clients who are looking at upgrading their respective SBS servers in the near future. Unfortunately SBS is no longer being sold (separate topic there), so I'm in the need for something that can replace their core business functions.
1) AD - Something that can authenticate users, control work places, etc
2) Exchange - either a hosted solution - office 365?? GAPPS?
3) File sharing - A way to control who can access what. If I had AD I could setup a NAS (Synology?) and that would control who could see what.
regards,
Steve
I have a couple clients who are looking at upgrading their respective SBS servers in the near future. Unfortunately SBS is no longer being sold (separate topic there), so I'm in the need for something that can replace their core business functions.
1) AD - Something that can authenticate users, control work places, etc
2) Exchange - either a hosted solution - office 365?? GAPPS?
3) File sharing - A way to control who can access what. If I had AD I could setup a NAS (Synology?) and that would control who could see what.
regards,
Steve
Server 2012 R2 will be what you'll upgrade to with office 365, share point services run real well on it if so desired
ASKER
About 20 Email user accounts, but only about 5 internal desktops.
They have their "Database" (actually just a folder with multiple sub folders) stored on the server, but various security prevents people from accessing what they should not.
I just liked the idea of a central management system for Virus protection, backups, user control and email.
They have their "Database" (actually just a folder with multiple sub folders) stored on the server, but various security prevents people from accessing what they should not.
I just liked the idea of a central management system for Virus protection, backups, user control and email.
in that case you just need a server to perform all those roles, they arent that many and have a backup server you cna bring online if that one crashes.
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G'day @nattygreg
I don't understand what you mean when you say "in that case you just need a server to perform all those roles"
Email isn't part of Server 2012 R2.
If I understand correctly use Office 365 for email and Server 2012 R2 for Virus protection, backups and user control.
Would be nice not to have to fork out for a whole new server. I noticed that Office 364 Enterprise comes with AD control?? How does that work?
I don't understand what you mean when you say "in that case you just need a server to perform all those roles"
Email isn't part of Server 2012 R2.
If I understand correctly use Office 365 for email and Server 2012 R2 for Virus protection, backups and user control.
Would be nice not to have to fork out for a whole new server. I noticed that Office 364 Enterprise comes with AD control?? How does that work?
I wouldn't tie in Office 365 with a single server performing AD because if you lose the AD server or it is down temporarily, you can't login to Office 365. If you have 2 servers, then that could work nicely.
ASKER
But that is expensive is it not?
You are saying:
2 separate servers plus office 365?
You are saying:
2 separate servers plus office 365?
its all about redundancy. Which will be more costly, one server with everything on it, and when its down you lose everything including the client or clients or for peace of mind the extra cost. PS its one cost for the software, the extra server yes is the added cost for the 2nd server your just replicating what you have on the first.
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I'm not saying 2 servers - I'm saying if you want to link Office 365 into your AD, then you would be better / safer / more reliable with 2 servers, but for 15 users, the cost would outweigh the benefits and with Office 2010 / 2013 being able to remember the passwords, there isn't a need to tie the AD password with the Office 365 password, so it's an unnecessary step / expense.
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@nattygreg - fair enough but these are a little business, I'll have to do the sums
@lee W - thank you for your effort in responding, it was highly appreciated. I do think that they most likely will go in house solution, it will cost short term a considerable amount, but long term in 8 to 9 years they will make good savings.
What virtualization works best for this setup ?? Windows Server 2012 (what version) and Exchange?? Hyper V? VMware?
@Alan Hardisty - makes sense, I guess it is a nice redundancy solution, if only I had an IT budget to consider options. Then it becomes a very emotionless decision. Buy the best you can afford.
@lee W - thank you for your effort in responding, it was highly appreciated. I do think that they most likely will go in house solution, it will cost short term a considerable amount, but long term in 8 to 9 years they will make good savings.
What virtualization works best for this setup ?? Windows Server 2012 (what version) and Exchange?? Hyper V? VMware?
@Alan Hardisty - makes sense, I guess it is a nice redundancy solution, if only I had an IT budget to consider options. Then it becomes a very emotionless decision. Buy the best you can afford.
Either Virtualisation methods would be fine - just depends on what you know / are comfortable implementing.
I've not touched VMware but have deployed plenty of Hyper-V servers and find them very easy.
MS Offer a free Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V solution (no GUI).
I've not touched VMware but have deployed plenty of Hyper-V servers and find them very easy.
MS Offer a free Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V solution (no GUI).
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All very good information. Thank you for your time.
How many users are you talking about?
If it is simple AD and file sharing you can look at Windows Server 2012 R2 to upgrade the server to and that should sort them out.
Alan