Best options replacing "Small Business Server 2011" with related software on new server hardware
I have a situation where no one in the Microsoft world can actually help me. Their presales department has not been helpful. I have been relying on experts for most of my Microsoft server needs here. With my Microsoft partnership I have five advisory hours. But I prefer getting advice from IT consultants with actual experience in the field like the consultants do on this site. Any help will be greatly appreciated
All of my server experience has been with Microsoft Windows server 2008 R2 and older + Microsoft small business server 2008 and older
I have a client who is currently running small business server 2008. He has a 25 user license
- all of the desktops are running Windows 7 Pro
- they all need Exchange
- the company is restricted from using any cloud services such as office 365. So that's not an option. Exchange server is the only option
We are in a process of upgrading their older outdated HP ProLiant server hardware with a new server.
The newer server is an HP ProLiant DL 380 G7, - with 2 x 6C X5650 2.66GHz Xeon Processors
- I need to set this new server with 25 users in a domain with the latest version of exchange server
I know that there is no longer a "Small Business Server" option . I am looking for best recommendations for the best replacement options.
- I know there's Windows server essentials. I believe the maximum recommended user is 25 users for the essential server but it may not support the exchange server. Looking for recommendations
Should I be purchasing Windows server 2012 R2 with a 25 user Cal. And if so, is a perfectly fine to install exchange server 2016 on the same box?
All of my server experience has been with Microsoft Windows server 2008 R2 and older + Microsoft small business server 2008 and older
I have a client who is currently running small business server 2008. He has a 25 user license
- all of the desktops are running Windows 7 Pro
- they all need Exchange
- the company is restricted from using any cloud services such as office 365. So that's not an option. Exchange server is the only option
We are in a process of upgrading their older outdated HP ProLiant server hardware with a new server.
The newer server is an HP ProLiant DL 380 G7, - with 2 x 6C X5650 2.66GHz Xeon Processors
- I need to set this new server with 25 users in a domain with the latest version of exchange server
I know that there is no longer a "Small Business Server" option . I am looking for best recommendations for the best replacement options.
- I know there's Windows server essentials. I believe the maximum recommended user is 25 users for the essential server but it may not support the exchange server. Looking for recommendations
Should I be purchasing Windows server 2012 R2 with a 25 user Cal. And if so, is a perfectly fine to install exchange server 2016 on the same box?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Amit
Best option is to move to Office 365.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
I really don't want to add another layer of support supporting virtualization, mostly because I don't have much experience with it. The company is small, I don't feel the need for another domain controller (DC). Prefer just the one (PDC. there are only a small number of users and I thought having Server 2012 and Exchange on one box would be fine. I plan imaging the server regularly.
Do right by your customer.
Virtualization is not new. Learn it. Now. Like I said before, Virtualization has been a core part of Windows Server since 2008 and well established with VMWare for years before that. If you fail to use virtualization, you're throwing away a Windows license. And you're potentially increasing the the risk of being down.
If you don't have experience, get some. Setup a lab. Take a class. Bring your skills up to date. Or partner with someone who understands the technology.
Installing Exchange on a DC is not recommended. You will be warned if you try it. See: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms.exch.setupreadiness.warninginstallexchangerolesondomaincontroller%28v=exchg.160%29.aspx
Do things properly so that if you get hit by a bus a professional who comes in can easily understand what you've done and not curse your memory for doing things based on 15 year old ideas that no longer apply.
Sorry if my being blunt offends - not the intent. My point is to ensure a professional job and experience for you and your customer by recommending CURRENT best practices.
Virtualization is not new. Learn it. Now. Like I said before, Virtualization has been a core part of Windows Server since 2008 and well established with VMWare for years before that. If you fail to use virtualization, you're throwing away a Windows license. And you're potentially increasing the the risk of being down.
If you don't have experience, get some. Setup a lab. Take a class. Bring your skills up to date. Or partner with someone who understands the technology.
Installing Exchange on a DC is not recommended. You will be warned if you try it. See: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms.exch.setupreadiness.warninginstallexchangerolesondomaincontroller%28v=exchg.160%29.aspx
Do things properly so that if you get hit by a bus a professional who comes in can easily understand what you've done and not curse your memory for doing things based on 15 year old ideas that no longer apply.
Sorry if my being blunt offends - not the intent. My point is to ensure a professional job and experience for you and your customer by recommending CURRENT best practices.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Coming from an SBS background I suggest having a look at our blog post on the matter:
+ Our SBS (Small Business Solution) Options with Standalone and Cluster Hardware Considerations
That is the product of working with SBS since the BackOffice days. Our goal was to give our clients an as good or better experience than Small Business Server Standard gave them. We've met that goal in spades.
We've been deploying our SBS for four years now and have migrated all but one of our SBS clients on to it.
+ Our SBS (Small Business Solution) Options with Standalone and Cluster Hardware Considerations
That is the product of working with SBS since the BackOffice days. Our goal was to give our clients an as good or better experience than Small Business Server Standard gave them. We've met that goal in spades.
We've been deploying our SBS for four years now and have migrated all but one of our SBS clients on to it.