Which version of Win2K to deploy?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bkesting
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bkesting

Hello,

I will soon purchase a new server from Gateway for a
company with about 60 to 65 users. Gateway recommended
that I go with Win2K Small Business Server. However, am I
correct in the assumption that SBS only supports 50
machines to be connected to the Active Directory at any
one time? The business will probably have all 60 users
working at once on the server. How do I get around this
issue? Is there another Windows 2000 server version to
look at? Why would they recommend SBS to me when I told
them I would have over 50 machines connected?

Thanks.
 
You're correct Windows 2000/2003 Small Biz Server can only
handle 50 devices and/or users attached at one time. This
INCLUDES printers! Gateway's folks probably made an
assumption (albeit a bad one), that you would be under or
at the 50 count. Best bet is to purchase the standard or
enterprise versions of the products you want.

For example: Windows 2003 Standard Server and Exchange
2003 Standard Server. This depends on the tools you may
want to use - if you need tools to help with data
migration you'll need the Enterprise editions. And I'd
recommend a second server if you're getting Exchange -
requires more licensing on the server side, but it runs a
lot better if it's separate from any other products or
applications. I'd also recommend you go with user CALs
rather than device CALs, depending on the number of
printers you have it may work out to be more cost
effective.

Absolute best bet: contact a local reseller to assist with
the MS product purchasing. I work for one that sells
hardware, software, and professional services. From an
engineer's viewpoint, we don't care where you get the
hardware but we do care that you get appropriately
licensed software.
 
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