Re: opinion / advice wanted
- From: Jon-Alfred Smith <jonsmi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:50:28 +0100
On Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:19:01 -0800, Markus
<Markus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Since you are asking for an opinion: I think your moves are generally
too driven by technical issues. I like VMware Workstation very much
for testing purposes, but I would not put in on production for this
kind of virtualization you outline below.
I have a small 25 user network with several servers.
Main server-applications, printing, PDC emulation
Exchange server
SQL server
Terminal server
BDC
Since your are talking about PDC and BDC, I guess it's Windows 2000
mixed mode with an NT4 BDC.
I need to make some changes and this is what I am thinking and seeking
advice about.
Purchase SBS premium
Clear case for SBS. But which version of SQL Server are you or your
client running?
Are you still on Exchange 5.5 with an AD connector?
Move SQL and Exchange to this box (about 25 users in a small network)
*so, first question is can I just integrate this SBS into the existing AD
until I can move things around?
Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] has already answered this question. However,
I'm not sure if you have to get rid of the BDC first and change to
Windows 2000 native mode.
Then I am thinking to purchase a new server and running virtualization
software on it.
1) Move the SBS into a VM running on this new box.
2) Virtualizing the terminal server (at present windows 2000)
3) Virtualizing the BDC
and basically ending up with a virtual network that hosts 2 domain
controllers as well as SBS that is in turn hosting exchange and SQL (there
are 2 and maybe a 3rd coming SQL database programs.They are not large
programs)
This would make up 3 DCs with SBS as the main one. Totally
unnecessary.
So, 3 virtual machines running on the virtual host.
I am thinking VMWare for this, but opinions on the viability of MS virtual
server, or even server 2008 core and the hypervisor, if it makes it out in
time.
I am concerned about: can it be done?Of course it could be done. But I don't think it is supported.
performance (yes the host would be a powerful system with lots of memory)Slower than on bare metal. And I would also think more expensive.
Personally I would try to end up with two new machines: SBS + TS.
Quad with the option to add a second processor, 4 GB RAM, at he upper
edge but not the latest and greatest.
Guess one of the old boxes could be used as a third server if needed
for SQL Server or your main LOB app (and second DC).
And then I would be forward looking to SBS 2008
http://ts2blogs.com/blogs/charlesv/archive/2008/01/11/are-you-ready-for-windows-small-business-server-codename-quot-cougar-quot.aspx
which is supposed to include hypervisor feature set (virtualization)
or
Windows Essential Business Server
http://blogs.msdn.com/mssmallbiz/archive/2007/11/07/5955270.aspx
jas
.
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