Windows Home Server in the SMB Arena

[chrisaroz]

This has been discussed a little before, but I wanted to get some fresh input.

I have VERY little server experience, and while this is an area I want and need to develop, there are more pressing matters at the moment. I've been running a Windows Home Server for quite some time, and was interested in your views in deploying it for small businesses. I'm wanting to use it for backups, file-sharing, and remote desktop access for my clients, and it fills those needs exceedingly well. Plus, at $500 for 1TB it's not a bad price. It also plays well with my Mozy service.

I don't think I would even be asking this question if it the product didn't have "Home" in the title, but I would love to hear your views.

[JimO'C]

Originally Posted by chrisaroz

nd was interested in your views in deploying it for small businesses

Windows Small Business Server


lol, sorry to burst ur bubble

I use it quite a bit, its nice because its got the same user friendly features of home, but with a business kick

And Windows Home Server only allows 4 or 5 computers to connect to it (not sure if its 4 or 5 but its one or the other)

[Jim Perth]

Can't be used as a DC or join a domain either. dcpromo works but is against the EULA.

I use it at home and it's a nice product.

[TLE]

Originally Posted by JimO'C

And Windows Home Server only allows 4 or 5 computers to connect to it (not sure if its 4 or 5 but its one or the other)

Windows Home Server allows up to 10 PC's to be connected. If your looking for information on WHS, the best place to go is We Got Served.

WHS systems are now been pushed towards small Business's that don't need Active Directory by Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...o/default.mspx

[scoop818]

I have reccomended and installed WHS in several of my small business clients, with or without a server present. For those without a domain it serves as an excellent fileserver, backup machine and remote access. For those who are running SBS, I use WHS to backup PCs on the network.

Don't let the "Home" in WHS fool you, its a very helpful tool in a small business enviornment.

[chrisaroz]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all the feedback.

My main reason for not wanting to dive into SBS is that most of my customers don't need AD or Exchange.

[kentuckyjoe]

Ubuntu Server? I know it seems complicated, but it really isn't once you get used to it (doesn't take long), huge community of support out there.\, and FREE. If they insist on paying for something Canonical sells a version with "professional" support. Linux and MS are beginning to integrate very nicely, Win 7 has a NFS client (kind of buggy) but eventually it should get rid of Samba. Plus let's talk reliability.. I think the record for uptime IIRC is 422 days without a reboot (and that was just because they had to move it to a new building), show me any MS product that will do that. Sorry just my .02. I would be more than willing to provide assistance with the setup and deployment if that is the route you decide to take.

[JimO'C]

Originally Posted by TLE

Windows Home Server allows up to 10 PC's to be connected.

I stand corrected, shows how much I use the "For-Dummy" Server Versions

[chrisaroz]

Jim, I'll write a tutorial for you.

[TLE]

I have to say I love my custom built WHS system. I use it for remote access to files and software, as well as using it to share photo's with family and friends. I also use it for the all the usual stuff, backups, antivirus monitoring (Avast), music server and I also have hMailserver installed. I plan to start and use it to share films out accross my network so that they can be watched in anyroom throughout our house. I'm looking forward too the new version codenamed 'Vail' as it's based on the new Windows 2008 server.