Server Recommendation

[AuburnTech]

I need some help with configuring a server for a client. The client is a tax company that uses the Drake Tax Software and wants to add an additional office in an adjacent city. I have done some testing with my own server running Windows Server 2003 and Terminal Services enable and using the Remote Desktop Connection to log into assigned users for testing. The program works with multiple users and I think this thin-client environment will be best for the company to collaborate in real time. The number of user is not large as it should only be about 6-8 users simultaneously at most. I am just looking for some help to make sure I order them a server that will handle a load of at least 10 users simultaneously for growth and no hiccups in productivity. Also, is there a requirement with the terminal services to order extra device CALs for each computer connecting to the server? I have been looking at ordering them a Dell PowerEdge T110 with the following configuration:

Intel Xeon X34440, 2.53GHz, 8M Cache, Turbo, HT
4GB, 1066MHz, Single Ranked UDIMM Memory
Windows Small Business Server 2008 (5 Device CALs)
5 additional device CALs

Thanks for any help/suggestions!

 

[angry_geek]

If you're running server 08 with that number of users, I would recommend 8 Gb of ram. I typically don't order device cals unless the only thing connecting will be dedicated machines in the office. User cals are more flexible. I wouldn't order the cals until you're sure you need them. It's just a key, and it's 2 minutes to apply it. You will need TS (Terminal Server) Cals. These are different from the regular cals. You'll also need to make sure you have Active Directory set up well and rock solid Group Policies. If you're unfamiliar with that, there are several of us on the board, including me (shameless promotion ), that can consult and even set this up remotely.

Also, I would recommend Server Standard, not small biz. The limited SQL and Exchange versions aren't worth the loss in functionality as far as I'm concerned. Also, Standard is much better for running a terminal server.

 

[AuburnTech]

Thanks for the help. I can upgrade to 8gb no problem. Windows Server 2008 will come with 5 CALs included. Will these work for TS or no? Also, would you recommend Server 2008 R2 or SP2? Another thing too is would you recommend a separate partition for the OS?

 

[angry_geek]

Separate OS partition, R2 version (it's the newest), TS Cals are different than system cals. You'll need to purchase those separately. The 5 cals should be fine unless you run into a situation where you need more, however, you'll still have to add the TS Cals as these are specifically for ts users. I'm pretty sure MS gives you 180 days or so to use TS till you need to add the cals. That being said, I prefer to add them on day one.

 

[AuburnTech]

So what is the difference between the standard CALs and the TS CALs? Would I be better off just getting the OS without any CALs and just buying TS CALs for each user? Stupid how they make you pay so much for the OS itself, then want you to pay them to have connectivity to your own server...

 

[vdub12]

I do some work for an autoparts store that uses terminal service for a remote location with no server. There server is in there main building and they just connect the thin clients from over the Internet.

 

[AuburnTech]

That's what I am setting up. The new office is going to connect to the server over the internet as thin clients and the current office, home of the server, will be connected via LAN. But, I need to get a firm understanding on the licensing issue. I want to go ahead and get each user licensed with the server appropriately rather than waiting out the temp license period and dealing with it then. I also am thinking of setting up a VPN for access to network shares from the remote office in case they need a file without going into the remote desktop. I am pretty sure that licensing is not needed for this access but I could be wrong so please let me know. Also, if a client is connected to the server via Terminal Services and wants to print locally at the remote office, is that possible?

 

[vdub12]

That's what I am setting up. The new office is going to connect to the server over the internet as thin clients and the current office, home of the server, will be connected via LAN. But, I need to get a firm understanding on the licensing issue. I want to go ahead and get each user licensed with the server appropriately rather than waiting out the temp license period and dealing with it then. I also am thinking of setting up a VPN for access to network shares from the remote office in case they need a file without going into the remote desktop. I am pretty sure that licensing is not needed for this access but I could be wrong so please let me know. Also, if a client is connected to the server via Terminal Services and wants to print locally at the remote office, is that possible?

You might contact MS for licensing questions. As far as I know most servers come with at least a 5 seat license and you can buy license packs after that. I am not sure how it works completely though. I know though that each terminal will need a separate license.

Yes you will be able to print at both locations as long as your using network printers.

 

[angry_geek]

TS Cals are just for terminal services. You have to have one for each concurrent user connecting to the server. Cals are just for people accessing the server over asp programs or the network. I rarely have to buy additional cals, just ts cals.

 

[angry_geek]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing.aspx


http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing-terminal.aspx

 

[AuburnTech]

Thanks for all the help. One final question though.. I think. If the sole purpose of this server is to host the software and client files, and the other desktop clients will just be logging into it using remote desktop, are the TS CALs all I should need?

 

[ProTech Support]

You will soon find how much of a nightmare Microsoft+Servers+Licensing is.

 

[AuburnTech]

I have a feeling you're right.. but can anyone still answer my question about he TS CALs?