Windows Server 2003 End of Support

[YOCS]

I have a customer with two Windows Servers 2003 and with Microsoft ending support in July I'm try to come up with a plan for them as I don't think they even need the servers in this environment. It's a very small company with only about 8 people at most in the office. I took them over a few years ago from a company that left them hanging. The previous company setup two 2003 servers. The first one is a DC / File Server running on on VMWare and the other is solely running there ERP accounting software Sage Timberline. I think the previous company just upsold them.

What I would like to do is get rid of both servers and move all their data files to a NAS and setup a new PC just to run their accounting software. I would like to get your input to see if this is the best route to go or if there are any better Ideas I should be thinking about. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AndyM]

No go on that one. Did you check out the system requirements for Sage Timberline?

Network Configuration Requirements
• You must install Sage Timberline Enterprise on a server that is a member of a Windows domain
(Windows Server 2003, 2008, or 2008 R2).
• Sage Timberline Enterprise must not be installed on the domain controller.
• Internet connectivity is required for license activation and for frequently performed functions in
the software.
• If a firewall is installed on the server that holds Sage Timberline Enterprise, the following exceptions in the firewall must be enabled:
1. Allow HTTP and HTTPS incoming traffic (ports 80 and 443)
2. Allow HTTPS outgoing traffic ((port 443)
3. Allow the port used by the SQL Server instance. In most cases this is port 1433, unless a different port is set
• Network communication protocol must be either TCP/IP or RDP 6.1.

From:
http://na.sage.com/sage-constructio.../~/media/0a9a601dd7d6406697522e9942cf3132.pdf

Andy

 

[YOCS]

Thanks Andy, I didn't check the requirements. That's crazy that you need all that horsepower just to run their software in a small office. So I guess that makes sense why they put Timberline on it's own off of the DC. Does anyone know of any other software that is comparable to Timberline without the system requirements. Just seems like overkill for this small office.

 

[AndyM]

When you said that it was on it's own server, and that it wasn't the DC, it reminded me of Sage Line 200 here in the UK. Exact same setup. If I remember correctly, the license is checked on a monthly basis, and it's not a cheap one by any stretch of the imagination!

Alas, that's as much as I can offer at the moment.

Andy

 

[YOCS]

That's great Andy. I really appreciate your input. I do mostly remote support and deal only with basic server stuff so I may be looking to sub this out to someone in the Southern Maine / New Hampshire area. Thanks again for the info.

 

[E Bell]

Do some research to see if you can run Sage in a virtualized environment (doesn't mentioned it in the specs).

** Edited due to bad advice given on the specifics. I would still look at virtualizing the environment. See the recommendation given by @YeOldeStonecat below.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Construction company.....they're committed to Timberline...and it's a great program...no reason to leave it, very popular program.
Look at the "server build" thread I have down in the general chat forum, I'd do the same system for that...except for this client of yours I would use 15krpm SAS drives, as they deal with larger files (likely run CAD too)...and Timberline does love more power than the LOB app my client uses (I used 10krpm drives).

So I would use a Server 2012 standard OS to build the Hyper-V host, and install a guest server instance to be a member app server for running Timberline. I never install any additional roles on the Hyper-V host....have it in workgroup mode only, running nothing but Hyper-V role. I would also have them get Server Essentials 2012r2 to run as their head server/DC. You have a spare server license from the first 2012 standard license to spin up a 3rd server if needed....such as terminal server. Room for growth.

 

[YOCS]

Thanks for replying YeOldeStonecat. I'll check out your server build post but, honestly since I've never done a server migration before and going from 2003 - 2012 I might see if I can sub this one out... You're not going to be heading North any time soon to the Southern Maine area are you?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Probably be up in Maine at some point this summer....usually once a year up that way. Probably Old Orchard Beach this summer. Often hit Freeport.
Of course, remote works too!

 

[YOCS]

Old Orchard Beach / Saco area has some great sandy beaches. Water is pretty cold though. I don't get down to CT that often but I found this place McNerney's Island in Thompson awhile back http://www.vacation-key.com/location_23500.html and always wanted to check it out. Remote would definitely work. I'm still waiting to hear back from the owner. I'll PM you if he wants to move forward on it...and Thanks!

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Thompson..so it's on a lake. The "quiet corner" of CT...up against Mass.
That main highway that does right through there, I395....just follow that straight south to the shoreline, and that's where my office is...right in view of 395.

 

[jzukerman]

I'm in Central Maine, but am open to driving. Send me a PM if interested.