Re: Looking for a Microsoft License expert to help... -- PCTECH

I hope this discussion doesn't get religious. I will decidedly cease to
fuel any such fire

I will add the existing setup to help explain.

Currently the serve is Windows 2000 Server with the application required
MSSQL. No IIS or Exchange. There are 4 local PCs (W2K) running the
application in a Client/Server configuration. A remote site (W98) is
using terminal services to run the application on the server is it
doesn't support being remote any other way due to hard coded timeouts.

I am looking at replacing all the hardware/OS over the next year or so
with the server probably being the last item. All the hardware was
custom built and loaded by another outfit before I took over. Most of
the user PCs are totally integrated without any expansion slots so if a
NIC or video goes bad it is a boat anchor. I am not sure that they can
even find (or received) the Microsoft key codes for the existing
software. Probably won't make any difference if I get them to go with
the upgrade and since there are no upgrade discounts available for the
new stuff. Just hope we don't have to do a reload in the meantime.

I have looked at 2003 SBS Premium as it includes the MSSQL and 5 total
seats for less money than buying individual components. BUT I think
(dangerous thing there) from the reading that SBS doesn't support Remote
Desktop for running shared applications like this (only server
administration) AND it doesn't allow more desktops if the remote site
needs to expand. Everything seems to say you need to add another server
(even a W2K) to run end user type desktops if using SBS.

I know that no matter what combination of licenses, additional seats
will have to be purchased if they go beyond the current total of 5 end
user PCs which happily matches the base of included seats. Is 5 packs
the only expansion option or is there a way with this small of an
organization to buy individual seats?

Roger Vicker

On 11/30/2005 9:19 AM, Tom Jedrzejewicz wrote:

>I can see this discussion getting religious!
>
>If your organization is small ( < 75 users I think), MS Small Business
>Server is a good alternative.  It includes Windows, IIS, Exchange and
>remote access.  The premium edition includes SQL server and ISA
>server. Not sure what it costs.
>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/default.mspx
>
>Have fun.
>
>>From the MS Web site ..
>Q.     What are the major differences between the standard edition and
>premium edition of Windows Small Business Server 2003?
>       
>A.     
>•      
>
>The standard edition of Windows Small Business Server 2003 includes
>Windows Server 2003 technologies, including fax service, firewall
>service, and remote-access service. Additionally, it includes
>Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, enhanced tools for server monitoring
>and administration, and an out-of-the-box solution for internal Web
>sites. The standard edition is ideal for customers who do not require
>the higher-level functionality included in the premium edition.
>•      
>
>The premium edition includes everything in the standard edition, plus
>Microsoft SQL Server 2000, Microsoft Internet Security and
>Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004, and Microsoft FrontPage 2003. The
>premium edition is ideal for small businesses with more demanding IT
>needs, such as data-intensive line-of-business applications, or
>advanced firewall and Web-caching capabilities.
>
>
>
>On 11/30/05, Roger Vicker, CCP <rv-lists@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>  
>
>>Hello,
>>
>>I hope David doesn't mind this request being posted here.
>>
>>I am looking for someone that is familiar with the current Microsoft
>>licenses (what is/isn't included - available) for Server 2003, SQL
>>Server and Remote Desktop to advise me on the best software combination
>>to replace a small, old system.
>>
>>Unless you think there will be enough others on this list that are
>>interested you can contact me off-list so we don't clutter up here.
>>
>>Thanks in advance.
>>
>>Roger Vicker
>>
>>
>>    
>>
>
>--
>Tom Jedrzejewicz
>tomjedrz@xxxxxxxxx
>
>  
>