Advice on which Windows server 2k8 version to get?

[m1ldslide1]

I'm bringing up a server that will host a single windows application that will need to be accessed by up to 5 simultaneous users. I have a bunch of options here, and want to make sure I pick the right software package and licensing the first time.

I'm looking at server 2008 - should I get Standard or Enterprise? How about the External Connector license - do I need that for 5 simultaneous RDC users? Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

Thanks!

 

[RebateMonger]

Standard Edition should work fine for you unless you need a very large number of CPUs or memory, or need four licenses for virtualized servers.

With only five Users, you'll only need the five CALs that come with the Standard Edition.

 

[DrGreen2007]

"accessed by up to 5 simultaneous users"

Does he need the TS Cals as well?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: DrGreen2007
Does he need the TS Cals as well?

Good point. Access to the actual server is normally limited to the two remote Administrative connections. If we are talking using the server as a Terminal Server, then TS CALs would be required for each remote User or remote PC (depending on the TS licensing mode).

 

[m1ldslide1]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger

Originally posted by: DrGreen2007
Does he need the TS Cals as well?

Good point. Access to the actual server is normally limited to the two remote Administrative connections. If we are talking using the server as a Terminal Server, then TS CALs would be required for each remote User or remote PC (depending on the TS licensing mode).

Hmm.. I'm not sure yet if I'll want each user to have their own account or have everyone share a common one. I'm guessing that if we elect to use a common one, then only one login at a time would be possible anyway? So what's the difference between doing what I'm describing and using the server as a terminal server?

Thanks for all the input...

 

[RebateMonger]

Terminal Server mode is where Users log into the PC and each of them work in virtual XP machines that are all running on the server itself. Their PCs, located either at home or work, are only used as dumb terminals. All of the calculations, programs, and data are located on the server. Terminal Server mode requires a Terminal Server CAL for each user or device and the applications must also be licensed for the number of Users.

 

[ReggieDunlap]

I guess it depends on the application that will be running on the server. Will it be a traditional Server/Client application? Meaning, the application will be installed on the server, then a "client" will be installed on the 5 users' pcs. The users launch the client app which initiates the connection to the server component. If this is how your application would function, then I don't see why a Terminal Server licensing comes into play. Your statement "...5 simultaneous users..." implies concurrent connections, so the 5 CALs included with the server OS should be enough.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: ReggieDunlap
5 simultaneous users..." implies concurrent connections, so the 5 CALs included with the server OS should be enough.

Actually, it's not that simple. I haven't looked at Server 2008 licensing, but past Windows Servers had three licensing modes. One mode (Server Mode) was licensed by concurrent users. The other two modes (Users and Devices), required that the licenses be by NAMED Users or Devices. If a particular User didn't have a license (CAL), then he/she couldn't use the server even if nobody else was using it.

As I noted, it's possible the licensing has changed for 2008. Anyway, if there are only five users, server CALs won't be a problem.