What roles should I give to my new server?

[TheBDB]

We just purchased a new Dell server with 2.4 Ghz quad-core Xeon, 8GB RAM, Server 2008 Standard R2. Currently we have:

Pentium III 2GB RAM Server 2003 as the domain controller, DHCP, DNS, website host, Rosetta Stone server

3.0 Ghz dual-core Xeon 1GB RAM Server 2003 running Exchange 2003 and shared USB data drive.

We have also purchased Exchange 2010. The plan is to get another identical brand new Dell in a couple months and convert everything to those 2, but for now we just have the one, so how should I go about adding it in?

 

[phoenix79]

I'd virtualize the one you just bought with the DC, DHCP, and DNS on one virtual server, the webhost and rosetta stone on another virtual server. Then put exchange on the other server you're going to buy.

 

[mvbighead]

I'd virtualize the one you just bought with the DC, DHCP, and DNS on one virtual server, the webhost and rosetta stone on another virtual server. Then put exchange on the other server you're going to buy.

I second phoenix79's idea for virtualization. Just make sure you have the OS licenses needed, which, if you have old servers, you could quite possibly migrate them to an ESX server using their tools.

Good luck.

BTW, ESXi is free, so need to worry about purchasing the virtual server host license, if you're a small shop, that'd be an easy way to get started.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Agree with these two posts, i think that would be a great and efficient way to go.

 

[TheBDB]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do have a question about licenses, which I was going to call Microsoft about but I might as well ask it here. I purchased what I thought was 2 server licenses and 20 user CALs through a company that does government and educational business. I signed up with Microsofts volume license website to download the software and get the keys, and this is what I have:

Windows Server 2008 Std/Ent MAK B 0/12
Windows Server 2008R2 Std/Ent - MAK B 0/45
Windows Server 2008R2 Std/Ent KMS B
Windows Server 2008 Std/Ent KMS B

I tried reading about the difference between MAK and KMS but it didn't make much sense. What is the difference? Which am I supposed to use? Does each virtual server need one? If I have to reformat and reinstall Server 2008 does that use up an activation each time? Thanks so much.

 

[mvbighead]

Best way to put it, is each Virtual Machine requires its own license. So if you have an ESXi host server (your new dell physical box), and on it you have 5 Windows 2008 servers, you need 5 2008 server licenses.

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/product-activation.aspx

As I understand it, KMS uses a Key Management Server that tracks the use of the keys for you. MAK, is a multiple activation key that you are allowed X number of servers to use it on. With MAK, you are activating to a MS server, whereas with KMS, you are activating to you own license server. Hope that helps.

 

[yinan]

Enterprise gives licenses for 4 instances of the OS for one cost. Datacenter gives you unlimited VMs on that one box. Standard gives you one Windows license.

 

[mvbighead]

Enterprise gives licenses for 4 instances of the OS for one cost. Datacenter gives you unlimited VMs on that one box. Standard gives you one Windows license.

Can you point me to the documentation that says that? I am just curious, cause I hadn't heard of that one before.

EDIT: NVM, now I see it:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing-R2.aspx (under virtual rights use)

 

[mvbighead]

One thing to keep in mind, is the OP has the Standard edition, thus will be limited to the one, with 1 additional VM licenses using the Windows OS as the Host. Your figure for 4 licenses for the Enterprise software is based on the fact that the physical host is MS Windows Server 2008 Enterprise, with 4 Licenses for VMs provided that the Physical Server OS is used for nothing but managing the VMs.

Long story short, either buy an enterprise license and start using HyperV to take advantage of the "free" licensing on the 4VMs, or buy standard and load it onto VMs in an ESX environment on a per license basis.

From the sounds of what the OP already has, buying an Enterprise License may or may not be an option. Perhaps he could order it with the second box.

 

[RebateMonger]

One thing to keep in mind, is the OP has the Standard edition, thus will be limited to the one, with 0 additional VM licenses using the Windows OS as the Host.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding this part of your post. Just in case....

Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition includes a license for one install on a physical server as a Hyper-V host and one license as a virtual server on that same physical machine.

 

[mvbighead]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding this part of your post. Just in case....

Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition includes a license for one install on a physical server as a Hyper-V host and one license as a virtual server on that same physical machine.

Guess I had the blinders on when I read that part of the article...