Licences for second SBS2003 server

[bennetje]

We like to install a second SBS2003 server,to use as a server for backup as a security.
Do we need to purchase a second SBS2003 server software package? And second do we need a second set of user licences? We like to synchronise both servers, so I think it will take the user licenses from the first server.
So I think we need a new SBS2003 sever software package, but not the user licenses.
Can someone confirm this?
Thanks so far,

/Ben

 

[Roadki11]

If i understand what you want to do, it cant be done. You can only have 1 SBS server functioning as a domain controller in the domain. Microsofts little treat for giving you so much for so little cost.

RoadKi11

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

The first part of what Roadki11 says is true... you can only have one SBS2003. But its not just because of the cost, it has to do with balancing all of the services which are controlled by SBS in a manageable environment.

So, what you need to really do is develop a disaster recovery plan that covers all situations that are of imporatance to you.

Even if you had a second SBS, where would it be? If it's in the same building, then what happens if there's a fire? If it's somewhere else, then how are users going to access it? Etc, etc...

After you consider those type of questions, the you will know if you truly are as secure as you can be with your plan.

As for having a "copy" server... I suggest you look at Acronis True Image Server for Windows 9.1

http://www.acronis.com/enterprise/products/ATISWin

With it's Universal Restore feature, you can restore a backup image to any other hardware. Keeping a current off-site image would be a good part of any Disaster Recovery plan.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

 

[bennetje]

Thanks for the replies. I thought already that you can only have one DC under SBS2003. Microsoft is talking about muliple controllers, but they mean I think "stand alone" controllers. They don't use the word "domain" What we like is in case the SBS server failled because of hardware problems, motherboard, memory, etc to have some easy recovery within reasable time to get back on line. Fire in the building is not a concern.
Jeff you mentioned acronis.com. I will check there site and see if this is suitable for us.
Again thanks for you replies.

 

[markdmac]

You can have multiple domain controllers with SBS. They just can't hold FSMO roles and they must be fully licensed versions of WIndows 2003 (not another SBS).



I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

A second DC on your SBS network is certainly possible... I rarely have seen much of a need for one because if your server goes down, the workstations all have cached credentials, and if you configure according to best practices (mostly the defaults) Exchange and My Documents are also cached locally.

So, Acronis will do a good job... but if it's only hardware you are concerned of, you should have a spare MoBo available that matches your current one.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

 

[markdmac]

I'd add to that. A spare mother board and at least one spare hard drive and NIC for quick repairs.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

 

[LWComputingMVP]

Spares aren't a bad idea... but most small businesses don't have the kind of support personnel to handle a board change. This is why, if you can, you should always buy servers from a major vendor who you KNOW will be around in the months and years to come. Further, since the server runs your business (or at least is presumably an integral part of your business), I STRONGLY recommend buying with a 3 year 4 hour response 24x7 warranty. Yes, it may cost you money NOW, but it's an insurance policy to get your business restored as quickly as possible.

 

[markdmac]

I STRONGLY recommend buying with a 3 year 4 hour response 24x7 warranty

This is very sound advice and I would second it. Most small businesses I have supported have gone with Next Business Day support and been OK with that. If you can afford the 24x7 then that is even better, but it is key to have some extended warranty support.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

Check out my scripting solutions at

http://www.thespidersparlor.com/vbscript

 

[58sniper]

I agree. I get a 4 hour warranty with all of the Dells we buy. Usually it's just something like a hard drive, tape drive, or power supply - something that won't affect users being able to do their job.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Want to know how email works? Read for yourself -

http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2821.txt

 

[cmeagan656]

Ditto here for my HPs. We're an accounting office so if we're facing a deadline and I can temporarily workaroud the issue then with 24/7 4 hr. support I can get the suppport guys in at a time that is convenient to me.

For example, last personal tax season our on board NIC was giving us grief. We installed a second NIC to keep the server up and contacted HP. Because I had remote users accessing the server until almost midnight I had HP tech support come in at 1:00 AM to replace the mobo.

I don't know about elsewhere but in Canada my HP 24/7 4hr. suppport only cost me about $600 CDN for 3 years. To me it was well worth it.

Cheers.