Two SBE servers

[boggis2000]

Need everyones help with a quick query. We are currently running a erver running Microsoft Windows Server 2000 SBE. It has been requested that we run MS Project server by our R&D department. I have been looking into this and for the collaboration tools to work it needs to be run on Server 2003.

I had the idea of having a new server setup running MS Windows Server 2003 SBE Premium along with MS Project Server 2003. Is there going to be a problem running two servers on different versions of SBE server software, or will I need to upgarde our existing servers software to the newer spec.

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[dkediger]

First - I assume you mean SBS/Small Business Server?

If so, you won't be able to have 2 SBS servers in the same domain. You can have them with different domain names on the same "wire," but that doesn't help you out if your users need resources from each domain.

You can, however, run regular non-SBS Windows servers fine in an SBS domain. The SBS server needs to remain the "primary" server for AD, but you can add other servers to your heart's content.

I would recommend upgrading your existing SBS 2000 server to SBS 2003 (there really are some good improvements in Server 2003 vs Server 2000) and then adding a Standard Windows server for the Project Server. If you need SQLServer for the Project Collaboration components (I don't know) make the SBS upgrade to the Premium version. Should work like a charm.

 

[boggis2000]

I would like to update the main server to SBS 2003 from SBS 2000 but that will be an additional cost which my FD won't go for. As far as I'm aware I would have to buy SBS 2003 with 50 CALs, and then buy Server 2003 with 50 CALs standard for the additional server.

Will there be a problem running a Windows Server 2003 server under a Windows SBS 2000 domain controller?

 

[dkediger]

You won't need the additional CAL's for the additional server unless you licensed the original SBS server as per-server. That will allow you to shift some costs to the upgrade if you need to.

You can run a 2003 server under a 2000 DC without a problem. Unless you need AD on the 2003 server for Project stuff - I would doubt it - I wouldn't even make the additional server a DC.