Which server version do I need?

[webwired72]

Hi, I am a developer and I don't know much about servers, but I have just gotten a position in a company to build them a very large .NET project management system. They currently only have one old server with windows 2003 small business server on it that they use to host Exchange... So basically I need to know what version of Microsoft Server do I need to host this web application for them... It will be for both intranet and internet. I was going to have them buy another server to run it on along with SQL server 2008 web edition.

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

More information needed about.NET project.

How much information will be hosted/.Net complexity
How many users are expected to be hitting the web servers
How much expansion are they looking for
Future growth


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Achieving a perception of high intelligence level can only be limited by your manipulation skills of the Google algorithm!

 

[webwired72]

Well as far as the complexity, the application will include the following:
Project management, estimates, customers, employees, employee certifications, inventory, awarded projects, materials and expenses, notices of completion, out of scope change orders, work in progress reports, codes and permits, and financial reporting.
There are about 45 employees that will be hitting it from both internally and externally...

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

Are you looking in to clustering or NLB solutions for redundancy/up-time? Microsoft has many solutions for this and we would really need to drill down the specifics of the environment needed.

You may also want to run this by the IIS Forum here as well.

http://www.tek-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=41

and maybe the .net forum

http://www.tek-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=796

________________________________________
Achieving a perception of high intelligence level can only be limited by your manipulation skills of the Google algorithm!

 

[itsp1965]

In terms of OS, have you checked the MSDN site to find out what OS your application components support. Determining the OS is one thing, implementing your architecture is another.

- You say you are going to have 45 users (internal/external) accessing the system. How much data will they generate? and how much of it do you need to keep online
- Access will be from the internet/intranet. How are your users coming through the Internet (firewall/VPN)

On top of what has already been suggested, there are a lot of things that need looking into besides OS type.