Server: Windows based file sharing

[Slott]

Hi all, at our company we were using microsoft server 2003 r2 for many years. It allowed for unlimited users...however newer hardware seems to not support it at all. Most of the new windows OS for servers tend to run in the thousands, when all we want is a simple file sharing server for something like 50-60 users. Does anyone have suggestions, or are we going to be forced to bite the bullet and purchase 60 CALs with a new OS? (we tried windows server 2012 foundation, then found out it had a 15 user limit on it...unfortunately) the IT manager here is considering using linux instead (something that we don't have much experience with here) but I feel like that may open up a different can of worms.

Any suggestions are welcome, thanks!

[Grieverbk]

What do you mean newer hardware does not support 2003R2?
I've not heard of any issues installing legacy server software on current hardware, only thing I can think of would be RAM limitations, which would be dependant on the Architecture/OS Edition you're using (x86 vs x64, Standard/Datacenter/Enterprise) and ranges from as little as 4GB to as much as 1TB (for 2k3 R2).
My assumption is that you're using x64 Standard, which should provide you up to the 32GB Limit.

Why not look into virtualizing the FS on the new server build if there are hardware incompatibilities?
(Although if the RAM Limitations are the issue you're speaking to, this will not change unless you use an alternate OS Edition. ie. Std -> Ent/DC)

Sidenote, unless you have anyone with real experience (read demonstrated & confident in ability) managing and configuring a linux file server, not to mention integrating it with a Windows Domain for Authentication/Permissions, I would stray way from it.

If you could provide further information regarding the server hardware/current software, as well as potential upgrades, I may be able to provide further insight into a solution.

[Slott]

Thank you very much for offering to help. Essentially he purchased the following server: Dell PowerEdge T110 II

came with:
Intel Celeron G555 @2.60 GHz
4GB Ram
x64 architecture
1TB HDD

He said when trying to install server 2003 R2 that it said the hardware configuration was incompatible
He called dell, they said it won't work on the older hardware (possibly they were bullshitting? not sure... we originally got the server 2003 r2 disks with a dell machine years ago)

Anyway, we returned that server, and he bought the same server, but this time with Windows Server 2012 foundation.

That server is currently set up how we'd want it to be, however now we have the issue of the maximum number of users...being 15. That is unless we spend around 2500 to upgrade to standard and buy 60 CALs.

Again your help is greatly appreciated. I'm not very experienced with setting up servers, so any help is most certainly appreciated.

[Grieverbk]

Hmmm. Seems odd, not sure why 2K3R2 would be indicating that.
There's a couple options you can begin to look at here.

First, virtualization of your file server.
Unfortunately because you are running the foundations level 2012, you do not have native access to HyperV, so you'll likely need to use VMWare.
Fortunately however, since it appears you will only require a single VM, you could likely accomplish this using the Workstation level VMWare Client rather than spinning up a full ESXi set.
(To clarify, i'm talking about spinning up a VM on the 2012 Host machine, and installing 2K3R2 on that VM)
I won't go into detail on how you're going to accomplish this, this will require some investigation on your own part(s) in order to properly satisfy the needs for your organization, but this is an available option.

Second, look at the cost vs benefit of upgrading your Windows 2012 edition.
A quick look at the following link will show you the Foundations level is a pretty gutless version of Server (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows..._2012#Editions)
Foundations also has a hard limit of 15 concurrent connections, so even if you are to purchase CALs, you will still remain restricted to 15 simultaneous connections.

I can't recall 100% what the licensing will be if you upgrade to standard edition, I do believe you still require CALs (either per device/per user), but I would recommend contacting Microsoft directly about this and seeing what you can swindle out of them if you choose to go this route.


Personally though, i'd look into Virtualization. It's going to be your most cost effective option.

[Totien]

Virtualization is absolutely the way to go in your current situation. Have you considered hosting the servers in the cloud for preparation for the future?

[chiyio]

I'm pretty sure you can run ESXi for free up to 32gb of ram on the server. You'll have to buy a license if you have more ram than that though.

[SephYuyX]

Dell does indeed sell newer hardware that is incompatable with 2k3, though there are ways around it, but it just ends up breaking shit. (search the googles)
You can contract dell out to make custom firmware and drivers, but it will cost you.

[Grieverbk]

I'm pretty sure you can run ESXi for free up to 32gb of ram on the server. You'll have to buy a license if you have more ram than that though.

I believe that's correct, however, it doesn't sound like they have the infrastructure in place to warrant installation of an ESXi box.

Dell does indeed sell newer hardware that is incompatable with 2k3, though there are ways around it, but it just ends up breaking shit. (search the googles)
You can contract dell out to make custom firmware and drivers, but it will cost you.

Ah true, I often forget that Dell usually installs somewhat "custom" components for use within their servers.
Now that I think about it, i've encountered similar issues on consumer level products made by Dell.