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WinServer 2008 R2 Pros and Cons?

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by oregonitguy

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Hey my company is considering switching from Unix to Windows Server 2008 R2, for RAS reasons. We need a reliable server that can grow, hopefully substantially, in the next couple of years as business expands. I have read some docs recently that Windows Server 2008 is reliable, is this true? Currently we run Linux what are the benefits of switching to WS2008 over sticking with Linux?

6 replies

by oh smeg

Other than supporting M$ in a big way.

You'll need to look into the Licensing involved and the number of workstations/other network Devices that will need to be connected to the server. Generally speaking these will all need a CAL so that you can have concurrent connections.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/licensing.aspx

Also Generally Speaking when comparing Unix to Windows you need a more powerful system to do the same job under Windows as it consumes more System Resources. So depending on what you currently need to support and the planned growth you'll need to look into the Hardware requirements of the server for what it is expected to do and the costs of Licensing the unit.

Also generally speaking you need to pay more for a Multi CPU 2008 License than for a Single CPU License. But this all depends on what the server is required to do. ;)

Col

by oregonitguy

The current consensus here is that the hardware needs to be upgraded anyway, so we are looking at Intel Xenon 7500 series processors.

Scaleability is a priority in this decision.

by mafergus

If your systems are currently Unix based, I have a hard time seeing it being cheaper to switch. Especially if you are already planning to upgrade hardware.

by oh smeg

How many? That answer will tell you a lot about which OS is better to use for your needs.

Though personally I can not see how switching to a Windows Server Platform will in any way be cheaper or more secure for any business except Microsoft maybe. ;)

Col

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