Server 2008 R2 SP1 vs. SBS2011

Nevram · 4 Dec 2012 at 19:44

I'm looking to install a fileserver for a user with 7 machines. I've put the spec of the server together okay but would like to ask about the OS (this is my first build going it alone).

Am i better off buying SBS2011 or 2008 R2 (SP1)? As SBS is actually more expensive at the moment, which doesn't make much sense to me? The server is literally just going to be used as a DC/File/Print server, no exchange or anything like that, they are just looking to centralise everything.

Thanks for your help/suggestions

nightmare99 · 4 Dec 2012 at 20:20

If you don't need exchange I would think you would want to be looking at 2012 Foundation or 2012 Essentials.

Are they likely to have more than 15 or 25 users anytime soon?

Are you used to setting up servers? If not I would go with essentials.

Nevram · 4 Dec 2012 at 20:45

Hi thanks for your reply,

What are the restrictions of essentials 2012? I've set-up both SBS and Server editions from 2003 upwards. I wouldn't feel comfortable using a severley cut back version of Windows, however have no clue about whats contained within the essentials package?

Nevram · 4 Dec 2012 at 20:47

I will download a trial .iso and will run it in virtualbox to get to grips with it?

nightmare99 · 4 Dec 2012 at 20:56

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Server_2012

There is a comparison chart there, Foundation has a 15 user limit while essentials has 25 also neither require cals.
Essentials is the closest thing to SBS going forward (minus exchange).

Nevram · 4 Dec 2012 at 21:04

Thanks for your help!