Server help - noob advice

[AHarvey]

Hi,

I am just starting out on my MS server journey and studying via the Virtual Academy but I've an issue at work and could do with some advice from those with experience.

The call centre at work uses old laptops, running win 7 upwards, home and pro editions.

They are finally upgrading to desktops, however, the problem we have is that every 3-4 weeks they like to move everyone around. 26 desks for advisors + maybe 4 for management but they don't really move.

I'm aware a that I would have to use Win Server 2012/2016 Standard but the problem is I have no idea what kind of hardware that would need to manage that number of users?

Can anyone give me a system spec + price for what would allow me to create roaming profiles for everyone?

 

[AHarvey]

Call centre people have access to email (thunderbird) via a cpanel system, Chrome for a couple of websites they need, VOIP software for calls and a LibreOffice/adobe reader. That's it.

They have a tiny amount of emails delivered each month and maybe a couple of spreadsheets.

The main areas that would need covering is the ability to have roaming profiles, however, it would be nice to to restrict access to internet and set certain group rules (backgrounds etc).

I had no say in the new PC's, worse, I think they are on lease from PC World Thin clients was my idea as well, I even had it all running over a RasPi at home without any issue. It's all new to me but I have a basic understanding, unfortunately, the man that makes the decisions doesn't.

Getting them to fund a windows server is going to be a struggle as well, which is why I've been looking at a Samba based one to remove the cost of software making it more possible.

 

[AHarvey]

Sounds a lot like a small business that doesn't have buckets of cash to spend. From what you have said the server really doesn't appear to be doing a lot at all. If it were me I would scrap server standard and buy a base spec server with probably 1 or 2 sockets, 32gb of ram and a decent disk sub system. From there I would seriously consider the benefits of something unified such as small business server. Last year Microsoft released SBS 2016 which would happily serve that business and give it room to grow, you might consider looking at the upgrade path though if this is a business that is likely to grow quickly.

Sadly, I wish that was the case. 150 employee's over 4 sites, a further 300 remote sales advisors. £10 mil turn over last year. heavily invested in Azure as the Tech Director loves it but that's an investment as it deals with sales directly. If it sells and makes money it's worth it, if it supports the sales or does other work it's of no importance.

Essentials from what I've read is only for up to 25 users, and we're getting 44 desktops which I think is going to cover both call centre locations. I've even considered sticking my head into a Linux Samba server purely because the more money I can save the more chance of getting it. (This is a company that doesn't have proper heating or hot running water in its toilets in the head office)

 

[AHarvey]

I think it has been mentioned in another thread but it would probably be a good idea to engage a managed service provider who can really spec the right solution. For a business with this many staff I would say its a good idea to get some expert advise rather than fumbling around in the dark. If something goes **** up and important data is lost do you really want it to be on your head?

Luckily this won't hold any sensitive or important data, its main purpose is going to be to allow hot desking. Emails etc are all provided elsewhere.