WS2012 and SQL?


Recommended Posts

Hi All,

 

We are upgrading our server at work (currently running SBS2008) to something new - mostly because SQL2005 comes with SBS2008, and it is missing a lot of the newer features!

 

I was about to upgrade to WS2012, however I realised it doesn't come with SQL Server, but it is an additional purchase for $1500! Seeing as we're a small business (about 10-15 people) spending $2000 on a server is reasonable ($1000 hardware, $1000 software) however spending $3500 is quite a lot more!

 

What is the replacement for SBS2008 that comes with SQL server? I was looking at SBS2011...however I don't really like the idea of upgrading to something still old...

 

We don't use AD, host our own exchange, or use domain-joined computers. Our server is basically a file server that runs IIS for an intranet page, and hosts an SQL server.

 

Thanks for any advice!

 

Regards,

UL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are many free sql servers you can use or just use sql express. SQL express should have all the features you are looking for, save for a few featured sql server options. You can dl the free management studio to manage it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi All,

 

We are upgrading our server at work (currently running SBS2008) to something new - mostly because SQL2005 comes with SBS2008, and it is missing a lot of the newer features!

 

I was about to upgrade to WS2012, however I realised it doesn't come with SQL Server, but it is an additional purchase for $1500! Seeing as we're a small business (about 10-15 people) spending $2000 on a server is reasonable ($1000 hardware, $1000 software) however spending $3500 is quite a lot more!

 

What is the replacement for SBS2008 that comes with SQL server? I was looking at SBS2011...however I don't really like the idea of upgrading to something still old...

 

We don't use AD, host our own exchange, or use domain-joined computers. Our server is basically a file server that runs IIS for an intranet page, and hosts an SQL server.

 

Thanks for any advice!

 

Regards,

UL

We have Server 2012 essentials and its pretty nice.

 

I would recommend it, its got nice solutions like online back-up, internet portal, etc.  The reason that Microsoft separates SQL as a package is because they want you to have 1 server as your file server and another server as your SQL server.  But you know... our company is 8 people so yeah we only have 1 server with SQL and file store on it.

 

Depending on how hard core your SQL server needs to be, running express is probably all you need.

 

Make sure your software is compatible tho, especially your back-up software!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

We have Server 2012 essentials and its pretty nice.

 

I would recommend it, its got nice solutions like online back-up, internet portal, etc.  The reason that Microsoft separates SQL as a package is because they want you to have 1 server as your file server and another server as your SQL server.  But you know... our company is 8 people so yeah we only have 1 server with SQL and file store on it.

 

Depending on how hard core your SQL server needs to be, running express is probably all you need.

 

Make sure your software is compatible tho, especially your back-up software!!

Actually, sttaring with SQL Server 2012 (including the Express versions), you can simply have multiple instances (which is certainly a sensible deal for SMB use).

 

In my case, the only use I have for SQL Server (currently) is for the backbone of System Center - fortunately, SC 2012R2 creates new instances of an existing SQL Server database at need (2012 or 2014) - a rather neat trick.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

you may also want to consider whether you need the server on-site or not.  If remote is an option then Azure may be possible for the server and SQL - NOTE: the tools for Azure aren't up to the same level that you'd get with full on SQL Server - you can still use Management studio but some functions just aren't available - it is getting better but not 100% yet.

 

I've moved most of our company over to Azure and am loving it so far.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

After 2008 SBS server got stripped down with Exchange and SQL being cloud options (recommended options at least). The idea is that a small business shouldn't be managing in servers and this software is not just the regular mom and pop stuff. :).

Others have mentioned options tho such as Azure or the free SQL options so take a look into those.

Server 2012 R2 Essentials is what I've been recommending to my small business clients. Mainly for AD and File Server/Backups.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.