January 21, 2010

Tech Tips Jan 2010

Migration Path: Small Business Server 2008

With the limited availability of “Down Time” in this technology dependent world, how do you upgrade old equipment, old software, or even old operating systems, without disrupting the client’s ability to work? In the past, the limitations of migrations for a Windows Small Business Server 2003 were limited to creating new separate Domain Controller Servers, new Exchange Email Servers, new Application Servers, and then having to piece all of the data back together.

Lo and behold: Enter Windows Small Business Server 2008. Microsoft has now created the Migration Mode install, which will allow a complete server to server migration of the Small Business Server. After installing the new server software, the multiple Migration “Wizards” take you through each level of transfer, to ensure that all necessary data is smoothly transitioned.

Did I mention that while this is going on, users can still work? Since it is a staged step-by-step transition, only sections of data are being moved at one time. The system creates virtual “connectors” so both servers become online at the same time.

1. After the new server is installed in “Migration Mode”, the Active Directory Schema is copied to the server (Domain information) including the same Domain Name and structure, users, computer accounts, security groups, etc.

2. Then users folders (redirection) are moved.

3. Network File Shares are moved.

4. Exchange Mailboxes are moved.

Pretty simply; a smooth transfer of information from server to server. There are some backend modifications that need to be done by the Administrator to facilitate this migration, but it is all done in stages on both the old server and the new server.

Microsoft also allows the old server to remain ACTIVE for 21 days, in order to ensure that all settings and data are moved and working successfully. Then, and only then, does the “decommission” begin on the old server. This will include, removing the server as a Domain controller from the network, removing all file shares from being accessible, removing all shared printers, and then finally removing the First Organizational Group (Exchange Server).

The Windows Small Business Server 2008 operating systems have numerous advantages for smaller businesses:

1- Utilizes the capabilities of multiple servers, usually seen in larger businesses, in an “all-in-one solution”.

2- Reduces electrical consumption of multiple servers.

3- Exchange Server 2007 integrated into the server.

October 20, 2009

Windows 7 launch October 22nd 2009!

I’ve received many questions about the big launch so I wanted to take a few minutes to give you the real scoop from a trusted Microsoft Certified firm. As many of you remember Windows Vista  was not a very successful product. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has stated that Windows 7 is the result of learning from the failures of Vista through meticulously ironing out most of the wrinkles that annoyed Vista users. I’m not hear to talk about if it will have successful launch, but more of an open information forum about what it might mean to our clients. I would like to inform our clients on the do’s and don’ts as well as other easily understood facts that you should know. Let me be clear that I don’t think an XP user should run right out and upgrade, I believe a Vista user would be first in line but not right away. Be sure to ask us if its a good idea in your specific environment before making any major decisions. Our team here at AMRCON has been working with the operating system for months in our lab environment. We’re not ready to give the green light just yet.

Here are a few facts that should be pointed out:

• Windows 7 will require a clean install: One of the lessons learned from Vista was that not enough integration between OEM hardware and 3rd party software vendors was provided. Thus everyone had issues with drivers and getting applications to run. To ensure a clean slate, the Windows 7 OS will require a complete format of your current drive from scratch, then and only then will you be able to recover your data and install your applications. From a technical standpoint this is generally the right way to go and will help alleviate headaches. I would not recommend doing this yourself with out some form of technical proficiency.
• The Economic role: The economy might play a strategic role in how our clients might look at migrations. In the past new migrations were done along with hardware upgrades, it just made better sense. In today’s economy budgets and planning have been reduced. However, with the leaner version of windows you can get away with migrating on older hardware where in the past new versions meant more horsepower requirements. Both the size and memory requirements have been reduced in Win 7. An eventual migration to Win 7 might be a more cost effective solution to those behind the times. Windows XP stands as the solid OS with 71.8% market share and Vista with only 18.8%. Windows 7 will end up taking most of the Vista share and heavily over time into the XP market. Now depending on just how old your hardware is will determine if an upgrade migration is in order or going with a complete hardware refresh along with the new OS.
• XP Mode?: Since Microsoft caught a bad image with suggesting to XP users to migrate to Vista then to Win 7 when it’s launched, many people had great concerns. Business owners expressing the bad taste they had provided a plan. Win 7 will have a XP Mode where a virtual XP service pack 3 environment can run under Win 7 to avoid breaking compatibility with their older applications. We’re still on the fence with this really bringing resolve to those issues.
• User Account Control: Microsoft boasts about having the right fixes in place from the Vista era. But it has been reported on some blogs that some underlying issues may still exist, it may change with the full version release but something to think about.

Is Windows 7 worth it?

It’s going to be a case-by-case basis so talk to AMRCON about your specific thoughts. We believe it will be a reasonable option for companies looking to upgrade hardware in the new year, but not if they require any 3rd party application such as trading and business automation. These companies will need to wait for their respective vendors to play catch up first. However, they would want to consider bundling an upgrade license when they become available. It would be one less cost they will need to worry about in the future. Besides Microsoft has extended the support for XP a few more years but I hope no one waits until the very end. Reason being we’ll loose out on the full integration and usage of the already deployed Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange 2010 and Office 2010 when they become available. Most major vendors have already provided fixes to make themselves Windows 7 friendly.

Keep posted as we continue to report on actual build-outs and migrations. If you have any questions in the meantime feel free to give us a call.