Help Upgrading Our Server

[Lostindigital]

Hi Guys, This is probably the wrong place to ask my question but I tried finding a dedicated server forum and was unable to. We currently have server 2003 with a mail exchange and 4 PCs with Win8. We're now going to upgrade the server, but to what. We're told server 2012 doesn't have a mail exchange and that we'll need to purchase that module separately for an extra cost. The local PC shop said we're better off buying server 2011 as it comes with the mail exchange already added, and would be cheaper. Then as I was surfing the web I came across MS server 2013 with mail exchange included. Just wondering if anyone had any feedback to add to my research. BTW, we're not interested in going cloud. Thanks, all.

 

[Gator]

Honestly, going to 2012 could be a waste if you're only keeping 4 PCs. Where 2012 is going to shine is when you have more robust and complicated networks IMO. The new Server manager would be a great thing to have, if you have tons of servers as you can manage the whole lot from one screen.

Here are a few reasons TO get Server 2012:
10 compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows Server 2012 - TechRepublic

Keep in mind, you can't upgrade server 2003 straight to 2012 through MS. However, Im assuming you're looking to replace the whole server completely, not just upgrade, correct?

I know you don't want to go to the cloud but why not try a few solutions in a virtual environment to see what fits your needs? Then you can make an informed decision that you know will work.

 

[Lostindigital]

Hi mhansen1, Yes, we're going to upgrade the whole server (hardware & software). We're just going to backup what's on server 2003 and then install our next server straight onto the new hardware. Fresh start so-to-speak.

initially we played with some loose number and found it wasn't that cost effective for us to go Cloud. Might be wrong, but we're certainly happy to explore our options. Cheers.

 

[Gator]

True, cloud isn't for everyone and with a small network, you may not even need to test run things. I would rule out 2012 completely and then you'd need to figure out what other servers would best suit your network/needs. Server 08r2 could be a good solution and EOL isn't for another six years.

What about the possibility of having only your exchange server hosted via the cloud? With a small company/network it could work for your budget.

 

[Lostindigital]

I didn't know that about 08r2 EOL being six years out. That might be a good solution for us because that was our IT upgrade plan - to leave things for five or so years before the each major up-move. Cheers.