why do I want a domain controller and AD ?

[K. Abit]

In a small office network, why bother with a domain controller and AD ? Can
someone give me some real practical benefits (examples) of having a DC with
AD?

My alternative is just using Microsoft Storage Server OS as a file server.
This one office has few people and basically only file storage needs.
Locking down some user settings with AD might be nice, but it seems the
benefits are possibly stronger with the "optimized for file storage" Storage
Server and lack of CALS with Storage Server. Maybe I'm forgetting about
some good things people do with DC and AD.

 

[Jorge de Almeida Pinto [MVP - DS]]

what if you decide to add ANOTHER server with whatever role? Defining your
users and groups in AD will save your a$$. If you need to add an additional
server while servers are in workgroup mode how are you going to provide
access (think permissions) without a CENTRAL repository?

--

Cheers,
(HOPEFULLY THIS INFORMATION HELPS YOU!)

# Jorge de Almeida Pinto # MVP Windows Server - Directory Services

BLOG (WEB-BASED)--> http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/jorge/default.aspx
BLOG (RSS-FEEDS)--> http://blogs.dirteam.com/blogs/jorge/rss.aspx

 

[Ace Fekay [MVP]]

In K. Abit <[email protected]> stated, which I commented

In a small office network, why bother with a domain controller and AD
? Can someone give me some real practical benefits (examples) of
having a DC with AD?

My alternative is just using Microsoft Storage Server OS as a file
server. This one office has few people and basically only file
storage needs. Locking down some user settings with AD might be nice,
but it seems the benefits are possibly stronger with the "optimized
for file storage" Storage Server and lack of CALS with Storage
Server. Maybe I'm forgetting about some good things people do with
DC and AD.

In addition to Jorge's suggestions, if the workstations are XP Home or Media
Edition (probably due to budge restraints), then it would be useless, unless
they were to be upgraded anyway.

Do you plan on giving your client Exchange email services?

--
Ace
Innovative IT Concepts, Inc (IITCI)
Willow Grove, PA

This posting is provided "AS-IS" with no warranties or guarantees and
confers no rights.

Ace Fekay, MCSE 2003 & 2000, MCSA 2003 & 2000, MCSE+I, MCT, MVP
Microsoft MVP - Directory Services
Microsoft Certified Trainer

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