Windows 2003 Server roles

[Crackmastervansnap]

Does anyone know where I can find guidelines for multiple server roles? I am
not having much luck finding info on this. Which roles are ok to mix and
which are not reccommended? I have seen that MS does not reccommend some roles and services on the same machine but the information is hard to find at best. Can a domain controller also be an application
server? Some reccomend not. Can a domain controller run SQL and be an
application server? Can that same server run DHCP and DNS without problems? I
understand that the hardware is going to be a factor. I am more interested in
conflicts or problems with the software. There should be a whitepaper or
something out there regarding the do's and don'ts of mixing server roles and
services on a single server.

 

[markdmac]

Microsoft has a fairly clear set of docs around just what you are asking.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...CD-7EBB-4179-9E54-F067005943C8&displaylang=en

Best to let you read the applicable sections of the docs that you want, but I will answer your questions as best I can.

Can a domain controller also be an application
server? [blue]How big is your domain? Performance and security are the limiting factors. What application is it? Will it compromise security or bog down the processor?[/blue]

Can a domain controller run SQL and be an
application server?
[blue]Do not run SQL on a DC as that creates a huge security risk. There is SQL code that can be executed to raise a users permissions on the DC. Not something you want to have happen.As for running SQL and an application on the same box, depends on your hardware doesn't it? Throw enough processing power and memory at a server and you can run almost anything together.[/blue]

Can that same server run DHCP and DNS without problems?
[blue]Yes, I have many customers with both running on the same box. [/blue]

I understand that the hardware is going to be a factor. I am more interested in conflicts or problems with the software. [blue]You need to be more specific then. Specify the applications you are concerned about or considering running. Any advice given on this is totally generalized without a proper inventory of your hardware, software, number of users, load on the server, speed of the nics etc.[/blue]

There should be a whitepaper or something out there regarding the do's and don'ts of mixing server roles and
services on a single server.
[blue]See the link I posted for guidance. Depending on the size of your environment you maybe should be looking at SBS as it is pre-tuned for running everything on a single server.[/blue]






I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark

 

[Crackmastervansnap]

Thanks for the reply and the link.

 

[Seaspray0]

You'll find that just about everything will run simultaneously on a single server. Many test servers are set up to do everything. The biggest differences between a test environment and a production environment are security and performance. Look above in markdmac's replies. Almost all of it revolves around security and performance. Where you are going to be limited is your budget.

cudo's, markdmac. good answers.

A+/MCP/MCSE/MCDBA