Questions re Multipoint Server

I work for a small not-for-profit, that has many different sporting sections, and are looking at implementing a few features (if they can obtain the hardware and software at a relatively low cost). Currently they have a SBS 2011 server, that is relatively new, after the old server "died". There are then some computers connected to the server, which also runs Exchange, Sharepoint, etc. that comes with SBS Standard. What we want to look at doing is installing a multipoint server, that the different section users can remote into, as committees change frequently, and they often don't do any work on location, and they often have difficulties passing files over, and also checking emails, etc. There are limitations to storing information on things such as Google, which are hosted overseas, hence out hesitance there. So I think I have my head around the licencing side of things, and the general software set-up, but am slightly unsure on the hardware set-up. Just to confirm, what I will need licencing side of things (correct me if I am wrong), note: will look at making 10 users able to access the multi-point server: -> an additional 10 user CALs for the SBS 2011 server -> Multipoint Server Premium (so it can join the SBS 2011 domain) -> 10 multipoint server CALs -> 10 licences of whichever office product we choose (Standard or Premium) However, I am struggling to understand exactly what is needed for the hardware side of things, and Operating Systems. I am at this point: -> Obviously we need a server box (that at least meets the minimum multipoint requirements) -> I presume we need a (a number) of additional Operating System licences? -> Do we need additional computers (towers only) to act as the client, or is this dealt with some other way. So basically, I am after what we need in addition to the multipoint server hardware itself, and what is needed in regards to Operating Systems. A few pointers would be appreciated. Cheers, Jayke

Reply by Grant Laing from Blended IT Solutions on Friday, 9 November, 2012 - 02:42

Hi Jayke, Some good questions here, but have to advise against using the multipoint server product for what you are doing. Is just the wrong product for this, it is mainly designed for education use where are the users and devices are onsite. We implement these types of IT environments all the time, and what you need here is the RDS Services Server (aka Terminal Server) On the hardware you will need a server with about 12-16gb of ram and a raid 0+1 disk array. As you only have 10 users you could get away with using sata based disks, but SAS based disks would be better. On the licensing side you will need, 10x RDS User cals 1x win2008R2 server licence(would probably get enterprise edition if getting it from donortec) 10x Office cals for whateveredition you want. (would suggest Premium if getting it through donortec) With this solution you will not need any additional computers as people can login from wherever they are and access the system. This would be the best option for you as opposed to the multipoint server as this allows far more flexibility, and more in keeping what you are looking at doing. Happy to speak to you further about this, and also explain how this implemented if you like. Feel free to send us an email if you want more help with this.

Reply by n/a from Malloy Enterprises on Tuesday, 13 November, 2012 - 21:45

I have to disagree and suggest that WMS (Windows MultiPoint Server) is a fine choice to be used instead of RDS in this scenario. WMS is little more than a preconfigured Server 2008 RDS. As an SBS MVP I am one of many who have 'fought' with MS to reduce the appearance of WMS as an edu specific system. I'd be interested to here what sort of hardware is currently running SBS. It may be feasible to move the current SBS implementation into a virtual machine (I'd do it under HyperV) and run both SBS11 and the WMS as virtual machines on the existing hardware. (NOTE: I currently do this on a Dell T420) There is a question about any '3rd party Line of Business Application' and whether it is 'supported' on WMS. I also have to check. WMS 2012 has either just been released or is to be released shortly (shortly, I think. I don't yet see it in the software list).

Reply by Colin Thompson from TechBrain on Friday, 30 November, 2012 - 11:04

Hi Jayke, If you have not sorted out an answer yet, you might want to educate yourself via http://www.microsoft.com/windows/multipoint/. Multipoint provides some functionality pre configured for simple administration that Remote Desktop Services does not...like the ease of monitoring/assisting users and managing their documents. Most of this stuff is also available via Remote Desktop Services, however. WMS, provides training/teaching specific functionality like the ability to project your screen onto others screens for demonstration and really I suspect that is why it is primarily targeted at education/training scenarios....because that specific functionality is clearly most useful for that purpose....and typically not useful in a normal business environment. RDS, however, is definately more powerful/flexible but more complicated to setup. There is a planning guide for WMS at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=211307. We have had a couple of questions about Windows MultiPoint Server and for the difference in price, which is next to nothing, I think your decision should come down to functionality. Windows MultiPoint Server provides SIMPLE setup and administration of an environment while Remote Desktop Services provides a more COMPLETE solution. Seems to me that if you can handle the technical side, Remote Desktop Services will provide a more flexible solution, but if you are technically challenged you might enjoy the simplicity of a Windows MultiPoint Server solution....subject to technical limitations.