I am involved in a large order involving multiple vendors, the new software the customer is using requires SQL server.
Since the who network is 7 machines, I was figuring this should fill the bill since the software people requested SQL standard.
My question may be a simple one or may be a nightmare…
Does this software have to be part of a domain with active directory? It lists the ability to run under XP or vista, leading me to believe it may exist outside of a domain
Well, I’m not a SQL Server maven by any stretch of the imagination, but I do know you do not need a domain or Active Directory in order to run it.
By the way, Microsoft has 180-day trial versions of SQL Server you can download for free if you just want to test out the configuration without committing, and they also have completely free “express” versions which will work if your project is small.
I wish … the software people are insisting that the express version as well as the SQL component to SBS2k3 are inadequate. I don’t know why and they dont want to elaborate. I am not a heavy database guy, so I don’t have much ammo here.
I am also unfortunately laying the foundation for the software guys to mount their stuff into. I will have no way to test this mess without their help.
Basically the primary purpose of the machine is acting as a contact point to remote windows mobile data terminals for delivery drivers to post completed deliveries/orders and manage inventory on the fly.
Yes, the version you link to requires it to run in an AD domain. The Vista/XP/Server versions refer to the OS the machine you install SQL on, not whether those machines are members of an AD Domain or workgroup. For this version of SQL, the machine in question will need to be a member of a domain. This mainly has to do with how SQL will handle authentication.
This version of SQL does not require AD:
http://www.viosoftware.com/SQL+Server+2008/SQL+Server+2008+Workgroup+Edition+with+5+CALs.html
Side note: You said seven machines. You may need 10 CALS, not 5. SQL licenses via one of two methods: CALS (which is the number of clients that can connect to the server) or Processors (Number of processors on the machine on which SQL runs)
You probably want to go back to the software folks and validate the existence/non-existence AD as well as the number of CALs they will need.
ok software guy got back to me about specific functionality maybe one of you guys could help me
[from email]
From sql server we need replication components. most specifically replication from sql server to sql server compact edition.
(i assume the compact replication is for the PDA interface)
Web synchronization
Reports server
Sql server management studio
sql server agent
Ability to setup replication and distribution databases.
I believe that sql standard has all of this.
[/ from email]
I looked through this and found that the workgroup edition has reports server, SQL management studio, and SQL server agent. I do not see any mention of web synchronization and I do not understand “replication and distribution databases” and do not see any mention of those terms on the MS features page.
Any help?
I’m not a guru, but here are a couple of things to look at:
It will be merge replication which is only in Standard and Enterprise versions. You’re going to need a server box running a server OS. I suggest SBS2K8 and SQL Server Standard for Small Business. It will also be running an IIS web site. I believe you’ll need SBS and SQL CALs for the mobile devices as well.
This is kind of a big deal to set up if you haven’t done it before. I’d consider looking for a consultant if the vendor isn’t going to set up the environment.
You should price out SBS Premium as well. If everyone needs a SQL CAL it may be the cheaper way to go.
I would suggest that for your requirements, this is the most suitable edition: http://www.viosoftware.com/SQL+Server+2008/SQL+Server+2008+Standard+with+10+CALs.html. It has 10 CALs to allow for a bit of future growth, and does not have to be installed on a server OS, although that is highly recommended. It also includes Reporting Services and replication/sync, and can be installed on a standalone machine that’s not part of a domain, although again this is highly recommended.
Microsoft recommends that you get a processor license when the number of people or devices connecting is unknown and likely to be large (for example, a website). In your case, since you have a fixed number of users (you can also buy Standard Edition with 5 CALs and then add two more) this is likely to be a more cost-effective licensing model.
Basic server install I can handle, my main issue was the software vendor seemed
very vague initially about their needs and the older version of their software is merrilly humming along on an xp home box right now that is also someones workstation. The software vendor will be managing the software side I just need to put the box together, and get it networked and on the internet, ports forwarded, etc.
When the customer asked for an estimate for a new machine to get the system onto a standalone box i whipped out an estimate for a basic raided vista biz box and needed installations. Now I am suddenly looking at jumping a $1200 order to more like a $6K-$8K order with a justifiable need for a server class machine and all the price jumps that come with it as well as a long weekend getting setup.
The majority of the cost is going to be the software, any modern hardware will be able to handle it. You must run a server OS. The hardware issues will be redundancy and backup.
How many handhelds will there be?
Ah, I think I have the situation worked out. You’re building the hardware for the customer and installing the OS, and that’s the end of your responsibility right? So you don’t have to install SQL or worry about CALs then?
If that’s the case I’d find out if they can use the additional features of SBS for the small incremental cost. Set them up with the base 5 server CALs and let the software company worry about the rest. Does the client have someone to maintain the server (backups, updates, etc.) or will the vendor do that?
Don’t forget a good UPS.
ok one other thing…it looks like the SBS premium bundles the SQL standard for small business. If that is the case this is exactly the type of thing I am looking for.
Can anyone confirm or deny this?
It does, but the usage and cost need to calculated before you buy. Premium comes with 5 Premium CALS, which are required to access both SBS and SQL. If a desktop doesn’t need to use SQL, you only need a Standard SBS CAL for it.
An SBS Premium CAL costs more than an SBS Standard CAL, and each costs more than 2008 Server Standard + 2008 SQL Standard CALs. You’d need to buy SBS Premium CALS for each handheld. If there are 7 desktops and 50 handhelds it could be much more expensive with SBS Premium than with separates. If there are 7 desktops and 7 handhelds it might be worth paying a little more to get the SBS features. SBS also allows a maximum of 75 clients.
The best way to go depends on the cost of the client mix and the needed features.
Actually it breaks down to 5 desktops and 9 handheld remote devices, however the remotes are not live on the system, they synch to the server on demand then disconnect. I am going to get a few more cals probably like 5 that way even if everyone is online 5 handhelds can synch at once.
Part of the issue with the older system was only one person could synch at a time and the 9 drivers would spend an hour or more trying to post their deliveries because they were all fighting over 1 connection.
The CALs are per user or per device, not the number of simultaneous connections.