DFS-R or Distributed File System Replication was shipped with Microsoft Windows Server R2, it offered many benefits over its predecessor File Replication Services or FRS including RDC (Remote Differential Compression) which compresses files and only replicates the changed part of the file. This is particularly useful when replicating large files over the internet, speeding up the transfer times. Bandwidth throttling, allowing faster transfer of files during off peak times when the internet connection is not required for other business activities and built in monitoring for any issues.
For those of you out there, like us, hoping to upgrade to Small Business Server (SBS) R2 and take advantage of the benefits of DFS-R would be disappointed to learn that Microsoft have not included DFSR in Small Business Server R2.
Many Small/Medium Businesses find the SBS a sound investment; feature packed with relatively low-cost licensing. Unfortunately Microsoft build in restrictions to SBS to ensure that larger organisations do not take advantage of the cost savings; the latest release is no exception…. maybe Microsoft consider DFS-R or replication in general a large organisations tool. They may be right, there are many bugbears with replication, such as file conflicts (e.g. two users on different sites writing to the same file at the same time) and missing files (some times DFS-R / FRS will delete a file for no apparent reason).
However for those of you who are using SBS what are your alternatives, the starting point is to think about what you are trying to achieve, maybe replication is not the answer:
>> Backup of data in case of server failure
>> Multi-office access to data
1 – Backup of data in case of Server Failure
Holding data off-site is a good idea; however replication is usually not a fast method of retaining access to your data if your SBS goes down.
Many believe the ideal solution is to have a spare server running that keeps all company data such as databases, exchange mailboxes and all files, if their main server fails this server will immediately take over and employees will keep working. In fact this is not the case apart from very expensive configurations reserved for large companies (with the budget to suit), for example:
Files may be replicated but users need a domain controller to authenticate, a spare server can overcome this, however there are roles that a SBS retains and the spare server can only take (through a lengthy process) these on once the SBS is down (getting them back to the SBS is another problem!). Users will need to be pointed to the new server and any document links may need to be updated, however Exchange Mailboxes cannot be replicated like files, exchange will need to be recovered from a backup to the SBS or the spare server…
However there are two solutions: image based backups and Neverfail.
1.2 Image Based Backups
Server image backup products will get your server up and running on the same or different hardware in minutes, backups can be taken every few minutes with no impact on the network… far more efficient than replication. The most effective software being StorageCraft ShadowProtect… see our shadowprotect software by clicking here.
1.3 Neverfail
Neverfail is an excellent solution where applications such as file servers, SQL Server and exchange can be replicated to a new sever using the 3rd Party Product. If the main server goes down Neverfail will automatically switch users over to the new server, however this product is not compatible with SBS and comes at a price cost, starting at approximately £5,000 for a one CPU file server. If you are interested in Neverfail call us now.
2.1 Multi Site Access - Remote Desktop / Terminal Server or Citrix
Terminal Services (or Remote Desktop) allows a user who is away from the office (or in the office) to securely login remotely and access applications such as Outlook, Access and line of business applications. The files never leave the office they remain on the main site and can be used for many remote users.
Remote Desktop comes as standard with Windows XP Professional and later business operating systems, where a single user can login to their PC remotely. However installing a server with Terminal Services enabled allows many users to login to the same server from anywhere such as home, another office or a hotel PC. Many companies also use this for all users to simplify their IT needs, applications need only be installed on the server thus saving them from upgrading PC’s and installing individual PCs.
Citrix is built on Terminal Services technology and adds easier training, greater accessibility, heightened security, lower bandwidth requirements and greater support for sound based applications such as digital dictation.
Both Terminal Services and Citrix are used by many organisations successfully for remote working and branch office solutions. Only one additional server and provide access for many users and many branch offices. Our consultants can advise and install this solution for you if you wish. See our Citrix Software by clicking here.
2.2 Multi Site Access – Replication via DFS-R
If you must use replication DFS-R can be utilised on a SBS network, however you will need to install a Separate Windows Server R2 to host your files you wish to replicate (instead of the SBS).
This is a good option as it takes some load of your SBS and this can then host the DFS-R replication to your other Windows Server in branch office(s).
However this can be costly as a second server is required in your head office and one server per additional branch office (Terminal Services / Citrix may be a less expensive and simpler option).
2.3 Multi Site Access – Replication via 3rd Party Replication Software
There are many pieces of 3rd Party Replication Software on the market, some are very cheap, however these can be designed for single users replicating files between two PC’s and not for companies wanting to replicate valuable data across networks.
Summary
We understand the needs of different organisations. We provide backup, remote working and branch office solutions to companies across the UK. Sound advice is required to find the correct solution that suits your company, call us now for more information.