23Nov/091
Server 2008 R2 Considerations:
As Aaron posted over at BinaryWar.com, Windows Server 2008 R2 is the first release of Windows to be 64bit only. We knew it was coming, with SQL and Exchange having already made the jump. With the majority of us still supporting mostly 32bit clients, there are some special considerations to keep in mind when you are planning a deployment of a 64 bit server for general small office use (as opposed to a higer performance or higher demand machine, traditionally the targets of 64 bit architecture).:
- Applications compatibility - Will your companies applications run ( in a supported fashion) on a 64 bit server? Any modern application should at least have a forthcoming update to support 64bit, but there are plenty of non-modern applications out there that are lagging behind. In the event that it is not supported, your best option may be to either host a VM on your new 64 bit server, or run both of them on a hypervisor. CallĀ your vendor and get their support statement in writing. You do not want to get halfway through a migration and find out that you will have to run beta code to make it work, sort of, in the meantime.
- Backups - Most newer versions of BackupExec support 64 bit, so you should be fine there, if that is what you are running. Obviously if you are using the built in backup, it would be supported as well. Make sure that whatever device (especially tape drives) you are using to back up to is supported.
- Printers - Ah yes, the lowly print server. Plenty of printers have either crap 64bit drivers or nothing at all. Either plan on replacing those printers or using plan b from item 1 above.
- Antivirus - Don't forget this. You need it and the chances that your existing install package will work on 64bit are basically zero
November 24th, 2009 - 01:05
Thanks for this list. I think most people (read: me) consider the application compatibility when replacing a server (most of the time) but often overlook the other things which need to be in place to support x64, or even just Server 2008.