Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Dedicated Server : Windows Server 2003 - What edition to go with?

[Lokei]

Hey Guys,

Just need some advice...

I've been working on a large online browser game for the last year on and off - it's due to open for beta in Oct. This game is coded in PHP/AJAX with MySQL. It's quite heavy on different graphics with characters, items, illustrations etc. It will also have a selection of Flash games to play. Similar gaming sites have more than 1000 users online in peak hours and we estimate that and more within the first 3-5 months of opening.

I want to open my site on a Windows Server as I'm a lot more familiar with Windows (Having an MCP for Windows Server 2003). I am unsure however what edition to go with. At first I thought Windows Server 2003 Web Edition (Being a website!), but this only supports up to 2gb of ram I believe? and may prove to be an issue if we need to upgrade due to the high demand of online users.
I understand I can have more than one server, but would you recommend another edition?

I haven't managed a server solely for the web before so any help is much appreciated

[Softsys Hosting]

Web edition is a lot more restricted. I believe, 64-bit Standard edition should be good for you.

- Rick

[sprintserve]

Web edition supports only 2GB RAM and 2-Way Symmetric Multiprocessing. Thus you would need to first and foremost look at the server you have. For example if you have a Dual Quad Core server, your would need at least the Enterprise versions. I suggest you go through this chart to work out the licensing level you need based on hardware and the features you need: http://technet2.microsoft.com/window....mspx?mfr=true

[Lokei]

Thank you both for your replies.. it's looking more likely that one of the Enterprise versions will be the best bet.

[djorgensen]

Standard Edition.

Enterprise edication is not needed every, unless you have a demand more lots of ram in 32 bit or you want to cluster.

Standard is MORE than enough

[Kody]

I would also recommend you to the 64-bit Standard Edition.

[XFactorServers]

64 Bit is what you will want to go with.

[snelson]

Not sure if this is relevant but if hosting with Microsoft SPLA using Standard or Enterprise editions works out very expensive as the unauthenticated option has been dropped.

[Lokei]

Would any of you recommended a control panel?

[cristibighea]

If you really need one, either Plesk or DotnetPanel.

[Softsys Hosting]

You can consider HELM 3 or DNP on windows box...

- Rick

[Coolraul]

Originally Posted by sprintserve

Web edition supports only 2GB RAM and 2-Way Symmetric Multiprocessing. Thus you would need to first and foremost look at the server you have. For example if you have a Dual Quad Core server, your would need at least the Enterprise versions. I suggest you go through this chart to work out the licensing level you need based on hardware and the features you need: http://technet2.microsoft.com/window....mspx?mfr=true

Actually, a dual quad only requires Web. Each "core" doesn't count as a CPU. A dual quad core is only 2 cpu's.

[djorgensen]

Yes microsoft coutns a socket as a CPU nore a core. So if you got yourself a 4 core chip its still one CPU.

I have a 16 core 4x4 box with Sofylayer running Windows 2003 Standard fine