Windows Server 2016

Migrating DHCP from SBS to Windows Server 2016

If you have a small network without much complexity (e.g. single subnet, a firewall, a few devices), you might consider having DHCP handled by the firewall rather than your new Windows Server--in that case, see Option 1 below. Otherwise, if would rather continue managing DHCP from Windows Server, then you can just follow the steps...
Read more...

Active Directory Migration from SBS 2008 or 2011 to Windows Server 2016

There are three basic options for migrating Active Directory from Small Business Server--(1) you can move into Windows Server Essentials or (2) Windows Server Standard. Furthermore, (3) you can move to Windows Server Standard, and enable the Essentials Experience role afterward, which is what I typically recommend if you are interested...
Read more...

Checklist: Preparing for the Migration from SBS to Office 365 & Windows Server 2016

Before you begin your migration from SBS 2008/2011 to Office 365 and Windows Server 2012 R2 or 2016, it pays to set aside 2-3 hours to review the existing environment, look for pitfalls, and set out your plan of attack. This is a checklist that helps me do just that.

1....

Read more...

Hybrid Network Architecture Options & Pre-Reqs for SBS Migration to Office 365 & Windows Server 2016

In this post I will lay out some of the options to consider when replacing the late Small Business Server (SBS) product with a hybrid architecture. Along with the huge success of Office 365, many small businesses are realizing the benefits of a hybrid deployment model, where some infrastructure is kept on-premises, and other...
Read more...

How-to Manage Server Folders & Security in Windows Server 2016 Essentials

After setting up your domain and adding or importing users from an existing domain, then one of the very next things you're likely to do as an administrator of Windows Server Essentials 2016 is to setup your shared folders and permissions. Prior to this step, I also recommend enabling the integration to
Read more...

Automate the deployment of guest virtual machines with PowerShell

Small businesses often bemoan the cost and complexity of implementing System Center. But who needs System Center when you've already got PowerShell?! In the previous post, I shared a series of snippets / scripts that I use to quickly configure a standalone Hyper-V host, including host name & timezone,...
Read more...

Automate the deployment of a standalone Hyper-V host server using PowerShell

In this article, I wanted to document a standard, standalone Hyper-V server deployment for a small business using nothing but PowerShell. The best practices for Hyper-V state that the role should be enabled on a server without the GUI (e.g. Core or Nano--although I rarely see this done in a small business setting). Best...
Read more...

Migration path from SBS to Office 365 & Windows Server 2016

So many small businesses adopted Microsoft's Windows Small Business Server (SBS) product--now that the product has been discontinued, these organizations tend to need a little more guidance regarding the migration path forward from SBS 2003, 2008 or 2011.

Do I still need an On-premises Windows Server?

With the option to move most SBS Server functions...
Read more...

Key Differences between Essentials Dashboard Azure AD Integration and Azure AD Connect

Windows Server Essentials Dashboard allows you to connect your on-premises domain to Azure Active Directory and Office 365.  Arguably the best feature of this mechanism is similar to the primary benefit provided by Azure AD Connect or DirSync--the ability to sync local passwords into the Microsoft Cloud.* But we need to...
Read more...

Helping IT Consultants Succeed in the Microsoft Cloud

Have a Question? Contact me today.