Before I get rid of my servers, I need to make sure I know exactly what they are doing now, whether I still need those functions going forward, and how I’m going to replace the needed functionality.
Easy stuff first …
- The Kaseya server does only one thing: it runs the software I use to manage my clients’ systems. Putting this in the cloud will be the hardest part of all, so I’m going to leave it until Phase Two of the project.
- The backup and disaster recovery server also does only one thing: it backs up my Small Business Server, stores a copy of all the data, and sends a copy to a data center in the cloud. Once I’ve put my SBS to bed, I’ll no longer need the backup server.
Now the harder part. I need to make a list of all the things that the SBS does. I compiled the list by examining what software was installed on the server (through Add/Remove Programs) and by reviewing the list of services that were running.
- Active Directory controller – no longer needed; will convert from domain to workgroup
- Note that being a one-person business makes the question of managing user rights much easier!
- Exchange server – will switch to hosted e-mail
- Must remember to identify all e-mail addresses and aliases currently in use
- Need to make sure I have a good method for accessing mail on Windows Mobile 6.1 device
- File server
- Working files: the data I use on a regular basis – will need to find a way to keep these synchronized between my desktop and tablet; also need them backed up off-site
- Archive files: data I haven’t used in a long time – can store these on an external USB drive; don’t need to be synched but do need to be backed up off-site after a purge
- Reference library: things I’ve downloaded from the Internet – can store these on an external USB drive; don’t need them backed up off-site
- Application and web server
- Antivirus – will switch to cloud-managed desktop antivirus
- UPS – no longer needed
- DHCP server – will move to firewall
- DNS server – will move to DNS provided by ISP or OpenDNS
- SQL server
- SBS monitoring – no longer needed
- SharePoint v. 2 – no longer needed
- SharePoint v. 3 – no longer needed (but could be moved to hosted SharePoint)
- Microsoft Outlook with Business Contact Manager – never used, not needed
I will also note a few things that SBS servers often do, but that mine doesn’t:
- Print server – I already have only a local printer that can be shared on the network
- Remote access server – I have little need for remote access to my desktop, and I already have special remote control software anyway
Next step: plan the sequence of migration events to prevent any disruption in services.
