Guide to Buying a Server

Admin Domain Server

An Admin Domain Server provides the primary domain controller and other core services for an admin-only network of computers and staff. It may host the installation of SIMS, and will be critical for the functionality of the admin ICT systems. The Admin domain will be separate from the curriculum domain, curriculum computes, and curriculum ICT resources.

How many desktop computers are on the domain?

The number of computers using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many laptops are on the domain?

The number of laptops using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many staff use the laptops and desktop computers on the domain?

A Microsoft Client Access License corresponding to the version of the Windows Server operating system installed on the server is required for each member of staff using the resources provided by the server.

Will SIMS be installed on the server?

SIMS utilises a database provided by an installation of Microsoft SQL (2012 or newer) installed on the server. A Microsoft SQL Server (2012 or newer) license is required to provide SIMS from the server.

How many staff use SIMS?

A Microsoft SQL Client Access License corresponding to the version of Microsoft SQL Server used by SIMS installed on the server may be required for each member of staff using SIMS.

Are SIMS services available externally to parents?

Microsoft SQL Server Core licensing is required to license the Microsoft SQL Server used by SIMS where services are provided externally to parents.

Curriculum Domain Server

A Curriculum Domain Server provides the primary domain controller and other core services for a curriculum-only network of curriculum computers and curriculum users. It will be critical for the functionality of the curriculum ICT systems. The curriculum domain will be separate from the admin domain, admin computes, and admin ICT resources.

How many desktop computers are on the domain?

The number of computers using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many laptops are on the domain?

The number of laptops using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many staff use the laptops and desktop computers on the domain?

A Microsoft Client Access License corresponding to the version of the Windows Server operating system installed on the server is required for each member of staff using the resources provided by the server.

How many pupils use the laptops and desktop computers on the domain?

An education Microsoft Client Access License corresponding to the version of the Windows Server operating system installed on the server is required for each member of pupil using the resources provided by the server.

Joint Domain Server

A Joint Domain Server provides the primary domain controller and other core services for admin and curriculum computers and users, using a specially configured, single network. It may host the installation of SIMS, and will be critical for the functionality of all ICT systems. The joint domain will be configured to secure and share ICT resources across computers and users as appropriate.

How many admin desktop computers are on the domain?

The number of computers using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many admin laptops are on the domain?

The number of laptops using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many curriculum desktop computers are on the domain?

The number of computers using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many curriculum laptops are on the domain?

The number of laptops using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many staff use the laptops and desktop computers on the domain?

A Microsoft Client Access License corresponding to the version of the Windows Server operating system installed on the server is required for each member of staff using the resources provided by the server.

How many pupils use the laptops and desktop computers on the domain?

An education Microsoft Client Access License corresponding to the version of the Windows Server operating system installed on the server is required for each member of pupil using the resources provided by the server.

Will SIMS be installed on the server?

SIMS utilises a database provided by an installation of Microsoft SQL (2012 or newer) installed on the server. A Microsoft SQL Server (2012 or newer) license is required to provide SIMS from the server.

How many staff use SIMS?

A Microsoft SQL Client Access License corresponding to the version of Microsoft SQL Server used by SIMS installed on the server may be required for each member of staff using SIMS.

Are SIMS services available externally to parents?

Microsoft SQL Server Core licensing is required to license the Microsoft SQL Server used by SIMS where services are provided external to parents.

Peer 2 Peer Server

A Peer 2 Peer Server provides a platform to host SIMS and share information between a very small number (less than 5) of admin computers only.

How many desktop computers are on the Peer 2 Peer network?

The number of computers using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many laptops are on the Peer 2 Peer network?

The number of laptops using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

How many staff use the laptops and desktop computers on the Peer 2 Peer network?

The number of staff using the resources provided by the server can determine the server's hardware specifications.

Will SIMS be installed on the Peer 2 Peer server?

SIMS installed on a Peer 2 Peer server utilises a database provided by an installation of Microsoft SQL Epress (2012 or newer). There is no charge for the Microsoft SQL Server Express (2012 or newer) license required to provide SIMS from the server.

Other Server Types

Other servers may be utilised in certain circumstances for other purposes other than those listed above.

Please contact Lancashire County Council Education Digital Services to discuss your other server type requirements.

RBUSS Backup

All Servers require a reliable and functioning off-site backup method. All servers may be supplied with Lancashire County Council Education Digital Services' Remote Backup service (RBUSS). In order to back up the core configuration of your server and critical SIMS data, at least a 25GB allocation is recommended. Additional RBUSS space can be purchased as required.

Please contact Lancashire County Council Education Digital Services to discuss your RBUSS Backup requirements.

UPS

An Uninterruptable Power Supply ensures a reliable feed of power into your server, mitigating against power spikes, lightning strikes and power cuts. All servers should be protected with a UPS, particularly if there are any power issues at your site.

Please contact Lancashire County Council Education Digital Services to discuss your server UPS requirements.