Windows Server Platforms: Deciding Factors in Migration Options
There are a number of known deciding factors which may lead the DLC to determine which Windows Server Option to exercise. If one of these known factors is present or true in your environment, you may need to consider deploying an independent Windows Domain (or a Windows workgroup, if it is a very small deployment).
- Domain features
- Need to run a local domain controller.
- Need to deploy additional domains or sub-domains for any purpose.
- Need to establish Kerberos or Windows domain trust relationships to other Windows domains or entities.
- Need to manage users in addition to machines using Windows organizational units and Active Directory.
- Need to run a Windows operating system other than a supported one within the domain.
Note: IS&T has discontinued support for the Windows NT platform and Microsoft is rapidly doing so, hence you are urged to upgrade any and all legacy Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows NT versions.
- Software compatibility
- Need to make extensive Active Directory schema changes to accommodate applications or services; such applications and services, including Microsoft Exchange 5.5, etc.
- Policies
- Need to create, manage, and delete user accounts very frequently and routinely in an instantaneous fashion.
There are also certain other factors, while not strictly impossible to implement in the win.mit.edu domain, may be categorized as difficult, demanding, or involved and you may want to consider deploying an independent Windows Active Directory domain or Windows workgroup (if appropriate):
- Need to run third-party mission-critical software or line-of-business applications relying on vendor support, especially if support from said vendor dictates a stand-alone or "plain vanilla" Windows 2000 Active Directory domain.
