Alternative to Essentials (Individual Solves)

Question

Had another post but must be locked as couldn't write there anymore. So I decided I want to either streamline my environment or do what I need to in order to eliminate Essentials 2016 for obvious reasons. Since there doesn't seem to be a single solve, curious about people's thoughts on individual solutions. Note in my house I have about 14 computers, and XBox devices and NVidia Shields, and numerous servers and iPhones and iPads. I also have my own DNS Server and DHCP Servers. Redundant. All thru Microsoft Server with Essentials being the master of course. Plus my own domain. So getting started:

All below are thoughts on replacement of existing functionality:

1. Backup: Veeam Backup & Replication?
2. Remote Web Access: Remote Desktop Gateway?
3. DNS: Not sure what to do here. Assume I need something so my computers can resolve servers by name?
4. DHCP: Assume I need this as some of my devices have static IP's and some don't. But I also have some get specific IP's by Mac Address when they are at home like an iPhone.
5. Domain: Does it make sense to have all my computers on a domain? Was thinking maybe so I can administratively access people's computers at home or simplify ability to connect for backups and the like? Not sure how Veeam connects and stuff yet.

Thinking also whatever I run will probably be on a dedicated virtual server environment that I will probably turn my Essentials server into so can run multiple individual environments on it. Not against alternatives to Windows solutions for these things. As I started thinking thru options was like does DNS and DHCP need to be thru Windows or are there Linux options? But then if I do need to be on a domain for better device access and communication to shares and the like then maybe that's the path to take anyway?

Not sure if I'm missing any other obvious Essentials pieces I use. i used to use the file server piece on it and image libraries but been a while.

And I'd like to limit things to on-premise solutions only NO CLOUD!!!!!

Thoughts?

Thanks.

JR

Answer 1

A simple solution may be to install a Standard server hyper-v role (as only role) on host, then stand up a virtual machine for active directory domain services, and another for the RDS installation. DHCP server in a pinch can be done on router.

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Answer 2

Hello JR,

1. Backup: Veeam Backup & Replication? - You can use Windows Native Backup feature or Veaam for replication functionality
2. Remote Web Access: Remote Desktop Gateway? - You can go with RDS but you have to buy CAL license and SSL if you you want to access it publicly.
3. DNS: Not sure what to do here. Assume I need something so my computers can resolve servers by name? - If you are going to Introduce AD Domain then DNS should be part of this, So you can use it for your local internal client communications and External DNS of Firewall ip of your ISP for Internet.
4. DHCP: Assume I need this as some of my devices have static IP's and some don't. But I also have some get specific IP's by Mac Address when they are at home like an iPhone. - For DHCP you use your Firewall or router as they should have MAC binding functionality.
5. Domain: It will be good if your use AD domain if you wan to use Roles and Features of above points from 2 to 4 , But you may also have to put additional domain controller incase primary goes down.

Also, if you are going to Host more than four VMs then you should also consider buying more licensing as Windows Standard support hosting of four VMs.

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-If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--