Looking for some guidance on the replacement of our SBS 2003 server. I'm working with a local partner to replace the server and are currently looking at 2 options. The first option is to install a new domain server on Windows 2012 and use a hosted Exchange service for email. The downside if if we lose Internet connectivity then we lose inter-office email until the service is restored. Our service is very consistent (knock wood) but it's still a concern. This option would also utilize Cisco Anyconnect for remote access. The other option is to install new domain on Windows 2012 server and Exchange Server in VM on 1 physical server. Again using Anyconnect for remote. The downside, I'll need to manage the Exchange server onsite. Would prefer to avoid this as my position has taken on additional responsibilities that limit my full time I.T. involvement.
I brought up the option to use Windows 2012 Essentials and perform an in-place license transition to exceed 25 user limit (we have 30). The downside here is licensing costs. The upside is users continue to use the familiar RWW for remote access. Would still need to decide on hosted vs local Exchange though. If the Anyconnect works just as well I'm not sure there's a benefit here.
Any thoughts on the best options are appreciated. I know there are other email solutions out there as well that may be a consideration, but it seems to me that moving to the cloud is unfortunately a necessary evil these days albeit at a cost.
Thanks,
Bill V
Thanks, Bill V