Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 (Workgroup Edition) - Can add to domain?

[ThomasO]

Hi All

I am currently looking at a DL100 G2 for some storage needs.
I noticed in the description that it is running "Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 (Workgroup Edition)".

Can anyone confirm if this server (OS) can be added to a 2003 AD domain as member server or can it only be a stand-alone server?
The words "Workgroup Edition" is a bit confusing.

Thanks.

/Thomas

[Rune J. Winje · Accepted solution]

Yes you can add it to a domain.

Mainly the "Workgroup edition" means that it is missing some features that are found in the Standard edition, just as the Standard edition is missing features found in the Enterprise edition.

The feature ladder is like this
Express (free bunlded OEM hw usually) - Workgroup Ed - Standard - Enterprise

Notable features missing in "Workgroup edition" are:
SIS (single instance storage)
Windows Sharepont Services
Cluster services (only found in Enterprise ed)
SAN and iSCSI storage not allowed
Max 1 cpu (multicore is OK) (Std ed max 4, Ent max 8)
Max 4 disk drives (unlimited in Std and Ent)
Max 2 NIC's (unlimited in Std and Ent)
Max 5 printers (unlimited in Std and Ent)

Express ed has even more features missing and is even more restricted. Fortunately it still allows 1 cpu ;o)

Have a look here:
http://www.networkworld.com/reviews/2006/032006-windows-server-test.html


Cheers,
Rune

[ThomasO]

Thanks a lot Rune

This is exactly the information I was looking for.

/Thomas