Network Operating Systems Overview (2009)

The information and opinions expressed on this page are intended to provide a general overview of some of the most common network server operating systems used in a small to mid size business environment. It is by no means a complete list, nor does it cover every aspect of each operating system.

Please note that when migrating or switching to a new network server operating system, all currently used applications run from the server or servers should be tested thoroughly before the operating system is deployed into a production environment.

Windows 2008 Server Standard 32-bit
(Recommended)

Pros: Microsoft’s most current network server operating system. Stable network operating system. Supports up to 4 processors and 4GB of memory. Well organized administrative tools. 32-bit version has better legacy support when compared to the 64-bit version.

Cons: 32-bit version does not run Exchange 2007.

Windows 2008 Server Standar 64-bit
(Recommended)

Pros: Microsoft’s most current network server operating system. Stable network operating system. Supports up to 4 processors and 32 GB of memory. Well organized administrative tools. 64-bit version required to run Exchange 2007.

Cons: 64-bit version does not run many current and legacy database applications. Any applications installed on this server should be throughly tested prior to moving the server in to a production environment.

Windows 2008 Small Business Server Standard 64-bit
(Recommended)

Pros: Microsoft’s most current “Small Business Edition” network server operating system. Cost effective solution for small networks needing to run Exchange Server 2007 as well as File and Print Services.

Cons: Windows Small Business Servers tend to be slightly less stable than Windows Standard Server Editions. Does not include MS SQL Server 2008. This version is limited to 75 user connections. No 32-bit version is available.

Windows 2008 Small Business Server Premium 64-bit
(Recommended)

Cons: Windows Small Business Servers tend to be slightly less stable than Windows Standard Server Editions. This version is limited to 75 user connections. No 32-bit version is available.

Windows 2003 Server Standard
(Recommended)

Pros: Stable network operating system. Supports up to 4 processors. Well organized administrative tools.

Cons: Does not run some legacy database applications well. This is especially true of dbf based database applications, such as those built on platforms like Foxpro, Clipper, and Paradox. Very similar to Windows 2000 server. Exchange Server 2000 is not supported and must be upgraded to Exchange Server 2003.

Windows 2003 Small Business Server Standard
(Recommended)

Pros: Cost effective solution for small networks needing to run Exchange Server 2003 as well as File and Print Services.

Cons: Windows Small Business Servers tend to be less stable than Windows Standard Server Editions. Configuration and administration can be difficult. Tends to require service more frequently when compared to Standard Windows Server Editions. Does not include MS SQL Server or MS ISA Server. Does not run some legacy applications well. This is especially true of dbf based database applications, such as those built on platforms like Foxpro, Clipper, and Paradox. This version is limited to 75 user connections.

Windows 2003 Small Business Server Premium
(Recommended)

Pros: Cost effective solution for small networks needing to run Exchange Server 2003, SQL Server 2000, and ISA Server.

Cons: Windows Small Business Servers tend to be less stable than Windows Standard Server Editions. Configuration and administration can be difficult. Tends to require service more frequently when compared to Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition. Does not run some legacy applications well. This is especially true of dbf based database applications, such as those built on platforms like Foxpro, Clipper, and Paradox. This version is limited to 75 user connections.

Windows 2000 Server
(Not Recommended)

Pros: Stable network operating system. Well organized administrative tools.

Cons: Limited support from Microsoft. Consider testing and moving to Windows 2008 Server.

Windows 2000 Small Business Server
(Not Recommended)

Pros: Cost effective solution for small networks needing to run more than 1 Microsoft Server technology, including technologies such as Exchange Server 2000, SQL Server 2000, and ISA Server.

Cons: Limited support from Microsoft. Consider testing and moving to Windows 2008 Small Business Server.

NetWare 6.5
(Not Recommended)

Pros: Only Netware operating systems still available through normal supply chain.

Cons: General support for this product will end in March 2010. Consider testing and move to a supported OS like Windows 2008 Server.

Linux

Pros: Very stable OS. Many professional, “business quality” free and low cost server packages available. Packages exist to replace most of the functionality of MS Exchange Server, MS SQL Server, MS ISA Server, and MS IIS Server. Linux is a powerful and flexible Internet platform.

Cons: Contrary to popular belief, not all Linux software is free. A single server implementation can cost approximately as much as a Windows Server implementation.

Linux is often more expensive to support when compared to Windows due to a more limited pool of qualified technicians. Linux is not directly compatible with Windows based server software such as IIS Server and MS SQL Server, so 3rd party applications built to run on one of these servers may not run on a Linux Server.

Note: Linux servers have been commonly used by ISPs and Internet companies for several years. Linux Servers are becoming more widely adopted and supported in Windows desktop environments due to support from major server companies such as IBM, SUN, and HP.

Updated: 04/14/2009