For those of you out there hoping to upgrade to Small Business Server (SBS) R2 and take advantage of the benefits that Distributed File System Replication (DFS-R) offer over its predecessor File Replication Service (FRS or NTFRS), would have been disappointed when Microsoft announced it would not be including the updated component in the Small Business Server R2.

Many Small/Medium Businesses find the SBS a sound investment; feature packed with low-cost licensing (compared to purchasing the components separately). Unfortunately there are various restrictions built in to the product to ensure that larger organisations do not take advantage of the cost savings; the latest release is no exception.

FRS is used by many companies to replicate their data to branch offices. Each office can have access to the same documents and any updates can automatically be updated on the remote sites. However many argue that this tool is a large company’s tool as it often requires regular monitoring by trained staff resolve any issues that occur.

DFS-R was shipped with Microsoft Windows Server R2, it offered many benefits over FRS including RDC (Remote Differential Compression) which compresses files and only replicates the changed part of the file. This is particularly useful when replicating large files over the internet, speeding up the transfer times. Bandwidth throttling, allowing faster transfer of files during off peak times when the internet connection is not required for other business activities and built in monitoring for any issues.

This is all good and well but for those of you who are using SBS what are your alternatives to the older FRS:

Install a Separate Windows Server R2 to host your data (instead of the SBS)
This is a good option it takes some load of your SBS and this can then host the DFS-R replication to your other office(s) Windows Server.

Don’t Replicate use Remote Desktop / Terminal Server
Which every flavour you use Microsoft Remote Desktop or Citrix, this option is becoming more and more popular. You could save yourself having the cost of servers in your remote offices and use older computers as workstations without sacrificing computer speed.

Use a third party replication software
There are products on the market that offer DFS-R features and can be installed on the Small Business Server. We can advise and provide the correct product for you.

Finn Consultants understand the needs of different organisations. We provide remote working solutions for branch offices, home workers and mobile/travelling employees. Sound advice is required to find the correct solution that suits your company and its practices, call us now.