Just as a bit of info; we just migrated from 7 dedicated servers to a rack system with 7 dedicated servers. Each server is a Dual Xeon running Windows 2003 Server.

We wanted a load balanced solution, but could not afford to buy the hardware version. So I did some research, and was determined to use Windows Network Load Balancer.

To architect our web farm; I decided to dedicate one server as our NLB cluster manager; as well as a db server. The other 6 servers will be host servers, running IIS, and Plesk. We are only using web traffic (SSL and non-SSL) and our email is running through another server entirely. Each server has two NIC's, one PNET and one WAN.

Through PLESK I setup the domain names on each host web server identically; as if it was hosted directly on that server. Then I had to manually go into IIS Admin to add the NLB cluster IP, pointing to the domain name of the site. Each host had its own live domain name (sub-domain actually). So I could go to each server directly, or to the cluster - depending on my needs.

To synchronize files across all the host servers, I used a software package called ViceVersa Pro 2.0 which is an awesome synchronization package for only $60. (http://www.tgrmn.com/)

Bottom line, its working wonderfully! I could not be happier.

Nice, I'm curious as to why you chose Plesk as opposed to say Helm? Was there a reason? On the DB server, are you running MSSql or just MySQL?

Hello,

I have a stupied question: how get a server with Windows 2003 Server with Ev1Servers, the server already come with all security configuration or I need to configure it? :confused:

I never setup a Windows server, I only work with Linux servers.

Regards,
Minotauro

To be honest with you, there was no real reason... other than I'm familiar with its interface, and how it works. I would have went w/out a control panel, but it came free with the rack so I figured what the heck... DB side, I'm running primarily mySql.

EV1 has servers running Windows 2003 Server that you can get.. just ask.

Just make sure you ask for the version you want. I believe Ev1Servers will install Windows 2003 Web Edition, Standard Edition, and even Enterprise Edition. For details on the differences see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003...refeatures.mspx

if you have a private rack with many servers it is really best to get the serveriron load balancer that Ev1 provides. We use them all the time for mass deployments and they have been proven to be very good on performance, they can push up a little past 800mbit. Im not really too sure on windows load balancers, but for the cost the foundry SLB which ev1 offers is a very good solution and isnt too bad on pricing, only a couple hundred more a month then you would be paying for the server your gonna use to do the load balancing. It will probably perform much better as well.

Hello,

Anybody know one company that work with server management of Windows 2003 Server with Plesk? I´m searching the initial configuration of security for this type of server.

Regards,
Minotauro.

Yes, we do also have the ServerIron Load balancer, but we have it running on our Linux server side of our racks. Since I last posed, we added 20 Linux dual-xeon servers to our mix, with the hardware load balancer.

The reason we didn't go that route with the windows servers is due to costs. It was not justified for that purpose, and I'm very happy with how windows is handling the load balancing currently. We are still using that on the Windows servers...

-Joe
CTO
http://www.adultadworld.com (not safe for work)

I'm not quite sure I understand your question. There are many Microsoft Partner companies out there that will be able to help out with the configuration/setup of windows servers. About PLESK? Do not know specifically.... You may want to hit the PLESK website (http://www.swsoft.com/plesk/)

Joe
CTO
http://www.adultadworld.com (Not safe for work)

Hello,

Plesk control panel is much user friendly than anyother other control panels that are available on the windows platform.

The choice of the control panel should be such that it is easier for you to manage and also your clients should be able to operate the control panel easily.

Thank you.

Regards,