Question : Office Communication Server 2007 R2 Planning

Hi,

I have already seen a few threads about this but was hoping someone could give me some advice specific to my scenario. As part of the MAPS program, we have the option to deploy OCS which, as we have some homeworkers, is something we would like to do.

However, having gone through the OCS planning tool, I'm a little unclear on hardware requirements. Looking at what it's come out with, I would need a server at each home user's site, is that correct? If so, that immediately rules out the solution however I don't think this is actually the case.

In terms of our current setup, we have:

 - SBS 2008 DC, also running Exchange Server 2007
 - Server 2003 R2 as a Terminal Server
 - Server 2003 as a dedicated SQL server

Can anyone explain in simple terms how OCS would fit in to that infrastructure? I presume another server would be required at our main site, yes?

Thanks in advance,

Zak

Answer : Office Communication Server 2007 R2 Planning

You can get away with 1 server then. Your dedicated SQL server *might* be a candidate, but OCS 2007 R2 is 64-bit only, and I see that your SQL server is running 2003 (no mention of architecture) so that may not be an option.

If you don't mind forcing home users to connect via VPN before firing up communicator then you can get by without an edge server as well. However an edge server does make things easier so if you can swing it, I'd still recommend it.