Windows Terminal Server hardware recommendations for FACTS 7.x

Legacy Contributor

We're attempting to come up with Windows Terminal Server hardware specifications for a client currently on FACTS 6.07 that is considering upgrading to the latest FACTS version.

The client has about a dozen remote sites, currently using HP thin clients to connect about 50 off-site users. T1 lines are in place in all except one rural location where only DSL is available. They prefer to keep their investment in the thin clients vs. putting PC's in. Total FACTS users is 63.

Does anyone have experience with setting up Windows Terminal Server in a similar situation and could recommend hardware specs?

At the moment we're expecting there to be ONE Windows Terminal Server located at the client's headquarters. If there are significant reasons to have a separate TS at each of the dozen sites, then a list of pros/cons would be welcome. None of the remote locations have an IT person who could handle managing a TS so the client would really prefer it to be at their headquarters.

Thoughts anyone?

Legacy Contributor

You have some homework to do.

Use the links below to further research what you will need for hardware for the Terminal Servers.

For Terminal Servers you will need 2GB + 128M per user. You MAY need 2 Terminal Servers.

PUT FACTS ON A SEPERATE SERVER.

For 1 Terminal Server - 10GB Memory.
For 2 Terminal Servers - 6GB Memory each.

****Again, you will need to do your research****

Remote Desktop Services
technet.microsoft.com/.../ee236407.aspx

Terminal Server Capacity Planning
technet2.microsoft.com/.../cb201937-8f68-4d0f-9521-99e090ddd6b11033.mspx

Terminal Server Doc
download.microsoft.com/.../TermServe-Size.doc

For the FACTS Server use the Hardware Guidelines...

nowait.support.infor.com/.../facts77hwguide.pdf

Bandwidth considerations...

Windows Remote Desktop - 80K /Connection (ideal bandwidth. MAY be able to use less)
WindX/ProvideX - 300-400K /Connection

If you have a large number of users at anyone particular Office you will need to evaluate how much bandwidth they will use.

YOUR MAIN OFFICE WHERE THE SERVERS ARE LOCATED ARE GOING TO NEED A LOT OF BANDWIDTH...

80kbps X 63 users = 5040kbps (4.92MBps)....MUCH more than a T1 !

www.tomshardware.com/.../171995-46-terminal-server-bandwidth-requirements

Also, you will want to seriously consider using VPN connections between each site.