What is the easiest and most cost effective way to implement server based computing?

If the current IT environment uses a mixture of windows and Unix/Linux applications in a distributed manner, how can we change to a server based approach?What is the easiest and most cost effective way to implement server based computing?
Changing to a server base will required a centralized administration. i.e centralize servers hosting various applications depending on the numbers of client involve will determine the type of server hardware type.



One of the easiest way in rolling out applications to your client in an effective manner and also to save administrative time is to deploy terminal services. Mostly if your type of application is a per user licensing, it is cheaper to run terminal services so that client computers connect to the server directly to use the application or connect via another dedicated system for that application usage. This will reduce the number of licensing you will need to buy for every client.



In network point of view, you can implement layer 3-4 switches to reduce collision and broadcast domain. and also to reduce the number of switches and to have a robust network ..



Layer 3-4 switches are switch with VLAN capabilties.



RegardsWhat is the easiest and most cost effective way to implement server based computing?
just designate 1 PC (or 2, 1 for windows, 1 for unix)as a server and run your apps from it



but if you want a true client server network you need a server operating system such as windows serverWhat is the easiest and most cost effective way to implement server based computing?
That is a very general question.



What is the reason(s) you are considering going to a server based system?



Are you running a small business with multiple computers and wish to have a common login for each user and a central admin?



Is it for your own person curiosity?



What applications are you going to be running.



Many server based setups use a combination of both systems.



Windows based for the main server and clients and linux/unix based for firewalls and web servers is one of the common combinations.



Linux can be downloaded free (open source) or purchased. You do not have the structured support for linux.



Unix and microsoft windows has to be purchased and offers support.



The initial setup may be cheaper with linux, but if you run into major problems and cannot find an effextive solution ot loose critical data because of lack of support; if may be more costly.



Do more research on all systems.



This one you will have to decide on your own.



Good Luck.