Need to replace two HP Proliant servers running Windows Server 2000. Will have to run Windows Server 2003 at a minimum, with Rockwell Factory Talk Activation Server and possibly asset management. Running nearly 50 WinXP machines on the factory floor with 40 machines in a somewhat less critical supporting cast. I know Server 2008 is available as well. Any thoughts or experiences? Watchouts or nightmares? Currently replacing the floor PC's with Dell GX360's as downtime will allow.

 

I can't comment on the Rockwell software specifically, but as for MS Windows Server, a lot of people are still installing 2003, as they weren't happy with 2008. However, 2008 is about to be replaced by 2008 R2 (2008 is the server version of MS Windows Vista, while 2008 R2 is the server version of MS Windows 7) and there is now a lot of uncertainty hanging over 2003 (which is the server version of MS Windows XP).

2008 R2 is considered to be a fairly minor upgrade from 2008 (i.e. just like MS Windows 7 is basically Vista with some of the problems alleviated). However, at this point nobody seems to know for sure what that will do to support for MS Windows Server 2003. Most people don't want to upgrade for cost and compatibility reasons. Quite a few also find the new contract conditions to be unpalatable. However, they don't want to run without support either, and for some their contract requires them to upgrade.

There are also network compatibility problems. The MS Windows network protocols have been changed (e.g. SMB2) and the new version is supposed to be backwards compatible. However, some people are seeing problems when they are running a mixture of different Microsoft client and server versions.

If you have an IT department (or an IT supplier you can rely on) then I would suggest that you talk to them to see if they know anything about the support and networking issues.

 

Is the Asset Management software the Rockwell "FactoryTalk AssetCentre" product?

I know that the current version (2.31) of AssetCentre has to run on Windows 2003 Server SR2 with SQL Server 2005.

 

Yes formerly RSMACC, formerly RSGuardian, formerly Control Guardian ....................... I forget the details but if you buy from distributor (versus download and pay licenses) you get a SQL license. I also cannot remember details but I think you can also run on SQL 2000 if you have but verify with this version.

I run one version down from latest as requires moving to Factorytalk SP1 which for us is painful at this time.

Dave Ferguson

 

Thanks for the replies. It looks like we will go to 2003 for the Factory Talk Asset Center server and 2008 for the domain controller. I think we should "get our feet wet" with 2008 since at some point Vista based (Windows 7) platforms will be the norm, although I fully expect XP to be around for quite some time. This whole Factory Talk activation campain is going to be an adventure to say the least.