Determining the File Server Hardware Life Cycle

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

The hardware life cycle is the amount of time that hardware is used before it is replaced with new hardware. Typical hardware life cycles are 12, 24, or 36 months. If your organization frequently adds new file servers to increase capacity or add new functionality, consider using a relatively short replacement cycle for file servers. This recommendation is based on the high rate of change in computers, disk subsystems, and other components. Maintaining a shorter cycle prevents the problem of servers that were purchased at the beginning of the cycle becoming obsolete before the end of the cycle. However, a shorter life cycle affects the manageability of file servers, because you must replace hardware, install the operating system and applications, and migrate data more frequently.

To transparently migrate files from decommissioned servers to new servers without affecting users, implement one or more DFS namespaces. For more information about DFS, see "Designing DFS Namespaces" earlier in this chapter.

For more information about deploying new servers and migrating data, see "Deploying File Servers" later in this chapter.