Determining a Lab Strategy

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

Depending on your circumstances and environment, you might decide to test applications in the same lab that you use to test your Windows Server 2003 family deployment. However, if you have the budget and the space, it might be more efficient to have a separate lab for testing applications. For example, if you have many applications, a lab that can be used full-time only for testing applications can make it easier for you to meet your schedule.

The lab that you use for testing applications can be centralized or distributed. If your application owners and testers are widely dispersed, a distributed lab can make resources more readily available during testing and also can help end users become involved in testing. Because distributed labs can require a greater investment in equipment and can be more complex to manage, you might combine both approaches. For example, you might use a large, centralized lab to test critical line-of-business applications that require specialized servers and configurations, and use smaller, distributed labs to test more independent workstation applications. A distributed lab in this case might be as simple as a workstation on a tester’s desk.

When deciding your lab strategy, consider the following factors:

  • The number and complexity of applications to be tested

  • The location of application testers

  • The location of application owners

  • Budget and space constraints

  • Hardware constraints

  • Transportation time and costs

For more information about centralized and distributed testing facilities, see "Designing a Test Environment" in this book.