I have several branch offices some of which have their own DC and some do not. However, they are all connected to the main office by a site to site VPN. Not sure how or if this would work with each workstation using a VPN client. In the offices that do not have their own DC, authentication is over the VPN to the main office.
We also have an Exchange server at the main office, and the branch office users have Outlook set up to use Exchange over the VPN the same as if they were physically in the same building. This has worked out well - unless they lose Internet access or the VPN goes down. But if you are going to have a file server there anyway, I would recommend making it a DC so that authentication is local. I am planning to add DCs to my current serverless sites when we can afford it. Sometimes implementing group policies, running logon scripts, deploying software through active directory can be slow and difficult when there is no local DC. ________________________________ From: David Baca [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 1:50 PM To: MS-Exchange Admin Issues Subject: Remote office / DC needed? Hello All, I am looking at opening up a remote office and wanted to get your opinion/experience on whether or not a DC is needed in the office. It's a small office of 3 users who have been using a vpn client up to this point which has been working fine so far. Would it be advantageous to put a dc at the remote site? I want to sent them up with file and print services as well. I am just wondering if it would be better to set up a dc on that end now that they have a permanent location. we are also using exchange but it is currently located at the central office only. Regards, David Confidentiality Notice: ---------------------------------- This communication, including any attachments, may contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. Any review, dissemination, or copying of this communication by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email, delete and destroy all copies of the original message. ~ Ninja Email Security with Cloudmark Spam Engine Gets Image Spam ~ ~ http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Ninja ~
