Hey everyone! I'm part of a small architecture firm with five people, and we're looking to replace our old Windows Server 2016 setup due to performance issues—some of our hard drives are from 2008! The original system was set up in 2011 and runs an active directory that mainly manages group profiles for our five client PCs and serves as a network drive.
I'm considering switching to a Synology NAS, specifically the RS822RP+, with SSDs for improved performance and ease of access, especially with features like remote drive access and backup capabilities. However, I'm unsure how to handle the active directory profiles on our local PCs. I've heard about using profwiz to convert them into local profiles, but I'm concerned it might cause issues.
Can anyone advise on how to manage this transition effectively? Also, I'd be open to recommendations for any Windows-based NAS or servers that might fit our needs. Thanks a lot!
5 Answers
Have you explored any automation tools for migrating the profiles? There's an open-source tool called [Terminator](https://github.com/mediar-ai/terminator) that can automate workflows across Windows Server and Synology interfaces, which might really simplify the job of transferring user data and settings without having to do it manually on each PC.
How much data are we talking about here? Dropping AD isn't a deal-breaker at your scale, but don't leave a void; consider using Entra for identity management. For file services, Azure Files can be pricey, but could work if you don’t have much data to handle. Just make sure you evaluate your options carefully!
Honestly, if I were you, I'd consider keeping your server and just upgrading to Server 2019 or 2022. Since your Active Directory setup is already functioning, you could create LUNs on the NAS and connect it via iSCSI, treating it like a local drive. This way, you can gradually shift file storage to the NAS while retaining your current setup as is. Testing both methods could help you find what works best without wasting money; a good NAS can serve as either a backup or lighten the server's load.
The Synology NAS does have a package for Directory Service based on Samba, but migrating your Active Directory is a big step that might require some hands-on help. A solid option would be to upgrade your domain controller to Server 2022 and connect the Synology as a file server to your existing AD. Just make sure to follow the best practices for backup and disaster recovery—it’s crucial!
I recommend going with Entra fully; setting up OneDrive and SharePoint on your client machines could ease the transition. Then link those to the Synology for main file access, and don’t forget to look into a cloud-based backup solution as well. It’ll help with redundancy and peace of mind down the line!
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