Will the use of domain controller be beneficial over using workgroup in a IT company of 10-15 people

domain-controllerwindows-server-2008workgroup

We are a company of 10-15 people and are planning to take a server with windows 2008. We would like to know if it is beneficial to use the domain controller instead of configuring a workgroup. What are the pros and cons of each and how easy is it to migrate from workgroup to Domain Control if at a later date we plan to switch between them.

We don't plan for a System admin on board (in the near future) hence our objective is that the login mechanism to be simple to use with lesser troubles.

Best Answer

As far as I understand, domain control would make life easier for at least the following tasks:

  • single login on any machine, if people sometimes use different computers;
  • implementing and changing common policies, security, printer settings, etc. for all/group of computers;
  • the possibility to tie login to any other software that supports AD/LDAP, such as project management tools, some version control software, etc.
  • auditing

Whether it is worth it in a 15 people company, probably depends. Last time I worked in a 10 people company I didn't use it, however, now that I work with 400+ people I find it extremely useful and would quite possibly do it in a 10ppl company, too.

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