A Windows-based network can be configured either as a Domain or a Workgroup. Because of the superior security administration, the domain configuration is recommended.
One of the Windows Servers acts as the Domain Controller. This server, aside from its special administrative purpose, can also be used as any other servers on the network. Note, however, that because of its importance, it should be well protected. If possible, a second server, the Domain Backup Controller, should be designated to take over the security role of the domain controller in case of failure.
Client machines running Windows Client should be set up to logon to the domain.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Printers | Windows can manage one or more printers when the printers are made available to the D3 application. |
| Tapes | Any tape driver on a Windows Server can be used to back up
D3 files using Windows back up utilities, D3-compatible save, or a
D3-specific tool to provide additional functionality. Note: For mission-critical
applications, to backup the entire database, at least one tape drive
on a Windows Server is required.
|
| Domain Controller | A special server on the network, responsible for administering the various servers and clients. This server holds the Windows security database. For security reasons, a backup domain controller should also be created on the network. See Microsoft Windows documentation for more information. |
| Network Controller | The network controller, or MDS Server, is a dedicated server
that holds the MDS table. Any server can be designated as a network
controller, but, for security reasons, this should be the Domain Controller. The network controller is identified by the presence of the value MdsServerName in the Server configuration. This server is also known as the MDS Server. |