SIMS on a Windows 2008 32 bit server or Windows 2008 64 bit server

[S1MSMAN]

A school is recreating their network and reformatting their servers. They are moving onto Windows 2008 and would like to know whether they should move their SIMS to 32 bit or 64 bit server edition. So can any one tell me if they have recently moved SIMS from a 32 bit server to a 64 bit server and if they have seen any performance improvements?

[siuko]

I think your biggest benefit for running 64bit will be the fact that you will be able to go past the 4gb ram limit for a 32bit os.

I beleive sims will run on 64bit - but just check that

[Cmd.exe]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the SIMS spring release brings support for server 2008R2 and R2 is only 64Bit.
That said i haven't done this yet myself, but I will probably be doing this between now and September - which doesn't help you right now!

[dyoung5]

Hi S1msman,

We have SIMS installed on 2008 standard x64 and it works fine. Capita do support this configuration. The one thing to remember is that the Express version of SQL can only support 1GB RAM, so unless you are using SQL standard or higher, it won't really matter. Is is a primary or secondary school, and how many users?

Regards,
David

[skunk]

Make sure you are using 64 bit version of SQL, otherwise it can be a nightmare getting 32 bit sql on 64 bit os to work with sims correctly. I know this from bitter experience.

[Sarconia]

I'd definitely go with a 64bit OS and 64bit SQL for future proofing purposes, although I don't think SIMS works yet if you install a 64bit instance of SQL, so just make sure you install a 32bit instance for the SIMS database and it'll be fine.

[dyoung5]

I'd definitely go with a 64bit OS and 64bit SQL for future proofing purposes, although I don't think SIMS works yet if you install a 64bit instance of SQL, so just make sure you install a 32bit instance for the SIMS database and it'll be fine.

Ours is installed on a 64bit SQL instance and it works fine.

[Sarconia]

Ah, that must have changed since I moved a few of mine over then. I had a few databases which fell head over heels a while ago when I tried to put them on a 64bit instance.

I did have a look on SupportNet but I couldn't find anything which said when the support of 64bit instances started.

[kerlj001]

Ours is installed on a 64bit SQL instance and it works fine.

We have rebuilt our SIMS Server to Windows Server 2008 64bit, this week. It now fully utilises the installed 8gb RAM (instead of 2003's 4gb limit). The other MAJOR ADVANTAGE is 2008' ability to team multiple NICs.

Our SIMS literally flies!

[matt40k]

Don't quote me on this, but I believe the SIMS spring release brings support for server 2008R2 and R2 is only 64Bit.
That said i haven't done this yet myself, but I will probably be doing this between now and September - which doesn't help you right now!

Nope, Capita have no plans (this year) to support Windows Server 2008 R2. I'll introduce my stick to anyone who argues this. Spring release does however support Windows 7. Hurray!! But only 32bit

64bit servers are supported.

[S1MSMAN]

Hi David,

This is a secondary school with about 80 users.

[localzuk]

64bit, definitely. No reason not to!

[vikpaw]

Go 64, it's supported and will future proof you a little, no point holding back.
i'd even test out R2 as it's not often the OS that causes problems with SIMS, so long as you get it installed and working okay.