Microsoft Sharepoint Installation Services

Sharepoint Portal Server and Windows Sharepoint Services will install typically in about one day on any Microsoft Windows Servier 2003. Per best practices, it is recommended that the Sharepoint backend database run on a separate SQL server although, in our experience, it is reasonable to run the Sharepoint Portal Server, Sharepoint Services, and Microsoft SQL server all on one server.

Special Considerations

Active Directory

As you plan your installation for Sharepoint Portal Server or Windows Sharepoint services, keep in mind that the framkwork of Sharepoint relies heavily upon Active Directory for everything from single sign on, to personal sites, to document level permissions. Without a proper instance of active directory running within your companies network, your Sharepoint deployment will most likely fail.

Planning for Growth

Remember as you plan your Sharepoint server architechture, you must plan for growth. With just a few well thought out details, you can protect yourself from common issues that arise as your Sharepoint installation expands beyond your original intentions or expectations.

System Requirements

Windows Sharepoint Services
It runs only on Windows 2003 Server (Web, Standard, Enterprise , or Datacenter Edition) and requires IIS 6.x, ASP.NET, and the .NET framework 1.1. Make sure that you also apply the latest Service Pack. WSS can utilize SQL Server 2000 or MSDE 2000 (SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine) as its database engine.

Sharepoint Portal Server
"SharePoint Portal Server" (SPS), builds on top of "Windows SharePoint Services." so all the requirements mentioned above are still valid. When you install SPS, it will automatically install WSS if not present it doesn't already exist. This assures that it is very easy to migrate from WSS to SPS and that any components developed for WSS can be used on SPS.