WAL Deployment Playbook
Sage 50 Multi-User Deployment Playbook
Target: Windows Server 2019 Standard VM on Proxmox VE
Users: Up to 5 concurrent Sage 50 users + admin access
Support: Fully Microsoft-supported + legally licensed
1. Hardware Setup
Core Components
| Component | Spec / Recommendation |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5/7 or Intel i5/i7 (6–8 cores) |
| RAM | 32 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1 TB NVMe SSD (for VM) |
| Host Boot Disk | 128 GB SATA SSD (for Proxmox OS) |
| Network | Intel Gigabit Ethernet NIC |
| Case/Power | Quiet Mini PC or micro-ATX case + 80+ Bronze PSU |
| UPS | APC Back-UPS 700VA or similar |
| Backup Drive | 1 TB external USB SSD for VM backups |
Optional
| Accessory | Benefit |
|---|---|
| ZFS Filesystem | Built-in redundancy and snapshotting |
| Quiet Cooling | Ideal for shared or office environments |
Cost around £500 or so
2. Hypervisor: Proxmox VE
- Install latest Proxmox VE on boot SSD
- Create a VM:
- 16–24 GB RAM
- 4+ vCPUs
- 150–250 GB NVMe virtual disk
- Enable UEFI and QEMU guest agent
- Enable snapshot & backup options
3. Windows Server 2019 VM Setup
Licensing
| Licence | Vendor | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server 2019 Std | Currys Business | £425.53 | 16-core OEM |
| 5 User CALs | Ebuyer | £139.99 | For shared file/app access |
| 5 RDS User CALs | Trusted Tech Team UK | £510.99 | For concurrent RDP sessions |
**Cost around £1,000 or so
**Total costs around £1,500 and under £2,000
Installation Steps
- Install Windows Server 2019
- Join workgroup or domain if applicable
- Activate all licences
- Configure static IP and hostname
- Install Sage 50 software centrally
4. User Access Configuration
RDS Setup
- Install Remote Desktop Services role
- Configure 5 RDS User CALs
- Create 5 user accounts with strong passwords
- Use Group Policy to lock down environment if needed
Admin Access
- Use
mstsc /adminfor console session (Session ID 0) - Alternatively use Proxmox web console for out-of-band access
5. Backup & Restore
- Set up scheduled Proxmox VM backups (ZFS or directory)
- Export regular Sage backups to external USB SSD
- Test snapshot and restore procedures monthly
6. Maintenance & Best Practices
- Use Windows Update and enable reboots during low-use periods
- Apply Proxmox updates via web UI monthly
- Use
Consoleaccess to avoid burning RDS CALs for admin - Keep one local admin user reserved for recovery
7. Optional: Secure Remote Access
- Use Cloudflare Tunnel or VPN to avoid open ports
- Allow only RDP via secure tunnel
- Disable direct internet exposure to RDP port
Appendix: Console Access
What Is It?
- The local screen/session of the server (Session 0)
How to Use It
```bash mstsc /admin