📊 Server vs Peer-to-Peer Setup for Sage 50 & Inventory Access (5 Users)
🧾 Comparison Table
| Feature | Current Setup (Server 2025 + Proxmox) | Alternative Setup (Windows 11 Peer-to-Peer) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Architecture | Centralised VM server with RDP for 5 users | Local installs or shared peer-to-peer networking |
| Central Data Storage | ✅ Centralised in VM on SSD | ❌ Data scattered or hosted on one PC |
| Remote Desktop Access | ✅ 5+ RDP sessions via Server | ❌ One user per PC max, no headless access |
| Performance Consistency | ✅ High-performance NVMe + CPU/RAM scaling | ❌ Depends on each PC |
| Snapshots & Rollbacks | ✅ ZFS snapshots (instant rollback) | ❌ Not available |
| Backups | ✅ Scheduled, local + offsite, immutable | ❌ Manual or inconsistent backups |
| Ransomware Resilience | ✅ Snapshots + air-gapped + S3 support | ❌ All PCs at risk |
| System Maintenance | ✅ One Proxmox node to maintain | ❌ Maintain each PC separately |
| Sage 50 Suitability | ✅ Server-based hosting fully supported | ⚠️ Local use OK but more fragile |
| Multi-user File Access | ✅ Safe concurrent access via RDP | ⚠️ Risk of file corruption or conflicts |
| Software Patching | ✅ One system to update | ❌ Patch all workstations manually |
| User Management | ✅ Centralised logins and control | ❌ Local logins only |
| Scalability | ✅ Add VMs/roles easily | ❌ Quickly becomes unmanageable |
| Cost | Moderate one-off + CALs if needed | Low upfront, higher long-term support cost |
| Audit & Logs | ✅ Fully auditable | ❌ No central logs |
| Disaster Recovery | ✅ Restore entire system in minutes | ❌ Manual recovery on each PC |
-–
🔍 Summary
| Category | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Reliability | Server + Proxmox |
| Security | Server + Proxmox |
| Ease of Maintenance | Server + Proxmox |
| Initial Cost | Peer-to-Peer (Win 11) |
| Long-Term Stability | Server + Proxmox |
| Admin Burden | Peer-to-Peer = Higher |
-–
✅ Choose Server + Proxmox If:
- You want central control
- You need fast disaster recovery
- You support 5 or more users
- You want snapshot & ransomware protection
⚠️ Choose Peer-to-Peer If:
- You have 1–3 users only
- You’re OK with no central backup or access
- You prefer very low upfront cost