This is a very basic question, but my server guy insists Windows Server can only be configured as a domain server. I have found many discussions here and in other places talking about configuring it as a workgroup, but I need a definitive answer I can take back to him. Is it possible to configure a Windows 2008 R2 Server Standard as part of a Workgroup with no domain?
The users have two applications with databases that need the databases centralized, some file sharing, and only 5 computers connected internally with 2 full time and 3 part time remote users (the three part time are among the 5 computers in the office). They want to keep it as simple as possible, there are no big security threats/requirements and everyone is trusted by everyone else.
They did get a copy of Remote Desktop, but the debate is still going on whether they need it or not.
I know a fair bit about Windows and I'm a Windows programmer (C++), but I haven't worked with NT Server since NT 4 so I've very out of date. All the work I do is with the workstation versions of Windows (industrial computers for the most part).