We are in the process of upgrading a WinCC v7.0 installation. We currently have a pair of redundant servers plus 1 spare (Win XP SP2). We also have standalone workstations running v7.0 at two treatment plants that only see that plants information.

Our plan is to upgrade the redundant pair (and 1 spare/ES) to v7.5 and then use RT Clients via a closed fiber optic network at each of the plants (plus 1 spare).

In reading all the documentation I have learned that:

1. In order to attach clients, the project needs to be Multi-User (currently Single User).

2. For Redundancy in Multi-User projects, Win Server OS (not Win 10) is necessary.

Assuming this is true, what specific Win Server OS should we purchase?

The local company that put together our PCs for the project has currently offered 2 choices:

1. Server 2019 Essentials 25 CAL

2. Windows Server 2019 OL 16c (plus Dev CAL).

So I have a few of questions:

1. Which would be the best version to use (assuming it is required at all).

2. Will the clients also need a CAL, or is this connection covered in the Siemens software.

3. Are there any specifics from Siemens on best practice for building the Server OS (features, roles, etc.)

I appreciate any advice/guidance that forum users can offer.

Dave Smith

Hello bg2492,

Thanks for your response.

So it sounds like it would be a better plan for us to return 3 of the original 7 machines (3 for redundant pair & spare/ES, 3 for clients & a spare) we purchased from our local supplier to have them put Win Server 2019 Standard OS on them.

We currently have 2 of the machines built, running the migrated project in parallel with the original redundant pair (haven't transferred the redundancy license yet). We would them install v7.5 on the Win Server machines, duplicate the project to them, and transfer the licenses. If I'm correct, then the original 2 we've built would simply be converted to clients (same WinCC v7.5 install, just client license and files). Is this correct, or would I need to perform a clean install of v7.5 on them for client use?

In the end, the goal is to have 3 Server OS machines (redundant pair and spare/ES unit), plus 3 clients (treatment plants connected through private network), plus a spare. The front end (3 machines) connect to an S7-300 via Profibus with a PCI card in each machine.

We do plan to add WebUX after the upgrade is complete and we can work out internet access for the private network (likely through a separate computer). 

Our local supplier is asking how many CALs we will need with these installs. Am I correct then in telling them that we won't need any? Or should I ask for some minimum number?

I sincerely appreciate your help and welcome any further wisdom on our upgrade, including if you might think of something else that I missed in this arrangement.

Dave Smith