📊 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

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🔍 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

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✅ 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