Multiple TFS Instances allowed?

We are evaluating the many possible modes of TFS use.

In a previous discussion (I can't remember if it was here or I read it in the blog), it was suggested that developers look at providing the host infrastructure for TFS themselves, if clients object to installing TFS bare metal on their own server (i.e. because we exclude VM use).

So, we are looking at precisely that, and wondering how scalable this solution is. In particular I'd like to know if TFS has the same limitation that TurboActivate does, i.e. that you can't activate two different product keys on the same PC?

The obvious way for us to host TFS on behalf of a client would be to be create a server VM (we allow ourselves to use VMs), and then configure a reasonable number of instances inside that VM - these all share a single Windows license, domain name, IP address etc. Only the port number is different. If it grows too much for one VM, /then/ we'd create a second VM somewhere.

Is this possible?

Otherwise what is your suggestion for how best to host TFS for more than one client?

Hey Don,

>> "In a previous discussion (I can't remember if it was here or I read it in the blog), it was suggested that developers look at providing the host infrastructure for TFS themselves, if clients object to installing TFS bare metal on their own server (i.e. because we exclude VM use)."

Yes, that's a possibility. Another possibility (coming later 2017, early 2018) is customers spinning up instances of the TFS hosted on our infrastructure. It will be cheaper thant other hosted options and end-users will have full control.

>> "So, we are looking at precisely that, and wondering how scalable this solution is. In particular I'd like to know if TFS has the same limitation that TurboActivate does, i.e. that you can't activate two different product keys on the same PC?"

Correct. At least for any one product version. Multiple TFS instances can be activated and installed on a machine if they're from separate product versions.

>> "Is this possible?"

No, not currently. You would need to spin up separate VMs for each TFS instance of the same LimeLM product version.

Sorry for the delay, I've been diverted onto other things these last couple of days. And thanks for the reply.

Ok, this is looking like a not very viable solution. A whole VM to run one teeny instance of TFS is sounding like a lot of resources just to support one client.

I will consider other solutions, and I'll keep an eye out for what the new version offers, when it arrives. Thanks again for your reply.

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