AD Necessary on Small Lan? (W2K)

[mgarbinski]

We are setting up LANs for very small businesses, typically 5-10 workstations (& as many users) that are using accounting software to access a database and a few common files on a single server (Win2k or Win2003). Their email is through an ISP, and they have no website, nor have any plans to have one in the future...At times, some of these businesses would like to connect remotely through Terminal Services &/or VPN.
We are setting up these LANs as DCs with Active Directory through which to manage their meager resources....Is Active Directory an 'overkill' solution for such small enterprises? What are some general advantages that are realistically going to be realized in this effort?
Thanks, in advance, for the input!

[jrichardson6]

Do research on workgroups.
AD makes life and the management of computers so much easier and you can use Group Policy to install apps and secure workstations.
email me for more info at: jrichardson6@satx.rr.com

[johntrimper]

IF your workgroup is definitely going to stay small AD is not really necessary, in my professional opinion. It's kind of like having a Hummer on a go cart track. It's VERY powerful, yet you won't utilize it's full potential. AD is meant to make network life easier in bigger situations, it's a lot of work from the front end (beginning) so that things are easier on the backend. Just my professional opinion.