Does an Active Directory need to have only AD domain controllers?

We are going to rebuild our Windows 2003 Active Directory Servers. Our AD servers are currently being used as SMS and antivirus servers also. I have talked to others and have been advised that the AD should have AD controllers only. I cannot find anything on the Microsoft Web site to support this comment. Your input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

While it's not a hard-and-fast rule, most AD administrators will tell you that a domain controller should not run other applications. Since your domain controllers are the "keys" to your network "kingdom", you should do your best to isolate them from attack. By adding additional applications to run on a DC, you are increasing the number of ways that a malicious user can attack that DC. Depending on the size of your network, having dedicated domain controllers may also improve performance in terms of user authentication, logon times, etc.

This was first published in March 2006

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