Workflow Manager 2013 Install

Question

I apologize if this is too close to some questions that have been asked but I cannot find any definitive answers on this, specifically for a farm similar to the setup I am working with. I am currently exploring some workflow options and as I understand it, Workflow Manager 2013 is needed on an on-prem SharePoint 2016 farm in order to create SP2013 workflows. Our farm is a small one, with one WFE, one app server and one DB server. The app and WFE are configured as "traditional" servers (not using MinRole) and thus the app server has the SharePoint Foundation Web Application Service and the Workflow Timer Service disabled. The app server hosts the CA page.

From reading, I have found mixed opinions on whether Workflow Manager should be installed on the app server or WFE. I do understand it can be installed on a separate server if needed; however, ours will not be used heavily in the foreseeable future so I do not think this is necessary at this time (from what I understand we can move it later if needed). But for the time being, if it doesn't warrant its own server, which is the better route to go in my case?

I would think the app server would make sense, since its job is to do job processing, etc., as opposed to the WFE which is for serving user requests. But then some people say to put it on the WFE because the WFE will be serving the user requests. So I'm a bit confused here.

Does anyone have any advice on this? Is there an official best practice for this scenario recommended by MS?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Workflow Manager, as a batch service that doesn't impact end user responsiveness, should reside on an App server. This would be best practice and follows the Streamlined topology guide principles.