Quick vernacular clarification, as a disconnect there is too often the case when evaluating packages:
I believe what ML calls a "Server" is what CQC calls a "Master Server". That's the main box you want everything to run on. When you run the install program on each box, you tell it whether to "install the master server here" or "enter the name of the master server".
If you want other boxes also controlling stuff [ie, i've got some equipment in another room hooked up via RS232, I want that part of the mix as well], that's cool too, any box that's controlling something can be a server. In the install, a few screens later is the "Install CQCServer" option.
Dean can answer with truth, but to me the reason is: The MasterServer is meant to be a box that's up 24x7 [or darn close]. Other "server" boxes can be down, you just won't be able to use the devices connected to that.
DavidL: Does ML have a Master Server concept, or is it that you install (MLServer? Man it's been months since I touched that) on any box and clients automagically know where to go.