Microsoft Small Business Server 2003

Small Business Server 2003 is Microsoft's latest offering aimed at the small and medium sized enterprise.  Offering the major elements of their server suite at fraction of the normal cost.

SBS2003 Release 2

SBS2003 R2 is now the current release of Small Business Server.  It is based on Windows server 2003 release 2, with Exchange inc SP2.  As well as many new features, the upgrade services are now integrated into SBS.

Should you upgrade to SBS2003 Release 2?

If you have a 4.5 or 2000 then the answer is YES.  If you have 2003 R1 then the answer is not so clear, SP1 and SP2 for exchange provide most of the main features, see below.  The cost and disruption are very difficult to justify, if in doubt then please talk to us.

Service Pack 1 for SBS2003 A service pack is a rollup of all security and upgrade patches issued since the last service pack and may also include additional features.  Its a must for all SBS installations, install NOW.

Service Pack 2 for Exchange 2003

SP2 for Exchange has now been released and we have finished testing it now. As well as new security features for mobile users the two important new features are an enhanced spam filter and push technology for mobile users

The IMF (Intelligent message filter or spam filter) is a major improvement over the first version.  Still not as easy to use as some commercial versions but great value for money.

This new Direct Push technology will enhance mobile users experience of email by delivery email direct to there mobile devices, in a similar fashion to a "blackberry" device.  You will need the latest Windows Mobile 2003 Ver 5 to use these features

User or Device CAL?

A user CAL permits one user (using any device) to access the server software. A device CAL permits one device (used by any user) to access the server software. Both types are offered to allow customers cost-effective licensing options. For example, per-user CALs are most effective when an employee uses several devices to access the server, such as a work computer and a home computer. Per-device CALs are most effective when several employees use the same device to access the server, such as rotating shifts in a call center.

  More than 75users?

If your business grows and the number of users exceeds the 75user limit then an upgrade path via Transition packs exists to migrate to the full versions of Server 2003 and Exchange 2003.  Contact us to discuss this option.

 

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Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 is now released, do you need to upgrade my server?  more

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