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differences between Windows 2003 Small Business Server 2

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ksbigfoot

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Joined
Apr 15, 2002
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I am looking at purchasing Windows 2003 Server, but I noticed in some places it is cheaper to buy Windows 2003 Small Business Server, Why is that? Is there limitations to the Small Business Server?
 
There are many advantages and disadvantages to purchasing SBS.

SBS is a bundle that gives you not only the Server OS but also Exchange Server, SharePoint, remote web workplace, a lot of wizards to make management easier.

The premium version includes ISA and SQL.

All of the above at a fraction of the cost for the products separately.

The restriction is that SBS is limited to 75 users maximum.

If you are going to be using this for a small network under 75 users, it is the most economical. You must be prepared to learn a little about the way SBS is different. For example you need to use the SBS wizards to do a lot of tasks such as joining PCs to a domain or things get a little wonky.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark
 
Howdy markdmac & tfg13,
Thanks for the links, I gave you both a star.

I am still not sure why Windows Small Business Server is cheaper than Windows 2003 Server when Windows Small Business Server contains Windows 2003 Server?

 
It is cheaper because Microsoft sells it as a bundle to capture the ever growing Small Business market. If down the road you want ot upgrade you can purchase an "option pack" that will unlock the cosftware allowing you to have more than 75 users and allowing you to move Exchange, SQL & ISA onto another server if you want. The option pack will cost the difference from the individual product price minus the cost of SBS, so it will essentially cost you as much as it would have if you had just gone with the individual products. The size of your business will determine if this is the right product for you. The Remote Web Workplace is an awesome feature that lets your users remote control their work PC from home. This feature is NOT available in the standalone server version.

The cost savings is simply that, a cost savings. Microsoft recognizes that small businesses don't have alot of money to spend on multiple servers or expensive software. SBS has been fine tuned to allow everything to co-exist on a single server.

I've supported SBS for yers and while I hate wizards I have to say that it is a great product (now). previous versions were not so great, but SBS 2003 is rock solid.

I hope you find this post helpful.

Regards,

Mark
 
Howdy Mark,
Thanks for the input.
I was just trying to decide on which one to purchase.
I think I will go with the SBS.
Thanks again,
ksbigfoot
 
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