On the eve of the release of Windows’ Small Business Server 2008, the question business owners should be asking themselves is this: “Is Small Business Server the right choice for me?” Assuming you’re not using the filing cabinet/shoebox method of data storage, here are a few things you should carefully consider, in order to make a better determination:
- How many users need direct access to your filesystem to retrieve documents, sound files, photographs, movies, images, databases and so on…?
- What impact would an open, shared calendar have on your day-to-day business operations?
- Which office resources could be more efficiently shared by a group (or all of your) users?
If you’re still reading and pondering, there’s a good chance that the solution to your pressing concerns is a good server. If you need to share files, calendars and resources—such as fax machines, Internet connection and printers securely—and your employees need access the Internet and company e-mail at the same time, Small Business Server (SBS) is a great option for you.
Essentially, SBS delivers big business solutions to small businesses for a much more affordable price. With SBS, small businesses can use Exchange for e-mail and send messages directly to users’ mobile devices, set up business intranets (internal Web sites), share files and office equipment, and create reliable backups of critical data.
SBS 2008 is available in Standard and Premium packages. Both versions include the Windows Server (machine) 2008, Share Point Services 3.0, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Windows Server Update Services, Shared Fax Service and Office Live Small Business integration. The Premium Edition SBS includes a second Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard for Small Business in addition to everything that comes with the Standard Edition.
Beyond the direct advantages SBS provides, there are some additional perks to consider. For example, purchasing SBS eliminates the need to buy individual user licenses for each component by including individual Client Access Licenses (CALs) for Standard and Premium Editions. So, you save by combining the costs of Exchange software, Windows software and all the necessary hardware, and also on the costs associated with licensing your software. Individual CALs for the package will cost you $80 or less, whereas separately they would run upwards of $120 per user for the Standard Edition. CALs can also be purchased at a discounted rate in bundles of 5, 10 or 20.
As with all things bundled, there are several differences between SBS 2008 and its predecessor, SBS 2003. Mainly, the 2008 Premium Edition will run on two hardware servers, with the second server running Windows Server and SQL Server for business data-related applications.
The new SBS allows for up to 75 users (as opposed to 50, in ‘03) but does not include Outlook 2007. Another major departure is that that SBS 2008 does not have ISA (Internet and Security Acceleration) Server included. Instead, Microsoft offers Forefront on Exchange Server and Widows Live OneCare as a replacement. Despite these changes however, SBS 2008 is still likely to be the best option for small businesses that are looking to solidify operations and build network infrastructure.
Maybe you read this entire section looking for an answer to your technology problem… and now you’re left thinking that your business is still too small for SBS. If your company doesn’t fall neatly into any of the categories mentioned here, we can still help! Our team of knowledgeable consultants is available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you determine your technology needs. Call us and schedule a consultation and we can help get you where you want to be.
