This page contains answers to commonly asked questions about Windows Small Business Server 2008.
Product Components
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Q. How does Windows Small Business Server 2008 integrate with Microsoft Office Live Small Business?
A.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 setup includes sign up for Microsoft Office Live Small Business, giving customers a way to more effectively market and sell online. Within the Windows Small Business Server 2008 management console, customers can set up and manage Office Live Small Business workspaces and their public Web site, helping them improve collaboration between employees and with partners, and to present a more professional online image. This integration reflects the growing Microsoft "software-plus-services" strategy to give customers choices and combinations of on-premise and service-based solutions. Some features in Windows Small Business Server 2008 are dependent on market and language availability. See the Editions page for more details.
Q. Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2- Premium Edition includes Microsoft Internet and Security Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004, but Windows Small Business Server 2008 does not. Why?
A.
Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies, Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server, server and client reporting, network-wide patch management, and other technologies within Windows Small Business Server 2008 provide small businesses with excellent security and data protection. With every new version of a product, Microsoft does a lot of research and evaluates customer and partner feedback to determine how we can enhance the solution at an affordable cost. Some features in Windows Small Business Server 2008 are dependent on market and language availability. See the Editions page for more details.
Q. What will current Windows Small Business Server customers using ISA do, since Windows Small Business Server 2008 doesn’t include ISA?
A.
No details are currently available, but Microsoft typically helps customers preserve their investments in instances like this. More information will be provided in the future.
Q. What happened to the trial subscription for Windows Live OneCare for Server that was originally offered in some markets in Windows Small Business Server 2008?
A.
Find updates for Windows Live OneCare for Server on the OneCare Updates page.
Q. Why is there no Forefront client AV in Windows Small Business Server 2008? What should customers do for client AV?
A.
One of the great new features of Windows Small Business Server 2008 is enhanced reporting and monitoring across server and client. It will work with the client security solution that customers choose for their needs. Some features in Windows Small Business Server 2008 are dependent on market and language availability. See the Editions page for more detail.
Q. What is your policy on providing updates to the Windows SBS technology components, such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, and SQL Server, to Windows SBS customers? Will they all be free updates?
A.
One of the key benefits of Windows SBS is its integration. When a new standalone version of a component is revised, it directly affects the services, integration, and management tools that are unique to Windows SBS 2008. Product updates, such as new service packs, are typically made available at no cost for download or at a small cost for the media and shipping. A standalone product update should not be installed until the SBS product team has had the opportunity to test the new combination and make an announcement as to its suitability. Please check The Official SBS Blog for compatibility updates. Product upgrades, such as new product versions, are not freely available and must be purchased. Installing a standalone product version on top of SBS is not supported in any instance unless it is expressly approved on the SBS Web site.
Q. Q. Will the Windows Essential Server Solutions (WESS) family support the Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (WS08 SP2)?
A.
A. Yes – Windows Small Business Server 2008 (Windows SBS 2008), Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (Windows EBS 2008) & Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions (WinWESS) will all support WS 2008 SP2. Current users will be able to get WS08 SP2 through Windows Update and can obtain additional details and download information on the Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 page on TechNet.
Q. Can customers with SBS 2008 Premium upgrade their 2nd server to Windows Server 2008 R2 (WS 2008 R2) once it’s available?
A.
Customers can have WS 2008 R2 (purchased separately) in the SBS 2008 domain and access them using SBS 2008 CALs (WS 2008 R2 CALs are not needed). However, customers with Software Assurance (SA) on SBS 2008 Premium are not entitled to an upgrade of their 2nd server to WS 2008 R2, as component products of SBS cannot be upgraded separately per the licensing agreement.
Licensing
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Q. How will Windows Small Business Server 2008 be licensed?
A.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 will be offered in a Standard and a Premium Edition. Each edition includes five Client Access Licenses (CALs). Customers can purchase additional CALs for the number of users or devices they wish to connect to Windows Small Business Server 2008. New single CALs make Windows Small Business Server 2008 licensing more flexible and cost effective. To learn more, visit the Licensing page.
Q. What is the license limit for Windows Small Business Server 2008?
A.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 is designed for use with up to 75 desktops.
Q. How does the new Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 pricing compare to pricing for the current product, SBS 2003 R2?
A.
In the majority of 1-75 user scenarios, SBS 2008 Standard Edition is less expensive than SBS 2003 R2 Standard Edition.SBS 2008 Premium Edition is going up in price, but that is mainly because we are now providing an additional copy of Windows Server 2008 with SQL Server Standard Edition—versus Workgroup Edition in SBS 2003 Premium—to run on a second hardware box. This is in response to loud and clear feedback from partners and customers that they want that second box as a platform for critical business applications. Premium Edition can now also be used for Terminal Services access to applications.
Also, Client Access Licenses (CALs) now apply to any other copies of Windows Server, SQL Server, or Exchange Server on the network, eliminating the need to purchase additional CALs.
Q. Why did you change the pricing for Small Business Server 2008?
A.
SBS 2008 provides a wide range of new features and technologies, such as the newest Microsoft server products, new security services, marketing and collaboration capabilities, and management features. Premium Edition now includes an additional copy of Windows Server 2008 with SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition—versus Workgroup Edition in SBS 2003 Premium—to run on a second hardware box for line-of-business applications.
In addition, we have created new, flexible licensing for SBS, such as:
Customers will be able to purchase single Client Access Licenses (CALs), so they will pay only for the exact number of employees using the products.
SBS CALs now extend to other copies of Windows Server, SQL Server, or Exchange Server on a SBS network—no additional CALs required.
Premium Edition can now also be used for Terminal Services access to applications.
Q. Will SBS 2008 be available in all sales channels?
A.
Yes. You may purchase SBS 2008 in retail, via volume license programs, system builders, and OEMs.
Q. What are downgrade rights? How do I exercise them?
A.
Downgrade rights, in general, mean that you can use an earlier version of the software acquired. For Windows Small Business Server, this means you are allowed to install and use Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium Edition instead of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition, which is what you purchased. You can also install and use Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition instead of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition. At any time, you can install the software you purchased and cease to use the earlier version.
If you obtained your server with Windows Small Business Server preinstalled from a partner or OEM, in order to exercise your downgrade rights you must already have the earlier versions of Windows Small Business Server media available. If you purchased Open Licensing, Volume Licensing, Software Assurance, or the full retail product of Windows Small Business Server 2008, contact Microsoft fulfillment services in your region.
Q. SBS 2008 comes with several server components. Can I exercise my downgrade rights and run earlier versions of the server software?
A.
Yes. You may exercise your downgrade rights and run SBS 2003 R2 or earlier versions if you have acquired a SBS 2008 license. Note however that you cannot separate out the components of the SBS solution—that is, if you downgrade, you must downgrade all components of the software.
Q. SBS 2008 Premium Edition comes with two Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies licenses. If I choose to, can I downgrade one of those licenses to run an earlier version in order to support a legacy application?
A.
No. Our downgrade rights specify that if you downgrade, you must downgrade all the component parts of the server software.
Q. Can I downgrade Windows Small Business Server 2008 from x64 to x32 versions?
A.
SBS 2008 Premium comes with two Windows Server 2008 Standard Technologies licenses, which includes both x86 and x64 in the second DVD.
SBS 2008 Standard’s base DVD includes only x64, because it is integrated with Exchange and cannot be separated. To downgrade SBS 2008 Standard to x32 would require a complete downgrade to the SBS 2003 R2 Standard version.
Q. Can I separate the components of Windows Small Business Server 2008, (that is, run Exchange 2007 and/or SQL 2008 on separate servers)?
A.
No, unless you are licensed for Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition, you may not separate the software for use on more than one operating system environment under a single license. This applies even if the operating system environments are on the same physical hardware system, such as by using virtualization technology. If you acquired Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition, you may run one instance of Windows Server 2008 technologies and SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition for Small Business on a separate server. This is a new license right that has changed from rights granted in previous versions of Windows Small Business Server premium editions.
Q. Does Windows SBS 2008 Premium Edition require that I use two servers (for example, one to run SBS 2008 and the other to utilize other applications like Terminal Services)?
A.
No. SBS 2008 Premium Edition does not require that you use two servers. With premium edition, you are granted two Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies licenses and a SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition for Small Business license, and you have the option of installing on a second server, but there is no requirement to do so.
Q. If I have SBS 2008 Premium Edition, is it mandatory to install SQL Server and Terminal Services in application mode on the second server only, or can it be done on either server?
A.
SQL Server can be installed on either server, but Terminal Services is disabled on SBS Standard.
Q. Why are there two kinds of CALs (both with user or device options) being offered with this release of Windows Small Business Server?
A.
This is a new licensing option that Microsoft has introduced in order to maximize licensing flexibility to better address our customers’ business needs. Windows Small Business Server customers can choose the CALs that make the most sense from a technology and cost perspective. For example, customers who need CALs only to access the SBS 2008 Standard technologies can use the SBS CAL Suite. Customers who need CALs to access SBS 2008 Standard and SBS 2008 Premium technologies can mix and match the SBS CAL Suite and SBS CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices to achieve the most cost-effective CAL package.
Q. Does SBS 2008 licensing allow for virtualization? For example, Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition includes Hyper-V with a license to run one server operating system in Hyper-V?
A.
For SBS 2008 Standard Edition, you may run one instance of the server software on a physical or virtual machine, but not both.
For SBS 2008 Premium Edition, you can choose to run the “premium server” software on a second server:
You can run an instance of Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies on a physical or virtual machine (VM), and if you run on VM, you are allowed to run an additional instance on a physical machine in order to run hardware virtualization software; provide hardware virtualization services; or run software to manage and service operating system environments on the licensed server.
You can run any number of instances of SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition for Small Business in one physical or virtual machine, and it must be joined to the SBS domain.
Q. What are the licensing rights for the second Windows Server in SBS 2008 Premium Edition? Do you allow virtual machines?
A.
Yes. You are granted a 1+1 license similar to a stand-alone Windows Server Standard license; that is, you may run one instance of the operating system on a physical or virtual machine. If you run on a virtual machine, you may run an additional instance of the operating system on a physical machine in order to run hardware virtualization software; provide hardware virtualization services; or run software to manage and service operating system environments on the licensed server.
Q. Why have the components of the SBS 2008 solution changed from SBS 2003 R2?
A.
With every new version of a product, we do a lot of research and evaluate customer and partner feedback to determine how we can enhance the solution at an affordable cost. In some cases, this means removing certain component technologies. Customers who have or purchase Software Assurance will be provided with an easy product and licensing upgrade path. Customers without SA that currently use the removed products will need to buy them separately.
Q. How will ISA server be replaced in SBS 2008 (that is, will ISA be included in SBS 2008 and if so, which ISA version will be included)?
A.
ISA will not be included in SBS 2008. Customers with active Software Assurance for SBS 2003 R2 Premium will be “made whole” by also receiving a free copy of ISA 2006 Standard Edition along with a separate copy of Windows Server 2003 R2 (since ISA Server 2006 does not run on Windows Server 2008). Upon the release of the ISA Server successor product, Threat Management Gateway (TMG) 2010, customers will be eligible for a free upgrade from ISA 2006 to TMG 2010 Standard Edition. Once upgraded to TMG 2010, customers will have to maintain software assurance coverage for TMG 2010 independent of their software assurance coverage for SBS 2008 Premium in order to get future upgrades for TMG 2010.
Q. Why doesn’t Windows SBS 2008 include Outlook?
A.
Outlook was previously included in SBS as part of Exchange Server. However, since Exchange 2007 does not include Outlook, it is not in SBS 2008.
Q. Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium Edition included FrontPage, but SBS 2008 does not. Why?
A.
With every new version of a product, we do a lot of research and evaluate customer and partner feedback to determine how we can enhance the solution at an affordable cost. SBS 2008 (Standard Edition and Premium Edition) integrate with Microsoft Office Live for Small Business. Office Live offers functionality to edit, manage, and publish Web pages and Web sites.
Q. What is the difference between a Windows Small Business Server 2008 server license and a Client Access License (CAL)?
A.
The Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition or Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition license gives you the right to install and use the server software corresponding to the edition you purchased. The Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL gives you the right for a device or user to access the server software. You need both types of licenses in order to be in compliance.
Q. What are the differences between user CALs and device CALs? Why are both types offered?
A.
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.
Q. What is the difference between the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite and the Windows Essential Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices?
A.
The Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite should be purchased for each user or device that accesses the SBS network, irrespective of whether the Windows Small Business Server network is running Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard or Premium. The Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices should be purchased for only those users or devices accessing the SQL Server 2008 Standard for Small Business shipped as part of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium server software.
Q. Are the five CALs that come with my purchase of the server software per user or per device?
A.
For these first five CALs, you get to choose; that is, you can designate whether those CALs are user or device. For any additional CALs you acquire after that, you purchase the type (user or device) of CAL you desire.
Q. Can I choose whether the five CALs that come with the server software are Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices?
A.
The Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite should be purchased for each user or device that accesses the SBS network, irrespective of whether the Windows Small Business Server network is running Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard or Premium. The Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices should be purchased for only those users or devices accessing the SQL Server 2008 Standard for Small Business shipped as part of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium server software.
Q. Are any of the Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs concurrent?
A.
No. Neither of the Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs are concurrent. They are per user or per device only.
Q. Can I have both user CALs and device CALs on my Windows Small Business Server network?
A.
Yes. However, experience has shown that this introduces uncertainty and complexity to managing your licenses and staying in compliance. We strongly recommend you determine which type is prevalent or preferable on your network, and then use only those CALs.
Q. Can I split a CAL pack into user and device CALs?
A.
No. With the release of Windows Small Business Server 2008, this will no longer be a situation that customers will face. Microsoft is introducing another option to increase your licensing flexibility to allow for complete scalability of your cost in relation to your usage. Both Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite and Windows Small Business Server CAL Suite for Premium User or Devices will be available in 1-, 5-, and 20-pack quantities.
Q. Is each CAL “tied” to a specific user or device?
A.
Yes. They are not “floating” licenses and so they must be assigned to specific users or devices. If a user leaves the company or a device is retired, then the CAL can be reassigned.
Q. I bought Windows Small Business Server 2008 from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Where do I go to acquire additional CALs?
A.
You can purchase additional CALs from the sales channel you prefer: retail, through a Microsoft volume licensing agreement, or from your hardware manufacturer/provider.
Q. I want to allow remote access to several individuals who are not employees. Do I have to acquire CALs for them to use Outlook Web Access or Remote Web Workplace?
A.
Yes. When a user authenticates against the server, a CAL is required. In addition, the use of Outlook requires an additional license in order to be in compliance with the license agreement.
Q. Do additional servers in my Windows Small Business Server 2008 network require a CAL in order to connect to the domain?
A.
No. You do not need a CAL for additional servers to connect to the domain.
Q. Does my printer or multi-function device require a CAL to connect to the Windows Small Business Server network?
A.
If you have elected “user CALs” then no CAL is required for the printer or multi-function device. If you have elected “device CALs” then the printer or multi-function device would need to have a device CAL, as the networked printer is accessing an instance of the server software. The most common scenario where you would need a CAL is when you have a multi-function device that uploads scanned images, such as a pdf, to a server share using authentication.
Q. Can I use my Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs to connect to a server running Exchange 2007 or SQL 2008?
A.
Yes. You may use Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite or Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices instead of Exchange Server 2007 CALs to access instances of Exchange Server 2007 Standard or Enterprise Edition in the SBS 2008 domain. You may use Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices instead of SQL Server 2008 Small Business CALs to access your instances of SQL Server 2008 Standard or Enterprise Edition or SQL Server 2008 Workgroup Edition in the SBS 2008 domain.
Q. Does the Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL allow me to access Windows Server 2008 connected to the Windows Small Business Server 2008 domain?
A.
Yes. Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite and Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices can be used to access any Windows Server 2008 that is in the Windows Small Business Server 2008 domain. Note however, if you are using the Terminal Services or Rights Management Services functionality found in Windows Server 2008, you must acquire separate Terminal Services CALs or Rights Management Services CALs in order to be compliant with your license.
Q. I want to have additional servers running Windows Server 2000 or Windows Server 2003 in my SBS 2008 domain. Do I need additional CALs to access those servers?
A.
No. As long as those servers are within the Windows Small Business Server 2008 domain, your Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs grant you access rights to the other Windows Servers. Note however, the use of some functionality in Windows Server require additional licenses (e.g., Terminal Services/Rights Management Services).
Q. If my business needs change, can I switch user CALs and device CALs?
A.
Yes. If you have Software Assurance attached to your CALs, when you renew your Software Assurance contract, you may switch between CAL types. Unfortunately, if you do not have Software Assurance, you may not switch.
Q. Are my Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 CALs valid to use to access my Windows Small Business Server 2008 network?
A.
No. You must have the CAL version that matches the version of the server software you are running. That is, if you have a Windows Small Business Server 2008 domain, you must have Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs. Note: If you choose to run an earlier version of the server software (by way of using downgrade rights), you would still be in compliance with your license by acquiring Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs.
Q. How do I obtain CALs for earlier versions of Windows Small Business Server when they are discontinued?
A.
You will need to purchase Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs and use your downgrade rights.
Q. I am currently a SBS 2003 R2 customer and have added a Windows Server 2008 to my SBS domain. Do I have to purchase Windows Server 2008 CALs to be in compliance with my license?
A.
No. Due to the difference in timing of the release of SBS 2008 and Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has made an exception to the license requirements. If you have a Windows Server 2008 in the SBS 2003 R2 domain, your SBS 2003 R2 CALs are applicable until May 31, 2009, after which you will be required to either have Windows Server 2008 CALs or SBS 2008 CALs to be in compliance with your license.
Q. Does the SBS 2008 Premium CAL (SBS 2008 CAL Suite for Users or Devices) include Terminal Servics (TS) CALs?
A.
No. SBS 2008 Premium Edition does allow for Terminal Services functionality, if desired, but an additional purchase of TS CALs is still required to be in compliance with your license.
Q. Does the TS CAL require the same activation/registration process as it does for a stand-alone Windows Server 2008?
Q. Can a customer who is using SBS 2008 Premium Edition purchase SQL Server 2008 CALs instead of SBS 2008 CAL Suite for Users or Devices to satisfy their licensing requirements?
A.
No. Access to the SBS 2008 network requires a SBS 2008 CAL for all users or devices. However, customers only have to purchase SBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices (“Premium” CAL) for those users/devices who are accessing the Premium features; all other users/devices can be in compliance by purchasing SBS 2008 CAL Suite (“Standard” CAL).
Q. With SBS 2003, there was only one type of CAL, and I see now there are two types. I have Software Assurance on my CALs. Do I get to choose which SBS 2008 CALs I get?
A.
No. Whether you get SBS 2008 CAL Suite (“Standard” CAL) or SBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices (“Premium” CAL) depends on what edition of SBS 2008 you are entitled to. That is, if you had SA attached to SBS 2003 Standard Edition and the additional CALs, then you are entitled to SBS 2008 Standard Edition server software and SBS 2008 CAL Suite CALs. If you had SA attached to SBS 2003 Premium Edition and additional CALs, then you are entitled to SBS 2008 Premium Edition server software and SBS 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices CALs.
Q. Can I purchase upgrade CAL packs to upgrade my SBS 2003 CALs to SBS 2008 ones?
A.
No. Upgrade packs are not available; you must purchase new SBS 2008 CALs. Note, however, that we are offering a discount to customers transitioning from SBS 2003 R2 to SBS 2008 through our Solutions Pathway program. For more information on Solutions Pathway, click here.
Q. If a user is only infrequently accessing certain protocols or services of the server software (such as DHCP), is a CAL required?
A.
Yes, a Windows Server CAL is still required for access to DHCP (even for infrequent use of the server software).
Q. How are my licenses activated?
A.
The Windows Small Business Server 2008 server license is activated over the Internet. If you do not have an Internet connection, you can follow the instructions in the Windows Activation wizard for calling a telephone number to activate. Windows Small Business Server CALs no longer have to be activated. Note that if you are running Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition, the second copy of Windows Server 2008 technologies will require similar activation.
Q. I attached Software Assurance to my SBS 2003 R2 purchase. What does that entitle me to with respect to SBS 2008?
A.
There are many benefits to your Software Assurance purchase (for detailed information, go to http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/sa/default.mspx), one of which is rights to new versions of the product , so you will be entitled to SBS 2008 and the initial five CALs that came packaged with the server software. If you attached SA to your additional SBS 2003 CAL purchases, then you are also entitled to SBS 2008 CALs.
Q. There have been some changes to the product components in SBS 2008 versus what was part of SBS 2003 R2, so how does that affect what I am entitled to as a Software Assurance customer?
A.
Microsoft is committed to ensuring our SA customers are “made whole” when it decides to make changes to existing products. As a SBS 2003 R2 SA customer, you get rights to the new version of the Small Business Server 2008 solution. The following chart outlines the stand-alone licenses that will be granted to our SA customers for those components of the SBS 2003 R2 solution that are no longer part of SBS 2008:
* Premium Edition
** ISA 2006 does not run on Windows Server 2008
Please see here for contact information to order your stand-alone licenses and media.
Q. I didn’t attach Software Assurance to my SBS 2003 R2 Premium Edition purchase, and I want to upgrade to SBS 2008 Premium Edition plus use Internet and Security Acceleration Server (ISA) 2006. What are the licensing consequences to consider?
A.
You have to purchase a new SBS 2008 Premium Edition license, corresponding SBS 2008 CALs for each user or device accessing the server software, and a separate ISA 2006 license. And since ISA 2006 does not run on Windows Server 2008, a separate copy of Windows Server 2003 (R2) will be needed as well.
Q. What is Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions?
A.
Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions is designed for partners who want to deliver a product based on Windows Server 2008 as part of a small business offering. Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions provides the same version of Windows Server 2008 that is used by Windows Small Business Server 2008 but has none of the added features or integrated components included in Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard or Premium. Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions has the following restrictions:
Only one computer in a domain can be running Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions.
Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions must be the root of the Active Directory forest.
Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions cannot trust any other domains.
Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions domain cannot have any child domains.
Each additional server must have a Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions client access license (CAL). You can use CALs for each user or for each device.
Only fifteen (15) client computers can be connected to Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions.
Lastly, there are no supported upgrade paths, either to SBS 2008 or to Windows Server 2008 from Windows Server 2008 for Windows Essential Server Solutions.
Downgrade Rights
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Q. What are downgrade rights? How do I exercise them?
A.
Downgrade rights, in general, mean that you can use an earlier version of the software acquired. For Small Business Server, this means you are allowed to install and use SBS 2003 R2 Premium Edition instead of SBS 2008 Premium Edition which is what you purchased; you can also install and use SBS 2003 R2 Standard Edition instead of SBS 2008 Standard Edition. At any time, you can install the software you purchased and cease to use the earlier version.
If you obtained your server with Small Business Server preinstalled from a partner or OEM, in order to exercise your downgrade rights you must already have the earlier versions of Small Business Server media available. If you purchased Open Licensing, Volume Licensing, Software Assurance, or purchased the full retail product of SBS 2008, contact Microsoft fulfillment services in your region.
Q. SBS 2008 comes with several server components. Can I exercise my downgrade rights and run earlier versions of the server software?
A.
Yes. You may exercise your downgrade rights and run SBS 2003 R2 or earlier versions if you have acquired a SBS 2008 license. Note however that you cannot separate out the components of the SBS solution (that is, if you downgrade, you must downgrade all components of the software).
Q. SBS 2008 Premium Edition comes with two Windows Server 2008 Standard technologies licenses. If I choose to, can I downgrade one of those licenses to run an earlier version in order to support a legacy application?
A.
The components of the Windows Small Business Server Standard single server solution cannot be separately downgraded because they are an integrated suite. Microsoft recognizes that due to line-of-business application compatibility issues moving from one version to the next, some businesses may need to run the previous version of Windows Server. The second server in the Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium edition gives customers this flexibility. Alternative versions are included in the SBS 2008 Premium edition of the software for SQL Windows Server 2008 x86 to be run on the second server. Although Microsoft does not include Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard in the package as an alternative version, we allow customers to use Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard in place of the second copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard. Please visit the Windows Server Downgrade sitefor more information on how to obtain a Windows Server 2003 R2 downgrade kit. You will need the Windows Server 2008 product key which comes in the SBS 2008 Premium software package to access the site. (note this is a separate key from the SBS 2008 Product key used on the first server). You may still use this method of downgrading if you purchased your SBS 2008 Premium on a new server from an Original Equipment Manufacturer.
Note: Under this exception, customers are restricted from running both versions of Windows Server 2008 Standard and Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard at the same time simultaneously.
Q. How can a Volume Licensing (VL) customer obtain downgrade media and keys of Windows Server 2003 R2?
A.
Based on their license agreement, VL customers can obtain the software and product key from the Volume License Service Center (VLSC) website.
Q. Is the downgrade right the same in all sales channels?
A.
Yes, the right to downgrade to a prior version is the same for all sales channels; retail, OEM, Volume Licensing, and Solutions Pathway. The license terms of your current version of the software will apply to the downgraded earlier version of the software.
Q. How does support fit into the downgrade?
A.
The support lifecycle per Microsoft policy maps to the product version. For instance, if you downgrade to Windows Server 2003 R2, your Mainstream support will end July 13, 2010 and will transition into Extended Support at that time.
Q. SBS 2008 Premium Edition comes with SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition for Small Business. Can I exercise my downgrade rights and run an earlier version of SQL Server?
A.
As a rule, the components of the SBS solution cannot be separated. However, Microsoft recognizes that due to line-of-business application compatibility issues moving from one version to the next, some businesses may need to run the previous version of Microsoft SQL Server 2005, so we will ship SQL Server 2005 Standard (both 32- and 64-bit platforms) in addition to the SQL Server 2008 Standard for Small Business in every retail and OEM System Builder package of SBS 2008 Premium and allow the direct Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) channel to provide customers SQL Server 2005 (both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms) on request until June 30, 2010.
Note that once Microsoft stops shipping both versions of SQL Server, customers are restricted from downgrading just the SQL Server component. Microsoft downgrade rights specify that if a user downgrades, the user must downgrade all the component parts of the server software. Customers who received SQL Server 2005 Standard with their SBS 2008 can continue to use it after the shipping period ends, but they may not use both SQL Server 2005 Standard and SQL Server 2008 Standard for Small Business simultaneously. Customers can, however, move between SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition and SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition per their needs.
Q. Since SBS 2008 has two CAL types, "Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite" and "Windows Small Business Server 2008 CAL Suite for Premium Users or Devices," how does the CAL downgrade to SBS 2003 (R2) work and what are the access rights granted?
A.
Since SBS 2003 (R2) has only one CAL type, when you downgrade either of the SBS 2008 CAL types you will get SBS 2003 (R2) CAL. SBS 2003 (R2) CAL grants access rights to both Standard and Premium editions of the SBS 2003 (R2) server.
Q. If I want to downgrade SBS 2008 to SBS 2003, how will CAL activation work in that scenario since SBS 2008 will not need any CAL activation, but SBS 2003 does?
A.
If you have purchased SBS 2008 CALs from the Volume Licensing (VL) channel, you will be given SBS 2003 CAL keys at the time of purchase; these keys can then be used for downgrade SBS 2008 CALs to SBS 2003 (R2).
For those of you who have purchased SBS 2008 CALs from channels other than VL, such as FPP and OEM, based on the country you are in, you can either call or e-mail to get the product keys for SBS 2003 CALs as you downgrade your SBS 2008 CALs. Please see here for contact information.