News and Reviews for Windows Small Business Server 2003

Small Business Technology Magazine (January 31, 2007) - This server operating system has been a must-have for small businesses since its inception, and with Release 2 has added more email storage capacity, better security features and the latest version of Microsoft's enterprise class database product, SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition. Microsoft Small Business Server R2 bundles Microsoft's 2003 Server OS, its email application Exchange Server, its Web collaboration platform SharePoint Services, and (in its Premium Edition) its SQL Server database and Internet and Security Acceleration Server firewall and Internet monitoring software. Basically, an awful lot of bang for your buck.

Small Business Computing.com (January 29, 2007) - When it comes to business productivity, server software means a more secure and efficient network as well as better-managed computers, printers and other resources. That technical reality explains Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2's run-away win in the Productivity category. OK, some people might argue that server software doesn't qualify as productivity software, but when it comes to better management of files, print services, backup and so on, we think it does mean productivity. And since the Small Business Server 2003 RU easily cruised into the top-honor spot, doubling the vote total of its closest competitor, it's clear that you think it's productivity-minded, too. In the R2 version, Microsoft introduced what its calls the "green check" of software health." The feature is designed tell you at a glance the health of your network, anti-virus software, firewall and other server elements. Microsoft also slashed 13 percent off the price of its Premium version server software.

Windows IT Pro –(September 2006) “…Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) 2003 takes the top spot over its more specialized competitors for the second straight year. Small-to-midsized businesses (SMBs) increasingly need to conduct their business better, faster, and with tighter resources. SBS 2003 provides many technologies and tools to help SMBs become more productive and efficient—including reliable fax functionality.”

For the CRN(April 24, 2006) - Improved security, administration are linchpins of latest edition: One of the biggest challenges for vendors targeting SMBs is staying relevant. As the market proliferates with updated appliances, software and hosted services—all of which claim to be the perfect product—what is the best SMB solution? In response to this challenge, Microsoft has slated its uber-successful Small Business Server product line for a refresh. The company anticipates a second-quarter release of Small Business Server 2003 R2 sporting a host of refinements.

For the Windows IT Pro Readers' Choice Awards, readers chose the best of 750 products and services—and selected Windows Small Business Server 2003 as winner of the Fax Gateway category. According to Windows IT Pro: "It was no contest, really. A large majority of Windows IT Pro readers valued Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) 2003's built-in Shared Fax Service more than any competitor. Shared Fax Service provides fax services to client computers in a small-business network. Users can send faxes from their desktop through a shared fax modem or interface, administered through SBS. Administrators can configure calling times and priorities and can manage the fax queue."

CRN (July 18, 2004): See why PC Magazine says, Not only has Microsoft developed a solid group of products that are truly built for small businesses, but it is focused on building a channel that will lead with Microsoft products. Microsoft, which has spent many years fine-tuning Small Business Server and its Office Small Business offerings, is also fine-tuning channel programs for this market.

Reseller Advocate Magazine (RAM): Some vendors let resellers slug it out with mass merchants and e-tailers. Good vendors take steps to protect their channel partners with products specific to VARs and system builders. Which of these products is best, though? Which channel product not only presents a great up-front opportunity but also long-term returns? Winner: Microsoft Small Business Server 2003.

Network World (March 20, 2006): During Microsoft's first summit for its small-business customers last week, the company showed off the forthcoming upgrade to its Small Business Server 2003 that includes new health and maintenance tools.

CRN (March 17, 2006): Even as new Software Assurance benefits for big businesses became effective March 14, Microsoft made available new financing options for small-business customers.

At the company’s first Small Business Summit in Redmond, Wash., last week, Microsoft Financing said it is reducing the minimum transaction size required for financing to $3,000, slashed from the previous requirement of $10,000. The financing covers hardware, software and services, the company said. Microsoft offers 12.5 percent financing on its software.

eWeek (March 14, 2006): Microsoft is hosting some 400 of its small and midsize customers and partners at its Redmond, Wash., campus on March 14 as part of its inaugural Small Business Summit titled "Take Your Business to the Next Level."

Kevin Turner, Microsoft's chief operating officer and former executive vice president of Wal-Mart Stores, will give the opening keynote, as well as talk up its Small Business Server 2003 R2, which is due this summer and based on the Windows Server 2003 R2 operating-system build.

IBM.com (September 27, 2005): IBM is further extending its server family with the introduction today of a complete line of new entry servers including the new IBM xSeries 100 server. The x100 is the most affordable server entry point available from IBM.

ISAServer.org (September 6, 2005): Part 3 of the series continues with the CEICW at the Network Connection Page.

Microsoft Watch (August 29, 2005): Microsoft is continuing to enhance Windows Small Business Server. A Small Business Server R2 release is expected next year, and a 'Cougar' Small Business Server update is likely in 2007.

CRN (August 26, 2005): Microsoft is preparing a slew of upgrades for Windows Small Business Server including a major upgrade in 2007, code-named Cougar, designed for the Longhorn era. The release will offer stronger desktop integration with the Windows Vista client and Office 12, support for extranet scenarios, and support for line-of-business applications from Microsoft Business Solutions and other application vendors. Due in 2007, this release will also make strides toward reducing the technical skill set needed to deploy, configure, manage and troubleshoot SBS environments, the documents revealed.

the channelinsider.com (July 26, 2005): Microsoft Corp.'s recently disclosed plan to tailor products and programs for small businesses separately from those it designs for midsize companies vindicates the belief many in the channel have had a long time: A universe of differences separates small businesses from those that are midsize.

CRN (July 18, 2005): Steve Ballmer, the Microsoft CEO, recently spoke on the state of the small business market.

Network (July 18, 2005): Microsoft is streamlining its licensing and financing programs to simplify for midsized businesses the acquisition and maintenance of its software in North America and around the globe. The company-wide license has professional and small-business options. The small-business option includes Office for Small Business Edition and the Windows Small Business Server CAL.

Microsoft Watch (July 5, 2005): While Microsoft Corp. company brass are going to detail the small-business and midmarket initiatives that Microsoft will launch in the coming year. The company is expected to launch a new program specifically for partners targeting small businesses, known as the "Small Business Specialist Community."

CRN (July 5, 2005): Microsoft's CRM Next isn't shipping yet, but when it does, it will sport a new name, bring a bunch of new features and be offered to solution providers via Service Provider License Agreements that will enable hosting partners to pay as they go, company executives said. With CRM, Microsoft also plans to inaugurate a Small Business Edition that would be optimized for easy installations and to run with Microsoft Small Business Server 2003.

SmallBusinessComputing.com (June 21, 2005): In the long run, it is the core features of Small Business Server 2003, including centralized e-mail services, a company Web server, and remote access to user desktops, all managed through integrated tools and using a common set of users that will prove the real benefit to your company.

New York Post (June 16, 2005): What were once storefront operations that rolled down the shutters at 6 p.m. often now have computers humming 24 hours a day. They have to – they're competing with blue chips in London and startups in India, and they need technology to stay in the game.

Microsoft Watch (May 20, 2005): Microsoft is making available to customers and partners its security-minded Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Small Business Server (SBS) 2003. SBS 2003 SP1 doesn't include updates for Windows Server 2003 only; it also includes updates to Exchange Server 2003, Outlook 2003, Windows SharePoint Services, ISA Server 2004, and SQL Server 2000.

Windows IT Pro (May 20, 2005): This week, Microsoft shipped the Service Pack 1 (SP1) update for Windows Small Business Server Edition 2003. So what's new in SBS 2003 SP1? First, it includes the latest service packs for Windows Server 2003, Exchange Server 2003, SharePoint Services 2.0, SQL Server 2000, and ISA Server 2000 (and an upgrade to ISA Server 2004 if you use the CD fulfillment option).

SearchWin2000.com (May 20, 2005): Microsoft made its first service pack for Windows Small Business Server 2003 available for download on its Web site. SP1 includes five downloads, so Microsoft cautions administrators to allow sufficient time to deploy them all. The service pack includes the latest security updates on several Microsoft products including: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 Service Pack 1, Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Windows Small Business Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Component, Windows XP Service Pack 2 for client deployment and Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 Service Pack 1 for client deployment.

ENT News (May 19, 2005): Microsoft on Thursday released to manufacturing Service Pack 1 for Windows Small Business Server 2003. The special service pack for Small Business Server also includes Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 SP1 and Exchange Server 2003 SP1. The security and stability update also includes Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Outlook 2003 SP1 both for client deployment.

The Inquirer (April 20, 2005): Small Business Server projects can be priced competitively with Linux and other open source software according to findings in an IDC survey of Microsoft resellers.

CXOtoday.com (March 31, 2005): According to an internal testing by Microsoft, customers can expect increased performance and reliability up to 50%, depending upon workload, after deploying Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

Windows IT Pro (March 30, 2005): On Wednesday evening, Microsoft publicly released the final shipping version of Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1), the long-awaited security update. Windows Server 2003 SP1 is a long time coming--the initial version of Windows Server 2003 shipped almost two years ago--but it includes substantial security updates, some new features, and even performance improvements across the board… Microsoft told me that an SP1 release for Windows Server 2003 Small Business Edition will ship within 60 days.

eWeek (March 25, 2005): With plans for such products as its Midmarket Server in the works, eWeek reports that Microsoft is acting like it wants to be SMBs' best friend.

PressPass Article (October 5, 2004): At its one-year anniversary, the platform is scoring big with customers and partners.

ENT News (October 5, 2004): At the one-year anniversary of the release of Windows Small Business Server 2003, the packaged server for small business is outpacing sales of the previous version of the product, according to Microsoft.