SBS or Windows 2003 Server? (I also posted this in forum931) 1

[postermmxvicom]

I have tried to search for this answer on the internet, but I get swamped with irrelevant results.

What is the differences between 2003 server and small business server? And which one should I get?

We are a small business with <10 users. We need a server for storing/sharing/backing up files (and having access to the network off-site would be nice). Future uses could include SQL server and web/email.

I don't even know what questions are relevant to determine which software I should go with. Please point me in the right direction.

 

[58sniper]

From what you're listing, SBS Premium would likely be a good fit. It combines Windows Server, Exchange 2003, ISA, SQL, Sharepoint, and some darn nice wizards to manage it all.

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

First of all the difference between a Standard Server 2003 and Small Business Server 2003 (SBS) is that SBS is a packaged solution that includes Standard Server 2003 and a lot more.

Think of it as Standard Server 2003 being a Home that is being built... but only the framework has been put up along with the plumbing and electrical. SBS on the other hand, is completely finished, with paint, carpeting, lighting and even furniture.

What usually confuses people the most is that this fully furnished home costs less than the unfinished one. But that's because Microsoft knew that when they sell the unfinished ones (meaning when larger companies buy servers), they generally don't sell just one and if they can get smaller businesses to start with a server the business will grow and will buy more servers.

Now, SBS comes in two versions... Standard and Premium. You'll find a list of what each includes here:

http://sbsurl.com/features

But basically Premium has SQL Server and ISA Server in addition to what's included with Standard, which is Windows Server, Exchange Server (email and calendaring), Active Directory (manages your network permissions/security), IIS (Web Server for mostly internal sites), SharePoint Services (Completely pre-configured Intranet and Document Libraries), Shared Fax Server, and Remote Web Workplace (off-site access to your office desktops).

Since you say that SQL is in the future, there is NO reason to buy the Premium Edition right away because the upgrade is always just the difference in price and there is no reason to buy it or install it until you're ready to use SQL. I'd suggest that you reconsider your thought about waiting to implement Email because Exchange is an important part of SBS and you really can't have an SBS running it's best without it.

I would also suggest that you find a qualified SBS Consultant to install and configure the server for you. But be careful that they are truly SBS qualified because non-SBS techs tend to try and configure an SBS the same way they configure large enterprise servers and that's not good.

If you buy your server from Dell and have them install it, from what I've heard they do a pretty good job. But check for a local Small Business Specialist first (see

http://microsoft.com/smallbiz

for details).

Please advise if you have further questions that I've not covered.


Jeffrey B. Kane [MVP - Small Business Server]
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com

Blog:

http://techsoeasy.spaces.live.com

 

[58sniper]

Jeffrey is exactly right. It's important that you get an SBS qualified consultant. Otherwise, you end up calling Jeffrey, ShackDaddy, myself, or someone similar to come clean the mess!

Pat Richard, MCSE MCSA:Messaging CNA
Microsoft Exchange MVP

 

[postermmxvicom]

Thanks for all your input.

You mention an SBS consultant...is this something that I could not get set up? Is that a dark path to tread down?

Thank you again.

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

I would say it's a very dark path to tread down, which Microsoft has somehow characterized as being a stroll in the park.

Take a read of this

http://sbsurl.com/3x

While that article talks about it taking at least 3 times to get right, consider that it usually takes more. Then consider that if deploying SBS Networks is not what you do for a living, how much is it acutally costing you to do something that can be done better and quicker by someone who has the experience.

I would only warn again, that you should be careful about your choice of consultant and make sure they truly understand SBS. If you want someone local, I'll be happy to get a recommendation for you. But you can also work with someone remotely as well.... and I'm not saying this to solicit the business, but about 50% of my consulting practice is remote work. (Unfortunately the majority of those are for cleaning up messes made by non-qualified installers, but many are to coach someone through a proper deployment).


Jeffrey B. Kane [MVP - Small Business Server]
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com

Blog:

http://techsoeasy.spaces.live.com

 

[ITforSchool]

I am in the process of trying to determine the best solution for a small school. Before I saw Windows Small Business Server, I was going to pursue Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition.

I know what the minimum requirements are for both as well as the "recommended" configurations. But, in practice the hardware requirements are grossly understated.

1) Will Windows Small Business Server run on a Celeron 2.4 GHz box with 2GB RAM and two mirrored hard drives? This is a network that has (on average) 25-30 users working at the same time.

2) Considering the price differences, and the fact that only 50 device client licenses are required, what would be the advantage of Server 2003 Standard when it will all run off the same box anyway?

3) The features of Exchange Server will be disabled in either case, because
the school uses web-based email.

Given these circumstances, and the fact that the school will not have a "regular IT person" after October of this year, I would be interested to know what you all recommend.

Mary

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

Mary,

I'd be happy to asnwer your question, but you really should post it as a separate, new question if you want everyone to see it and get more responses.

Thanks!


Jeffrey B. Kane [MVP - Small Business Server]
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com

Blog:

http://techsoeasy.spaces.live.com

 

[ITforSchool]

Thanks. Will do.

Your reply would be helpful, tho. :^)

Mary

 

[TechSoEasyMVP]

If you're going to post the same question then it wouldn't make sense for me to reply in this thread.

I'll watch for the separate one.


Jeffrey B. Kane [MVP - Small Business Server]
TechSoEasy

http://www.techsoeasy.com

Blog:

http://techsoeasy.spaces.live.com