Windows Small Business Server 2008 Review

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 9:07
Software
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Technology is an integral part of every business firm, whether it is a multi-national company or a small organization. But the small companies generally have very limited technical resource. The Microsoft’s Windows Small Business Server 2008, in terms of functionality and ease of use, can be a good option for such companies. However, the package offered by Microsoft is not cheap, especially if you need to use full features of the package as expert help will be required. It has been revamped to ease the daily tasks like, daily server administration, backup and security.

The software is easy to install. So, you don’t need any specialist for that. But there are lot more functions that most small businesses don’t require.

The software is available in Standard and Premium, both are based on Windows Server 2008 OS. The Exchange Server is included in the Standard Edition which means that SBS is 64-bit only. The Exchange Server is provided to support e-mail, with SharePoint Services 3.0. The Standard Edition is priced at $1089. The number of users is limited to 75 and the host server must be the domain controller.

The Premium Edition costs around $1899 and SQL Server is its most attracting point. You are also provided with a copy of Windows server 2008 to run it on a separate host.
The installation takes a few hours as lot of code is loaded. Exchange Server is installed automatically with complete Outlook Web Access. The common features that are required by small businesses are also installed during the process with the creation of internal website and remote web workplace.

The server interface has been improved over previous versions, separate tabs are provided for easy navigation. The SBS features new wizards that help with tasks like adding new users, creating websites and new shares. The backup facility enables you to take backups to external hard drive. Adding Local client PC’s is automatic and link labelled ‘Internal Website’ allows user to share documents and tasks. But if you try to do some advanced things, the situation becomes a bit complex for you unless you are adept at whatever you are trying to do.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 looks to be a mixed bag. It has a lot to offer to small businesses. But to fully use the features of SBS 2008, most small businesses will require expert help.