Common Questions and Answers

Q. I already have a peer-to-peer network. Why do I need Small Business Server?

A. Many growing businesses find that the limits of peer-to-peer networking inhibit thier business growth. Issue and features such as performance, security, group email, and shared calendars and scheduling are all better handled by a client/server model. In addition, Small Business Server offers many other features that are not available or not standard in peer-to-peer networks.

Q. Why would I hire you to install and maintain my Small Business Server network, rather than say, my brother-in-law who knows a lot about computers?

A. Small Business Server is a complex suite of applications, but it is specifically designed to simplify and streamline the use of technology in your business. The proper installation and setup of SBS is a critical step in ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

*Specific* Small Business Server configuration and support experience is a requrement.

I am proud to have received MVP status from Microsoft. There are not a lot of Small Business Server MVP’s worldwide, and presently only three in Canada. As an MVP, I have the luxury of direct support channels and other resources that are not available to everyone.

My small business management/ownership experience spans the entire history of Personal Computers, and I’ve been ‘computerized’ from the start. I know small business, and more importantly, I know what small business wants from their computer technology investment.

I have years of experience installing, configuring, and maintaining Microsoft Small Business Server versions 4.5, 2000, and 2003 (and soon, version 2008) in small business environments just like yours, in the local business community.

Q. What business challenges does Small Business Server help me with?

A. Small businesses need to access, update, share, and store ever-increasing amounts of information. You get the capabilities of a security-enhanced small-business network with storage, printing, collaboration, e-mail, Internet connectivity, support for mobile workers, and faxing.

Here are some specific examples of how Small Business Server empowers your business:

Work Anywhere, Do More

It's easier to increase your competitive edge when you can share information safely and privately, from anywhere anytime. Whether at home on your PC or in a hotel room with your notebook computer, remote technology from Microsoft helps you connect to your business, customers, and information the same way you do in the office.

Microsoft offers advanced mobile computing technology that can help you be more productive. With Windows® Small Business Server 2003, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Mobile Devices, you can accomplish your goals, whether at home or on the road. For instance, Windows XP Professional gives you remote access to data and applications on your PC.

Keep your business running smoothly.

You can stay in touch with e-mail, the company calendar, and your team. You'll always know what's happening back at the office and can be just as productive, even when you're not there.

Focus on your customers.

Respond to customer demands immediately, and stay on top of new business opportunities, in or outside the office.

Get access anytime, anywhere.

Have important documents at your fingertips wherever you go with the Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PC or Windows Mobile device. Or gain remote access via the Internet using the new remote portal in Windows Small Business Server 2003.

Protect your information.

Advanced encryption technology helps protect against hackers, viruses and unauthorized use while you access information remotely.

Communicating effectively with your customers, partners, and employees can save you a lot of time and money.

With a powerful, easy-to-use tool like the Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, you and your employees can quickly connect with customers and each other — so you boost productivity and accomplish your goals faster.

Keep everything in one place.

Windows Small Business Server 2003 is a powerful software solution that lets you and your employees find, retrieve, and share information from one central location. Because everyone has the same information, there's less confusion and greater efficiency.

Retrieve files and e-mail messages easily.

With Windows Small Business Server 2003 and Microsoft Office Small Business Edition 2003, you and your team can access important information from any location, using any device with Web access. Employees can view customer files and e-mail messages from home, or they can review and revise presentations on the road. And just as easily manage databases back at the office. So you'll never be out of touch.

Easily plan meetings and share schedules.

Windows Small Business Server 2003 enables you to schedule meetings across the office or across the country. Using the Web-based shared calendar, you can arrange meetings and conference calls with no schedule conflicts. Send e-mail invitations that attendees can accept or decline, and then remind them by sending an automatic message right before the meeting.

Q. What is included with Small Business Server 2003?

A. Here’s a list of the key features:

Standard Edition Features

Windows Server 2003

• This reliable, security-enhanced operating system helps keep your internal network data available at all times. It also includes the power of the Microsoft Active Directory directory service and its tools.

Windows SharePoint Services

• Team members can communicate and collaborate easily with this new, pre-configured web site solution. Easily manage group activities, work together effectively, and move forward with team projects.

Exchange Server 2003 Technology

• Increase productivity with this infrastructure for communication, messaging, and collaboration. In addition, Microsoft Outlook® Web Access lets team members access their e-mail from any internet connected computer, anywhere in the world.

Microsoft Shared Fax Service

• Now you can fax with fewer telephone lines, right from your desktop anytime you want. Choose to receive faxes through SharePoint or by e-mail — or have them sent directly to your printer.

Microsoft Office Outlook 2003

• Here's a single place for you and your employees to manage and share e-mail, calendars, contacts, and other personal and team information.

Routing and Remote Access Services (RRAS)

• Help protect your Internet connections with this firewall technology. It's especially valuable for branch office deployments, as well as other wide-area network applications.

Premium Edition Features

ISA Server 2000 Technology

• The firewall technology in Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 offers your business secure Internet connectivity, fast Web access, and unified management capabilities.

SQL Server 2000

• This relational database solution provides the data management capability to help your organization adapt quickly in a fast-changing environment.

Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003

• Here are the tools you need to develop a sophisticated website and create customized solutions for Windows SharePoint? Services.

Note that Small Business Server 2008 is due to release later this year. It will build on the already substantial small business productivity features of SBS 2003, and there will be a direct upgrade path.

Q. This looks great, but I wonder if I can afford it.

A. We did mention Small Business prices, and we mean it. Small Business Server 2003 Standard retails for $599 US, the premium version is $1499 - including 5 client access licenses. Additional user licenses can be added for $99 each. Installation and configuration charges vary and are dependent on your specific environment and scenario.

Q. Where can I get more information on Small Business Server?

A. Other than by asking me, you mean? How about the Microsoft Small Business Server web site.