Which server Version

[jst0ney]

I am in charge of an office that has 14 clients and 2 servers. Currently we have Windows server 2000 running but I think that its time for an upgrade. We really don't do anything that fancy but would like to get web services and direct push from our exchange serer. Which server version would you reccomend? Any other advice.

 

[spyordie007]

So long as you dont plan on increasing your number of users by a lot in the near future I would go with SBS, it includes Exchange and the cost differance would probably be worth your while...

Erik

 

[RebateMonger]

SBS 2003 is a great product. Basically, it's priced the same as Server 2003 Standard Edition. It's quick to install, reliable, and has several features (including Remote Web Workplace) that even full-blown corporatate Windows Server 2003 implementations don't have. The daily server status reports make it easy to keep an eye on server status and do proactive fixes. The automated backups and status reports are a good way to keep on top of backups. The Exchange Server works well for companies, giving them shared calendars, contacts, etc. as well as several ways to get full remote email/calendar/contact /file access.

SBS 2003 supports up to 75 client PCs. I recommend getting the Premium version, with SQL 2000 and ISA 2004. ISA is a great firewall product. ISA is a really easy and secure way to publish your web, email, and other services to the Internet. SQL is demanded more and more by business applications (like CRM and various accounting applications). You can't beat the price of the package.

Most companies your size don't use a second server when they have SBS, unless they need a Terminal Server.

 

[jst0ney]

Thanks for the replys. I'm thinking that SBS is the way to go.

 

[Slowlearner]

We are in a similar situation as you are (25 users 1 server). For a smaller facility at our second location (1 server 10 users) I even purchased SBS 2003 but what I discovered was that SBS std ed with 5 cals is attractively priced, but the next 5 cals cost just as much SBS itself, thats not the case with Server 2003. And std ed just has exchange - thats it. The premium ed is whats attractive and that costs quite, quite a bit more. You need to price the whole thing out before taking a decision - and the EULA is very restrictive read it carefully. Our isp/phone provider provides that office with 200MB webspace/FTP/25 emails accounts for 100$/year - so we switched to Server 2003 as its cheaper overall. Is it big improvement over Server 2000? I am sure Server 2003 has a thousand enhancements over Server 2000, but at least for us I havent seen many. I plan to stick with Server 2000 at main facility till forced to upgrade.

For the second 5 cal license it took me quite long to figure out what it was - a paper document, an e-something or other, a retail box, a key or what

I must admit that installing SBS 2003 was the easiest install ever and while I do complain about the cost, the total does not add up to a whole lot for a small outfit, where we routinely buy CAM/Test/ERP software for big bucks.

 

[RebateMonger]

SBS CALs certainly have to be considered. SBS CAL licenses are about $100 per client. While that adds up, it's STILL no worse than than the cost of Server 2003 CALS plus Exchange CALS. And, if you ever need SQL, the CAL cost advantage gets even better. ALSO, SBS automatically gives you CALS to all added Member Servers in your domain. If you add another Server 2003 or two, there's NO additional CAL cost.

SBS Premium Edition has been less than $1000 at Newegg. If you buy Windows Server, Exchange, ISA, and SQL separately, you're talking thousands of dollars more, PLUS you STILL have to buy CALS. And it's pretty easy to argue a signficantly lower maintenance cost with SBS than with non-SBS Server.

As always, each customer has to consider their needs/wants/technical abilities and consider what they are getting for their money. I'd argue that paying, maybe, $20-$30 per employee per year for full remote access, automated reporting and backups, licenses to SBS, Exchange, ISA, and SQL is a pretty good deal.