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Read these model questions and answers to help your prospects understand Microsoft® Windows® Small Business Server 2003 (SBS 2003).
Questions are divided into categories. After each answer, you can click a link to return to the top of this page, or to the top of an FAQ category.
To read the FAQs on Microsoft's website, visit:
 www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/overview/generalfaq.mspx
Product Information
System requirements, edition differences, components, features and benefits, etc.
Server Upgrades And Migration
Upgrading and migrating from different Windows Server™ products, etc.
Networking And Security
Firewall information, etc.
Outlook® Web Access and E-mail
Outlook® and e-mail info, etc.
Mobile Access
Mobile device info, synchronization info, etc.
General Licensing
Client access licenses, prices, etc.
Competition
Linux, other competitors, etc.
Why does Microsoft offer two versions of SBS 2003?
The two versions of SBS 2003 address cost and security challenges by allowing you to choose the right version for your business.
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What is the difference between the two editions?
SBS 2003 is available in two editions: Standard and Premium. Both editions are great solutions, and small businesses can choose the best product depending on their needs.
SBS 2003 Standard Edition:
SBS 2003 Premium Edition:
- Also includes Windows Server™ 2003 and Microsoft® Exchange Server 2003 technology
- Adds Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2000, Microsoft® Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, and Microsoft® Office FrontPage® 2003
- Ideal for small businesses with broader IT needs, such as data-intensive line-of-business applications, or firewall and Web-caching capabilities
SBS 2003 Standard Edition offers prospects:
- File sharing and centralizing
- Built-in firewall protection and Internet security
- Data backup and restore capabilities
- Resource sharing (printer, applications)
- Out-of-the-box internal company website
- Remote access to information and resources
- E-mail name—for example, Julie@juliescards.com
SBS 2003 Premium Edition offers all the features of the Standard Edition, plus:
- Powerful database system to run business applications
- A multilayered firewall for enhanced security
- Tools for internal monitoring and management of Internet access
- Website-publishing software
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What are the system requirements for SBS 2003?
For both SBS 2003 Standard and Premium Editions:
- 550 MHz or faster processor clock speed (300 MHz min.)
- Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor
- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
- Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution monitor; VGA or hardware that supports console redirection
- Keyboard and Microsoft® mouse or compatible pointing device, or hardware that supports console redirection
- Ethernet network interface card from the Windows Server™ 2003 Hardware Compatibility List
Standard Edition
- 384 MB RAM or higher suggested (256 MB min., 4 GB max.)
- 4 GB of available hard-disk space
Premium Edition:
- 512 MB of RAM or higher suggested (256 MB minimum; 4 GB max.)
- 5 GB of available hard-disk space (2 GB required if upgrading from Microsoft® Windows® Small Business Server 2000)
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How many processors does SBS 2003 support?
SBS 2003 supports up to two physical CPU processors, and up to four virtual CPU processors.
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How many workstations can be supported by SBS 2003?
SBS 2003 supports a maximum of 75 workstations. However, prospects can purchase the SBS 2003 Transition Pack to protect their investment and transition to full server products.
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Why should I trust SBS 2003 Standard Edition to secure my system if it doesn't include Microsoft® ISA Server 2000?
- SBS 2003 is built on Windows Server™ 2003 technology, which includes basic firewall features and security enhancements.
- Both editions are secure and include firewalls. The technology in SBS 2003 Standard Edition delivers firewall features using the
Windows® Routing and Remote Access Services, whereas ISA Server 2000 allows management and monitoring capabilities,
such as restricting specific users from accessing the Internet.
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Which clients are supported by SBS 2003?
- Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional and Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional.
- Microsoft® Windows® 9x products (Windows® 98, etc.) are supported by SBS 2003, but must be manually configured.
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I'm interested in upgrading to SBS 2003. How difficult is it?
- Not at all. Microsoft made an investment in migration tools so your upgrade will be easy and straightforward.
- If you're upgrading from NT4, you'll see an immediate improvement in productivity without complexity.
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Why should I upgrade to SBS 2003 from SBS 2000?
There are many reasons to upgrade:
- You can remotely access business information and resources from a PC that's connected to the Internet.
- You can schedule automatic backups of your business information.
- You can easily retrieve deleted files and restore earlier versions of files.
- You can find and share your business information from one central location.
- It's easier to use, thanks to a new user interface that makes setup and management a snap.
- It's faster.
And remember, SBS 2003 includes two editions to choose from, Standard and Premium.
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Why should I upgrade to SBS 2003 from NT4?
- All the reasons to upgrade to SBS 2003 from SBS 2000, as listed in the previous question.
- SBS 2003 includes additional security features and enhanced performance.
- Microsoft will not support NT4 servers after December 31, 2004.
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I'm running Windows Server 2000™. Can I upgrade directly to SBS 2003?
Yes. You can upgrade from Windows Server 2000 to SBS 2003, even if the computer running Windows Server 2000 is a domain controller.
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What is the SBS 2003 Transition Pack?
- The SBS 2003 Transition Pack allows you to grow out of SBS 2003 into the standard line of server products, and helps protect your technology investment.
- The transition pack contains both technology and licensing components.
Read more about migration here:
www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/productdoc/topic.mspx
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Why should I trust SBS 2003 Standard Edition to secure my system if it doesn't include ISA Server?
SBS 2003 is built on Windows Server™ 2003 technology, which includes basic firewall features and security enhancements.
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Does SBS 2003 support hardware firewall devices?
- SBS 2003 fully supports external hardware firewall devices.
- SBS 2003 can automatically detect and configure most Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) devices by using the Configure E-Mail and Internet Connection Wizard, but the wizard may not be able to configure UPnP devices that use a proprietary implementation of the protocol.
- Consult the documentation that came with the device to manually configure firewall settings.
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Does SBS 2003 include Microsoft® Office Outlook® 2003?
- Yes. Both SBS 2003 Standard Edition and Premium Edition include Outlook® 2003.
- Each SBS 2003 client access license (CAL) allows either one user or one device to run a copy of Outlook® 2003.
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Can SBS 2003 help me block unsolicited e-mail (spam)?
- Yes. SBS 2003, which includes Microsoft® Exchange Server 2003, can be
configured to block some spam, and Outlook® 2003 also blocks spam using
enhanced filters.
- These filters can be configured automatically using SBS 2003.
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Can I use SBS 2003 Backup to recover individual e-mail messages and files that have been deleted from a user's mailbox?
- No, SBS 2003 cannot be used to restore individual e-mail messages or files from user mailboxes.
- However, SBS 2003 stores deleted e-mail messages and files on the server for a period of time so an end user can restore them without assistance from the person responsible for the network.
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Can I use my old mobile phone to read my e-mail that is stored by SBS 2003?
Yes. You can read e-mail messages by using any phone that is based on Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) 2.x or later.
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Can I use my Smartphone or Pocket PC Phone to connect to SBS 2003?
- SBS 2003 configures connectivity for your Smartphone or Pocket PC Phone when the device connects to a client computer within the network.
- You can send and receive e-mail and manage contacts and calendar items as if you were sitting at a desktop computer.
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How will these products be licensed?
- You'll pay for a server license that includes 5 client access licenses (CALs).
- In addition, CALs can be deployed either per-user or per-device.
For more information on CALs, visit the Microsoft FAQ:
www.microsoft.com/WindowsServer2003/sbs/techinfo/overview/licensingfaq.mspx
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What is the difference between a device CAL and a user CAL?
- A device CAL permits one device (used by any user) to access the server software.
- A user CAL permits one user (using any device) to access the server software.
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Why is Microsoft offering both user CALs and device CALs for SBS 2003?
Microsoft offers both user and device CALs for SBS 2003 so that you can implement a licensing plan that allows users to access
the network with laptops, desktop PCs, and also remote devices such as Pocket PCs and Smartphones.
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Was the introduction of SBS 2003 Standard Edition a way to compete with Linux at a lower price point?
- Microsoft's primary objective was to deliver an integrated product that includes valuable innovations to address the needs of small business customers.
- SBS 2003 Standard Edition is perfect for customers who want the value from the complete product but don't need the capabilities of the Premium Edition.
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Why are people so interested in Linux?
- Customers appear to be interested in what they perceive as Linux's cost advantage.
- Recent news indicates that the current perceptions around Linux might warrant a second look.
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But Linux is free. Why would a small business choose to pay for technology they can get for free?
- Our small business customers tell us that they don't have the IT resources in-house to handle extremely technical IT deployments.
- Why spend large amounts of time setting up, configuring, and managing your computer system when you should be focusing on your business problems?
- Linux requires more time for installation and configuration, which leads to higher service costs.
- Customers tell us they want a turnkey product that works right out of the box so they can spend time on business problems, not IT problems.
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Why shouldn't small businesses with simple infrastructure requirements choose
Linux servers over Windows®—especially as both have comparable performance for simple workloads like file and print?
- For the simple workloads, our customers tell us they are most concerned about ROI, ease of administration, price performance, and getting a complete product.
- SBS 2003 is easier to use, deploy, and manage than Linux-based offerings with a "roll-your-own" approach—even for simple workloads.
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Will Microsoft ever develop its own flavor of Linux and/or does it have plans to port its applications to Linux?
- Windows® provides greater business value and lower long-term costs than competing platforms, including Linux.
- Microsoft does not have any plans to port to Linux or develop its own version of it.
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