SBS 2003 vs. Windows Server 2003, Std Edition

[leeym]

Can anyone give me detail, or suggest a well written article that describes the pros and cons of Windows SBS 2003 vs. Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition?

Thanks

 

[Fiveohhh]

Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server has the following restrictions:
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Only one computer in a domain can be running Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server.
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Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server must be the root of the Active Directory® forest.
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Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server cannot trust any other domains.
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A Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server domain cannot have any child domains.
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Each additional server must have a Windows Server 2003 for Small Business Server client access license (CAL). You can use CALs for each user or for each device

 

[mikecel79]

Don't forget that SBS 2003 Standard also includes Exchange 2003. SBS 2003 Premium includes ISA Server and SQL 2k. Win2k3 does not include any of them.

If you are going with a medium to large environment (more than 4 or 5 servers) then Win2k3 is the way to go. If it's just a small environment then I would stick with SBS 2003.

 

[Smilin]

Dude, SBS 2003 Standard rocks. 500 bucks and you've got a small business backend.

 

[Buddha Bart]

Yea SBS is bascially designed to be an all-in-one for small biz's (like 3 - 20 employees). It can do your nat/firewalling, vpn tunnel endpoint, exchange, outlook web access, sharepoint portal server, and probably more. Also, it intergrates everything through active directory automatically and is configured by an even easier gui interface. Oh and it can act as a remote-desktop proxy to XP machines inside the network/domain, over the afformentioned vpn tunnel.

 

[DaCurryman]

I'm looking to create a network environment (domain w/ active directory) for my friends and myself. I want to create a windows sever network and am looking at Sever2k3 and SBS2k3.

Basically, I want everyone to have an Outlook e-mail address through Active Directory and am also looking to somehow integrate a current FTP File Server we have.

I'm looking at about 40 users (and growing), so I'm higher than the 20 users recommended for SBS, but I'm not planning on having more than one server as is mentioned that you need Server2k3. Any suggestions?

I also already have Exchange 2k3.

 

[RyanLM]

SBS 2003 is a VERY good product, far better than SBS 2000.

SBS is limited to 75 Users, so you have plenty of room.

Also, you can have more than one server on the network, and even a backup domain controler, you just cant have 2 SBS servers. You cant trust other domains and forrests, and the CALs cost around 50 bucks more than regular cals (because your getting the exchange cal included).

SBS 2003 can do things normal 2003 standard cannot. Such as auto client configuration (with ease anyway), Faxing piped into SharePoint, and other little tweaks.

I always use SBS 2003 unless:
The company is larger than 75 Users (or approaching)
There is an existing Domain/Forest and starting from scratch is not an option
I need to trust other Domains/Forests

or

SBS just doenst fit the need (IE - Web Server/Colo/Dev Server)

Other than that, SBS is always going to save you money.

 

[DaCurryman]

Once I have SBS 2003 running on a server, do I need CALs for each of my friend's computers? Because that would set each of us back like $100 (total of $4000). I don't think we're ready to shell out that kind of money.

Also, if I had Exchange running, would I need all of my friends to VPN to the server (like my company does) to use Outlook, or could it just use a regular internet connection to connect to the server (maybe I can limit access on my end (for security) based on MAC address or something.

 

[Smilin]

Not sure on the CALs. It always comes with some, I'm just not sure how many.

For exchange you could just use OWA (Outlook Web Access) if you want.

 

[DaCurryman]

Originally posted by: Smilin
Not sure on the CALs. It always comes with some, I'm just not sure how many.

For exchange you could just use OWA (Outlook Web Access) if you want.

I want them to be able to use Outlook at their homes and OWA for when they're away from their computer.

 

[DaCurryman]

no help?

 

[mikecel79]

You will still need CALs for them since they are an authenticated user to the server.