There is good news right around the corner. Somewhere in the middle of summer, Microsoft will release a long-awaited update to its popular Windows Small Business Server product, known affectionately as SBS 2008. The timing couldn’t be better for several reasons impacting both small and medium business (SMB) channel partner consultants and small business customers.
Small Business Customers – Taking Technology To The Next Level!
The release of SBS 2008 requires a hardware-level upgrade for most small businesses to 64-bit processor technology. That suggests good times ahead for server manufacturers and for SMB consultants. But even better times are ahead for small businesses. Going to 64-bit technology is not as absurd in developed countries as you might think. Remember that patter you felt in your heart when you went from 8-bit to 16-bit back in the 80s? And it was an outright love affair in the 90s with 32-bit technology. It is truly only going to get better in the current wave of upgrades with 64-bit because of larger “capacity” in your technology infrastructure. How will the small business customer see this play out? I predict line of business applications, such as Customer Relationship Management software packages, will go to the next level in terms of database capabilities and speed. Techies are looking forward to more memory space. Gamers are salivating at a new wave of computer games.
Practically speaking – I am excited to see how Cyndi (our operations director) can better use her 64-bit Vista-based laptop in a complete 64-bit scenario running SBS 2008.
Consultants Fill Their $$$ Coffers Serving Small Business
In past articles, I have spoken to existing SMB consultants and those hoping to become SMB consultants. We are an inclusive technology community and welcome everyone of every stripe from every walk of life. The introduction of SBS 2008 later this year will make a significant impact on the livelihood of SMB consultants seeking the opportunity to further serve small business customers.
How? Witness the following facts
• SBS 2003 is now five years old and the time has arrived for a natural and orderly technology upgrade inside the small business.
• The SBS product line is now ten years in age and has matured into a well-respected and capable network infrastructure that allows small businesses to function at a higher-level. Small businesses look larger than life.
• Bad SBS-isms have been exercised. I recently published an article in our SMB Partner Community magazine by Jeff Middleton that spoke towards deflating old and tired SBS myths. The first couple of SBS releases were defined by some product optimizations that were hurtful. Throw in a few bugs and blue screens and you had a nasty SBS aftertaste in some cases. That has disappeared and I truly believe SBS 2008 will give the most bitter old school SBS consultant reason to revisit this new release.
Nitty Gritty Details
SBS 208 is coming in two versions: standard and premium. This allows you to right size the right version for the small business.
SBS 2008 Standard Edition has:
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2007
• Microsoft Forefront – Security for Exchange Server
• Windows Live – OneCare for Server
• Microsoft Office Live Integration- Small Business
SBS 2008 Premium Edition has:
• Everything in SBS 2008 Standard Edition
• Another additional copy of Windows Server 2008
• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 – Standard Edition
In a future article, I will further define SBS 2008. For more information right now, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver/essential/sbs.
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Harry Brelsford is the CEO of SMB Nation on Bainbridge Island, WA and can be reached via www.smbnation.com.
