Microsoft Confirms Lite Version Of Windows Small Business Server 2003

The software giant plans to formally announce Tuesday a release candidate of Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2003, code-named Bobcat, as well as the availability of two versions, including a Standard edition that contains Windows 2003 and Exchange 2003 only.

CRN first reported plans for this lite version of SBS that would not contain SQL Server and Internet Security & Acceleration (ISA) Server in January.

Microsoft also plans to ship this fall a Premium edition with upgrades of the same servers that are currently in SBS 2000, including Windows 2003, Exchange 2003, SQL Server and ISA Server, a spokesman said.

While Microsoft declined to discuss pricing, sources have said the lite version will carry a sticker price of less than $1,000, as the company competes against lower-priced Linux offerings and Novell Small Business Suite in the growing small- and midsize-business markets. SBS 2000 is currently priced at roughly $1,500, though discounts are available for solution providers.

The news comes as Microsoft Monday released Exchange 2003 to manufacturing.

Channel partners applauded the launch of an entry-level version.

"The two-SKU idea is great," said Eliot Sennet, president of ESI Enterprises, Newton, Mass., a small-business solution provider. "Not too many of our Small Business Server clients have taken advantage of the SQL Server or ISA Server components of Small Business Server. Many have no client/server database that runs on SQL, and many have inexpensive firewall appliances that reduce the need for ISA. With the entry-level SKU offered so inexpensively, clients will be able to afford best-of-breed products in the two areas they all agree they need -- file/print services and e-mail services."

Another solution provider agreed. "I think the new lower-priced SKU for SBS with Windows and Exchange is a great move," said Michael Goldstein, a vice president at LAN Associates, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "Most of my Small Business Server clients do not utilize the SQL Server portion of SBS."

Yet another Microsoft solution provider said the availability of Standard and Premium editions will help drive his services business.

"We have a small-business customer participating in the SBS Rapid Adoption Program," said Michael Cocanower, president of ITSynergy, Phoenix. "They will be moving from a competitive product to Exchange 2003 as part of the project."