Microsoft SBS Defined
The Standard Edition combines Windows Server 2003, Exchange 2003, Share Point Services and Microsoft Shared Fax Service into an easily managed, quickly deployed package. The Premium Edition adds SQL Server 2000, ISA Server 2000 and Front Page 2003 to the mix. While the Premium Edition might get the initial nod because of its additional feature set, the Test Center believes solution providers will find few customers who require all those features.
For instance, the inclusion of ISA Server 2000 is aimed at businesses looking to leverage a software-based firewall integrated into the operating system, however most small-business implementations can leverage low-cost hardware firewalls. With that in mind, deploying ISA server starts to make less sense for most sites. Also, the Premium Edition's inclusion of SQL Server 2000 is only needed if an additional application requires SQL Server 2000. Many small-business applications come bundled with database engines such as MySQL.
The final element added to the Premium Edition is Front Page 2003. But Front Page 2003 is also available separately as a low-cost upgrade.
Another important consideration is that there is no price penalty to move to the Premium Edition at a later date. Solution providers will be faced with one other factor when deciding what edition to sell: Is the installation an upgrade or is it new? In the case of previous versions of Small Business Server, the only upgrade path is the Premium Edition.
After evaluating both editions of Small Business Server, The CRN Test Center recommends that solution providers choose Standard Edition for new installations and integrate a hardware security appliance that offers content filtering, antispam features and anti-virus services.
For sites requiring SQL Server or sites upgrading from a previous version, solution providers will need to go with the Premium Edition, but should still consider deploying a hardware-based security solution to improve network performance.