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Windows Small Business Server 2003 review

Friday 17 September 2004, 11:54 AM

Good product for a small business


If you're looking for a product to run for your small business, this is a pretty neat package.

Thing is, it's also Windows. And the thing that most business don't think about is that this server is just as susceptible to infection by viruses and spyware as a regular desktop -- and it can be difficult to remove.

It's also impossible to run the services on multiple servers, so if you outgrow this server, you're going to have to aquire several new ones -- you can't move a service off to a dedicated box and keep using it -- very lame.

We've implemented it successfully for several clients, and it's a good solution overall.

That said, we've had just about the same number of clients run Linux to fill the same gaps in their organization, and they also seem successful.

Until Microsoft starts getting its act together with security instead of just paying it lip service and releasing 100MB service packs that block pop-ups and install firewalls (what *is* the big deal about that?!), I would use this platform with reservations, as most small business just want something "that just works".

We've found clients that try to install and run this software themselves often end up hiring a part time admin to mantain it, so it's not a panacea.

6.0

This Member's Rating

Good

Windows Small Business Server 2003



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Overview

Windows Small Business Server 2003

Editors rating
Rating: 7.8
Verdict

For small companies that need a business in a box and want to stick with Microsoft technology, SBS 2003 is the only game in town.

Typical price

£ 399

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