Microsoft released its Windows Small Business Server 2003 software to hardware makers this week in anticipation of debuting the upgraded computing system to small- and medium-sized businesses sometime next month. Specifically tailored to address the requirements of small businesses, Windows Small Business Server 2003 now makes server technology a viable and approachable option for this underserved market segment.
Bill Veghte, Microsoft Windows Server Group corporate vice president, said Windows Small Business Server 2003 delivers the benefits of enterprise-quality computing to small businesses in a familiar, easy-to-use Windows-based experience.
“We designed Windows Small Business Server 2003 as an integrated package that enables small businesses to easily find, share, communicate and remotely access information with the confidence that their data is secure,” Veghte said.
By tightly integrating and tailoring the features of several core technology components within the Windows Server System, Windows Small Business Server 2003 provides a new level of simplicity for small businesses to adopt server-based computing systems. With Windows Small Business Server 2003, small-businesses can expect to do the following:
- Automatically protect business information. Small businesses can centralize disparate information into a standardized common computing system that helps ensure the right people have access to sensitive information, important files are backed up regularly and their connection to the Internet is secure.
- Enable employees to get more done every day. Employee productivity is enhanced with breakthrough collaboration capabilities, such as Windows SharePoint Services that allow employees to work together remotely through a shared workspace.
- Reach more customers and serve them better, 24 hours a day. Capturing new business opportunities and delivering high customer satisfaction requires small-business owners to professionally manage customer and partner communications through powerful new features in Outlook 2003 with Exchange Server 2003 and to conduct business nonstop with Web sites that are always accessible.
- Quickly set up and easily operate a Windows Server. Innovative wizards capture best practice experiences in straightforward, automated step-by-step tools so that customers can simply and powerfully perform tasks required for day-to-day network management.
“We’re amazed at the increase in productivity we’ve seen since we deployed Windows Small Business Server 2003,” said Roberta Domres Laird, information systems manager at the Center for Health Training in Seattle. “Because we don’t worry about the technology, we can all focus more on providing better support and service to our clients.”
The Standard Edition of Windows Small Business Server 2003 software is priced at $599 for a five-user license. Additional client access licenses (CALs) are $99 each. The server software can connect up to 50 PCs or users.