Microsoft launches small business server

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 10 Oct 2003 at 11:04

Setting up a business server in a matter of hours is quite a claim to make, but this is what Microsoft says its Windows Small Business Server 2003 product will allow businesses to do.

'Small-business customers tell us that for technology to effectively address their business challenges, they need solutions that are simple, familiar, economical and comprehensive,' said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft.

When pre-installed on machines, Windows Small Businesss Server 2003 offers an automated and integrated set up procedure that includes deployment of an organisation's email, intranet (using Windows Sharepoint Services) and contact database.

The product also addresses business's needs to automate data backups and recovery with the Backup Wizard.

Microsoft touts figures such as '20 per cent more' productivity, with real-world examples where customers using the new product gained five per cent sales while grabbing back an annual $15,000 to $20,000 a year.

Standard Edition with a five-user licence costs $599; the Premium Edition with a five-user licence costs $1,499.

Vendors HP and Dell already have systems available although we are still awaiting UK pricing.