Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003

Big Company Technology at a Small Company Price

Microsoft now provides small businesses access to the same technology that is used by big corporate companies at an affordable price. Microsoft Small Business Server enables you to compete on a level playing field and deliver the benefits of personal service that small businesses can offer their customers over the larger organisations.

What is Microsoft Small Business Server?

Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 is an integrated suite of business software with many features used by large companies – Email, Internet Access, Intranets, Remote Access, Mobile Device support, File & Printer sharing, Backup & Restore, specifically designed for companies with up to 75 users.

Why should I use Small Business Server?

Microsoft Small Business Server includes tools to make your employees more productive, your business function more efficiently and reduce costs by providing:

• Centralised Business Information
• The Ability to Work from Anywhere
• Run Powerful Business Applications
• Streamline Customer Communication
• Present a Professional Image
• Invest in a Product You Can Grow With

What is included with Microsoft Small Business Server 2003?

Feature/Benefit	Product	Standard	Premium
Protected, reliable operating system with easy-to-use network tools and network security File, print and application sharing Robust firewall for improved security and data protection	Windows Server® 2003
Internal company Website (Intranet) for sharing documents, calendars and tasks	Windows® SharePoint® Services
Streamlined professional email and messaging system Shared Calendaring   Expanded mailbox limits to 75G	Exchange Server® 2003 SP2   Office Outlook® 2003
Automated network-wide patch and update management   Daily report on status of desktops and servers running Microsoft software	Windows Server® Update Services
Fax with fewer phone lines from desktops   Receive faxes by email or printer	Shared Fax Service
Powerful, integrated data management and reporting solution	SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition
Firewall for multi-layer security   Tools to manage and monitor internal internet access	Internet and Security Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004
Website development tools	Office® FrontPage® 2003

We do not have any in-house IT expertise, how easy is it to get support?

Microsoft Small Business Server uses standard technology and is widely supported by IT companies. Microsoft has an accreditation program specifically for Small Business Server, look for this logo when choosing a suitably qualified company to look after your network solution.

What do I need to run Small Business Server 2003?

Microsoft's minimum specification is a dedicated server with a 750Mhz Processor and 512Mb RAM with 16Gb free of Hard Disk Space. Obviously that is only the minimum specification and Axis First would recommend a 1.7Ghz Processor or above with 2Gb RAM. If you have a requirement to run a large SQL Server database, we would recommend a dual processor solution and 4Gb RAM.

My business is only small; I can not afford to invest heavily in IT equipment and expertise. How much does Small Business Server 2003 cost?

As Microsoft Small Business Specialists and a small business ourselves; Axis First understand the challenges of limited resources and finances that are faced by smaller companies. We use a few handpicked finance companies that can offer finance options on IT equipment, software and installation to help spread the cost, maintain cashflow and may also provide some tax benefits.

See our Financing your IT Solutions factsheet for more details.

This all sounds good, but what real benefits will I see for my business?

Axis First have been working with Small Business Server for nearly ten years. In that time, we have helped several companies to expand their businesses, increase productivity and save money. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your business and understand your needs in order to help realise the potential benefits that Small Business Server 2003 can bring to your organisation.

Please don't just take our word for it, contact a member of our sales team on 01278 421020 for some case studies or to arrange to speak to some of our customers who are already experiencing the benefits of using Microsoft Small Business Server 2003.

I am interested in purchasing Microsoft Small Business Server, what is the best way to purchase it?

There are 3 main ways of purchasing the Small Business Server software. If you are intending to purchase new hardware, then the most cost-effective way to obtain Small Business Server is via OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Licensing. This offers a significant saving on the software, but can only be supplied with new hardware and is only valid for the life of that piece of hardware and can not be transferred to a new server at a later date.

Secondly, if you have one of Microsoft's qualifying products, you are entitled to a product upgrade to Small Business Server 2003. These products include all previous versions of Small Business Server.

The last way to purchase the software is what is known as full retail product, this effectively is buying the software off the shelf at its full retail value.