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SBS 7, the next frontier

SBS 7 is coming. I have yet to play with my Beta however, it is being talked about everywhere so I thought I would write up what I know. Just like previous versions of SBS, there are going to be 2 versions. Unlike previous versions, they behave like separate products.

Rather than there being a basic and premium version (Same base SBS including Exchange etc, and then additional features in the premium version), there are almost two different products. One puts the email services into the cloud (think BPOS) and the other gives you the traditional mix of a local install of Exchange etc.

Microsoft are trying to make it easier for small businesses to back-up their data, collaborate, and share information. They are concentrating on

Sharing documents from a central location.

Recovering files with automatic backup if accidentally lost.

Organizing and accessing company business information from virtually anywhere.

Run important business software and applications.

Codename: Aurora

The first of the two packages (Windows Small Business Server Code Name “Aurora”) is being touted as the Ideal First Server for Small Businesses. I am personally hoping it is more than a "Foundation server" with BPOS bolted on and some offerings from ISV's. It is limited to 25 users, and a move towards cloud provided services.

"Aurora" uses many of the features of project Vail (Windows Home Server) so you will see many similarities.

“Aurora” has been designed easy to set up right out of the box. It’s meant to be easy to run and easy to maintain. It’s marketed as a full server…everything a small business needs in a server and nothing it doesn’t.
“Aurora” comes with computer and server back-up, file sharing, remote access, and support for running business software.

Many small businesses run services and applications that power their business directly from the internet. “Aurora” will connect to many of these applications, providing a single hub to manage all these pieces. That means fewer passwords to remember, fewer website URLs to track, and more time to run the business. (I suspect programs like Microsoft Dynamics, Exchange, SharePoint and more).

You can manage internet applications from your “Aurora” console with a simplified, easy to set up connection.

Customers can have local services being provided as needed, while also looking at cloud offerings for specific features. For those of you looking to test out some new ways of delivering services to your customers, Aurora is definitely worth investigating, but it can work as a pure on premise solution while running line of business applications locally as well, so don't think it's only about the cloud.

Windows Small Business Server 7

Windows Small Business Server 7 is touted as a Complete On Premise Solution

“SBS 7” is an update to the traditional offering with a refresh of the components inside, designed specifically to provide small businesses with a complete IT solution for their business needs. It’s perfect for small businesses who already have a server or prefer to use email and collaboration tools hosted directly on premise.

It is much like it's predecessor, designed for people who want enterprise class technology in an affordable, all-in-one suite.
As per the last version, it supports up to 75 Client Access Licenses. It can automatically back-up your server, help you organize and access files from virtually anywhere and has advanced e-mail, calendar, and document sharing capabilities.

Much the same as the current SBS 2008, with newer components.

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