Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Small Business OS: Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 presents the most intuitive interface by far among the products in this story. Small-business end users, consultants, in-house IT experts, and VARs responsible for installing and maintaining systems will all appreciate how easy it is to navigate this OS. We also found the Web-based e-mail client Outlook Web Access unparalleled in the number and quality of features offered. And SBS 2003's integration and synchronization features for mobile devices were both impressive and unique.

Using Microsoft's remote-access feature, we felt as if we were sitting at our workplace desktop; there was simply no learning process needed. Such features are handy both for in-house IT managers working from their own workstations within a company and for administrators or VARs that manage systems remotely.

The IT-oriented set will be pleased with the many configuration wizards, which make even the most complex server installation and configuration tasks straightforward. Many server hardware manufacturers are offering the system preinstalled—a benefit for VARs, which can just perform minimal customization at their customers' sites.

SBS 2003 is the first server OS that transparently integrates Exchange, without requiring a separate purchase and dedicated configuration. With this product, Microsoft has set the standard for small business server operating systems.

Net Integration Technologies NITIX Autonomic Linux Server OS earns an honorable mention as an extremely integrated solution that is innovative and secure. This is a good choice for small businesses that want to deploy a comparatively simple infrastructure without ongoing reliance on VARs or highly qualified IT staff for maintenance and management.

Source:http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1436660,00.asp

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