Microsoft updates SMB server line

Microsoft Corp. has updated its all-in-one server for small businesses, and added an additional product to its server line for mid-sized businesses with up to 300 users.

Windows Small Business Server accommodates up to 75 users, while larger businesses now have the option of Windows Essential Business Server 2008, according to Constanza Zalba, product manager for SMB servers for Microsoft Canada.

“Canada is primarily a small and mid-size country,” Zalba said. And Canadian SMBs tend to view IT differently from their American counterparts; while only 30 per cent of U.S. SMBs have an internal IT staff, 60 per cent of Canadia SMBs do, she said.

“Technology takes on a much more strategic importance in the company (in Canada),” she said.

Steve Tong, manager of information systems for Toronto Grace Hospital, said the hospital had been running the 2003 version of Small Business Server. The central management window for SQL, Exchange and SharePoint servers “made the difference” in the decision to go to EBS.

“It almost gives me a dashboard view in the morning” of the status of the network, Tong said. Using the single server package means a 30 to 40 per cent savings, and a reduction from seven servers to three.

Grace’s IT staff of three – supporting 275 users on about 100 machines -- had only a week to migrate the system onto the new platform, but since it has a similar look and feel to SBS 2003, they were confident they’d be able to go live on time, Tong said. The migration took place in 10 to 12 hours over a weekend.

An included migration tool checks for active directory and DNS issues and the like, then graphically designs the new network, saving the design as an XML file.

The server was deployed on an Intel Modular 5000 server with an integrated storage area network donated by Intel Corp.

Via:itworldcanada.com/a/Daily-News/6eaf3a92-63af-4191-98f9-b26ca224a050.html

Microsoft Demos Windows Server 2008 R2

Bill Laing, vice president of Windows Server and Solutions, and Rob Williams, Microsoft's senior program manager, presented and demonstrated Windows Server 2008 from the small business to the enterprise. Specifically, they presented Windows Server 2008 R2, which will tentatively be released in 2010.

The keynote started with a presentation of 24 categories of Windows Server 2008, from home server up to enterprise class server flavors.

The first product presented was the upcoming Small Business Server and Essential Business server updates to Windows Server 2008. These will be presented on November 12 on the Microsoft Web site, hedreamserver.com. Essential Business Server is aimed at small- and medium-sized businesses that need server functionality but don't already have a server.

The meat of the presentation was several demos of the upcoming Windows Server 2008 R2. R2 is currently in pre-beta, and the full beta is expected next year. As previously announced, R2 will be 64-bit only, with support for x64 and Itanium. R2's features include streamlined management tools, integration with Windows 7, an enterprise class foundation, and enhancements for virtualization and consolidation.

Windows 7 support will include the seamless integration of Windows 7 PCs with the corporate environment, whether that PC is on the corporate LAN or on the Internet.

Laing and Williams demoed a Windows 7 PC that was connected to the Internet and the Microsoft corporate network, even though the PC is physically in Los Angeles and the corporate LAN is in Redmond, Wash. The PC connected seamlessly without the need for extra VPN software. The Windows 7 PC was also subject to corporate group policy updates, in this case a mandate that external USB drives be encrypted with BitLocker.

They also demoed enterprise-class scaling with a SQL server running 192 logical cores (combination of "real" silicon and HyperThreading). R2 will be scalable up to 256 logical cores, up from the current 64 core support in Windows Server 2008.

Last but not least, there was a demo of Hyper-V, the latest in Windows Server virtualization. Hyper-V was shown running instances of Vista, Windows Server 2003 with multi-core and 64-bit support, and Linux. The last demo was when Williams moved a running VM from one physical node to another, without any hiccups or having to reboot the VM. To the end user, this would've seemed like nothing had happened.

Source:pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2334055,00.asp

Microsoft announces Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft has released details of the upcoming second release of its Windows Server 2008 operating system at its Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles this week.

The updated OS includes a range of new features, including support for web applications, better virtualisation and improved scalability and reliability.

Virtualisation will be a key feature of the new OS, with Microsoft announcing that Server 2008 R2 will include 'Live Migration', a feature which allows users to move a virtual machine between two computers running Microsoft's Hyper-V hypervisor. Microsoft said that the new version of Hyper-V shipped with Server 2008 R2 will include better management features.

Microsoft also said that Server 2008 R2 has many features specifically designed to work with client computers running the upcoming Windows 7, including better usability and accessibility.

According to the reviewer's guide published on Microsoft's website, Server 2008 R2 will be available exclusively as a 64-bit OS.

Source: zdnet

Configure Server 2008 with these handy shortcuts

Windows Server 2008’s interface is quite a change from the familiar interfaces of Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Server. Find out how you can get the most important configurations via a command line.

You may see blank stares when administrators try to accomplish tasks in the new Windows Server 2008 environment. When a simple MMC (Microsoft Management Console) snap-in won't do the trick, try my most frequently used command lines for Windows Server 2008.

• ncpa.cpl: The additional clicks to get to the Manage Network Connections configuration are among the bigger learning curves for new installations. Simply running ncpa.cpl will take you right to the interface's configuration.
• desk.cpl: The display and resolution configuration are also buried in different areas, but you can quickly access the resolution by running desk.cpl.
• appwiz.cpl: Skip the visit to the Control Panel and simply run appwiz.cpl to jump into the Programs And Features applet.
• sysdm.cpl: It is not as easy as right-clicking My Computer anymore, but running sysdm.cpl can take you to the system properties screen to perform server renames, domain joins and device manager access and enable remote desktop.
• CompMgmtLauncher.exe: You can quickly access this server manager (which is much different than in Windows NT 4 version) by running CompMgmtLauncher.exe.

These handy shortcuts can help you make the transition to Windows Server 2008 quickly and, in some cases, perform tasks in the same fashion as in previous versions of Windows Server.

Microsoft exec touts technology for rural business

The chief research and strategy officer of Microsoft Corp. sat in a conference room of the company's Fargo campus and talked about technology that could help small business in rural states.

Mundie has spent 15 years leading Microsoft's campaign to improve wireless broadband capacity in the United States and around the world. For the last several years, he's been working with government regulators on the possibility of using the unused spectrum between television channels to deliver broadband access.

The so-called "white spaces proposition" could help rural states like North Dakota, where companies don't find it economical to build cell towers because of the small population.

"To me, the power of this white spaces is that if you want to build a community alternative, where you could at least have the equivalent of a cell phone walkie-talkie capability just to make local calls in Fargo, that would probably make a lot of people happy," Mundie said. "It at least creates an alternative."

Once the broadband problem is solved, Mundie expects people in rural areas to demand technology that will allow remote working capability. That means communication systems will have to be linked, he said.

"My belief is that the cost of these technologies can be driven down and novel ways of programming them from a software usage point of view will allow them to become more integrated," he said.

Mundie was in North Dakota to speak at a technology conference and visit the Fargo division, which handles software for businesses and other operations, including customer support, payroll and information technology. He cited his relationship with Doug Burgum, the former head of Microsoft's Fargo operation, and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D.

"I think the two of them conspired to decide to ask me to come and talk (at the conference)," Mundie said. "And I wanted to visit the Microsoft Fargo campus, so it was sort of a 'twofer' at that point."

Mundie joined Microsoft in 1992 to create and run the company's consumer platforms division and eventually became a chief technical officer. He was promoted to his current post after Bill Gates announced he was giving up day-to-day duties of running the company.

Mundie, who reports directly to CEO Steve Ballmer, currently oversees technology and research projects and works with government and business leaders around the world on technology policy and regulation.

"It's startling how often somebody would come up to me or Bill Gates and say, 'Well, this software thing, I guess we've kind of seen it all,'" Mundie said. "It's just hilarious because we're just at the tip of the beginning of this thing. We haven't seen it all."

Source: seattlepi.nwsource.com

Top 10 Reasons to Use Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS 2003 R2) is an advanced solution for productivity and security, designed to help you keep businesses like yours up and running, so you can do more with less and connect with customers more effectively. SBS 2003 R2 provides many of the features used by large companies, all in one affordable, integrated solution.

1. Protect your business and prevent data loss

A more secure infrastructure protects your business from unauthorized users and data loss with:

• Built-in firewall protection and security-enhanced remote access.
• Tools to manage and monitor Internet access, block spammers, and automatically remove dangerous e-mail attachments to help prevent virus attacks.
• Automatic data backup and the ability to retrieve and restore previous versions.

2. Get the "green check" of software health

Automated patch and update management tools keeps PCs and servers up to date, and a daily report is e-mailed to you (or your IT consultant) so you can identify issues before they occur. A green check indicates that your system is healthy, or the report details actions necessary for attaining "green check" status.

3. Keep your business up and running with a reliable network

Built on Windows Server 2003 technology, the most reliable network operating system Microsoft has ever produced, SBS 2003 R2 delivers an operating system you can depend on.

4. Optimize your Windows investment

Built on Windows technology, SBS 2003 R2 enables you to benefit from efficiencies and savings inherent in having an integrated network.

• Reduce training with familiar Microsoft products and tools.
• Run your application of choice: a powerful database in the Premium Edition supports the largest selection of business software applications.
• Microsoft products are designed to work together, so applications and hardware integrate effortlessly.

5. Increase productivity with one central location for company data

SBS 2003 R2 provides a central location to store your company data, so employees can:

• Quickly find the right information.
• Share record keeping.
• Communicate and collaborate on group projects.

6. Access business information and resources from virtually anywhere, anytime

Be productive, whether you're out of the office, at home, or on the road.

• Securely access your e-mail, internal Web sites, network files, and even business applications from any PC with an Internet connection.
• Easily access e-mail, schedules, and contacts from virtually anywhere, at anytime using a Microsoft Windows Mobile-based or Smartphone device.
• Communicate in real time to stay current with your company and customers.

7. Reduce costs by sharing printers, Internet access, faxes, and more

As a complete network solution, SBS 2003 R2 enables your business to get more done with what you already have.

• Share resources, like Internet access and business software.
• Share equipment, including printers and fax machines.
• Fax with fewer phone lines and send faxes directly from PCs.

SBS 2003 R2 is easy for your IT consultant to install and maintain, helping to lower the costs of network management.

8. Present a more professional image

Get the tools you need to help create a strong brand, including a customized Web site that resides on your server – no sharing of your domain name with a Web hosting company. And with your own e-mail domain hosted on your server, there's no sharing of your address with an Internet service provider. SBS 2003 R2 helps you build credibility with your customers.

9. Stay connected to your customers and serve them better

With SBS 2003 R2, you can stay more connected, present a professional appearance, and manage your customer relationships more effectively. Server technology can streamline customer communications, allowing you to:

• Access the facts you need in real time.
• Respond to customer inquires more quickly and accurately.
• Stay connected while on the road with remote access capabilities.

10. Get a platform that is easy to grow for today and tomorrow

SBS 2003 R2 is a robust, flexible platform that can be customized to your needs. Affordable today and scalable for tomorrow, it provides a solid "technology building block" for future technology enhancements to your business. SBS 2003 R2 has the flexibility to grow with your company. As your business expands, you can add additional servers and migrate seamlessly to the full line of Windows Server System products.

Source: microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/top.mspx

IBM Seeks To Push Blade Servers To Small Businesses

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) will seek to push its blade servers to small and medium-sized businesses with the release of a package of multiple storage devices on a single blade-based box.

Blades, which IBM has manufactured for some time, have become increasingly attractive because they are considered relatively cost and energy efficient.

"We already had a blade chassis for small to medium-sized businesses, but what we've added is the ability to share the storage between all the blades," Alex Yost, vice president for IBM BladeCenter, said.

IBM, along with other hardware manufacturers, is banking on the growth of the blade market. It has already created blade.org, a program aimed at providing development help to start-ups which target this space. Yost said the market for selling blades to small businesses was largely untapped.

IBM was the world's largest server vendor globally in the second quarter of 2008, according to data from IDC, which tracks market share data, although Palo Alto, Calif.-based, Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) was the world's largest blade server vendor, with 53.3% market share compared with IBM's 24.8%.

Source:money.cnn.com