Onsite Services Since 1996

Phone: (206) 235-7911                     support@apexinformationservices.com

Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2

Windows Small Business Server 2008 released November 2008!

HUGE Improvements with the 2008 version, top three:

1.) Mailbox Storage.  Limited mailbox storage (75-GB) has been the Achilles heal of the SBS operating system.  Now provides elbow room beyond 75-GB for an entire office so as to not worry about archiving mailbox (Outlook Inbox, Sent Items) as often.  Maximum setting (default) for a SINGLE mailbox with SBS 2008 is 100 GB!

2.) Data Backup--Over network, more intuitive and configurable.

3.) 64-Bit OS--Can handle more than 4-GB of RAM...this means less chance of system crash and can handle more memory intensive applications running at server.  A minimum of 12 GB of RAM is a good plan, more is better where a max of 32 GB is possible.

What is it? Already have it?  Wish to have it? 

Do you work in an office of which needs to share information when using Microsoft Outlook (calendars, contacts, E-mail) from anywhere using either a Mac or PC?

Do you need a secure way to work remotely with mission critical information at a Mac or PC?

To discuss an existing installation or new,

call Ed Siemion at (206) 235-7911.

Can use a Mac running OS X with this system, work with Outlook and control the desktop of Windows computers remotely!  The Mac to PC remote connection allows for one of the most tightly secured remote work connections available today...the probability for Windows virus/hacking tool to pass onto a Mac across an IP network and run is at its lowest. 

Try to find a report where a computer virus has been found on a Mac and for that matter spreading to a PC over an office network either to or from a Mac.  With this remote control setup, the probability for a breach of security via a hacking tool instigated by a virus is at its lowest.

Powerful Benefits Using SBS 2003 R2:

1.) Centralized Control and Storage of E-mail Accounts using Outlook (PC) or Entourage (Mac).  Sharing of Outlook Mail Accounts Sharing of Calendars---all through the web browser from anywhere Mac or PC. 

2.) Remote Desktop Control of Locked Down Office Computers from the Internet. 

3.) Vastly Improved Security, Backup/Recovery and Notification Services

Configuration Recommended by Ed Siemion

With SBS 2008---the recommended setup is slightly different than SBS 2003 (with SBS 2003, two network adapters are recommended as this configuration is by default queried for setup during installation wizard). 

With SBS 2008---one network adapter and DHCP disabled at external hardware router.  

Never enable DHCP at the hardware router and never disable DHCP at the SBS with either 2003 or 2008---disabling DHCP at the SBS will result in problems with DNS and proper routing of IIS 7 pages and can result in a stall of Internet browsing. 

Never disable DHCP at an SBS server as DNS as in cooperation of DHCP at SBS is too intimately related to network stability at this server.   

Never disable DNS either as it is by default installed with the Domain Active Directory service in support of the user accounts database. 

Leave all default settings alone as configured by Microsoft with exception to location of data stores and only move data using Wizards provided by SBS.

Complete installation worksheet as provided by TechNet articles at Microsoft website.

A setup beyond these terms is possible----yet NOT recommended for long term stability and an error free server!

With SBS 2008, recommend the following network layout:

Internet Connection: Comcast Business Class, Qwest or Verizon High Speed---For the love of God and to protect your pocket book and sanity--NEVER choose fractional T-1 from companies such as Integra (formerly Eschelon).

Hardware Router: LinkSys/Cisco Gigabit dual-band wireless N.

Switch: 24-port Gigabit Switch, Dell 2724.

Server: PowerEdge Tower from Dell, T300 or higher model, 16 GB RAM or higher, 4 hard drives (at least two SAS with RAID controller from Dell), 

Keep data on RAID volume using a drive controller of which can be immediately replaced and installed into a workstation (allows immediate access to production data in event of mainboard failure); Quad core Xeon processor, dual power supplies, configure dual Gigabit network adapters as teamed with failover.

Image the C: drive using Acronis 10.

Tape Drive: Ultrium III or IV from Dell (native 400-GB or 800-GB capable) and Adaptect 29320A-R SCSI adapter (plugs into either a 32-bit or 64-bit legacy PCI slot and can be adapted to a workstation for emergency recovery).  At least a 5 tape rotation with regular archiving off-site.  Backup the ENTIRE system!

Keep all of this equipment on backup power using two 1,500 VA backup batteries plugged into two separate 110-VAC dedicated circuits and ensure proper cooling of server room with fans/cabinetry, dust control and air conditioning.

Thoroughly tested the above setup--runs flawlessly with zero critical errors in event viewer.

Web pages when using SBS 2003 R2.

Work with Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007 Anywhere

Secure Logon

Remote Desktop Control

While sitting either at a Mac or PC, control any Windows XP Pro, Windows 2003 Server, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, Vista Enterprise desktop with full mouse/keyboard control.  The screen below is an open window of the desktop of another PC---miles away!

Sit at a Mac running OS X, connect through a simplified VPN connection (built into OS X) to SBS 2003----You are now in control of a locked down Windows desktop using a Mac through a VPN---the desktop user security is no better anywhere! 

Historical Overview

In the mid 1990's, Microsoft began developing a product called Back Office 4.0, then came out with Back Office 4.5 (late 1998 as implemented by Ed Siemion) of which then evolved to Small Business Server (SBS) 2000,  2003 and is currently called Small Business Server 2003 Release 2 (R2). 

Originally, the Back Office versions consisted of multiple server platforms (Proxy Server, Exchange Server, Systems Management Server, NT 4.0 Server, Internet Information Server) of which were intended to be installed onto separate computers, filling a room with 4 to 5 servers or more.  Now, the product is intended to be installed on one computer only greatly simplifying setup and support.

A complete setup, fully functional of Back Office would present a material cost anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000 and then require two or three individuals to eliminate every bug out of it costing even more.

Have experience with this product for nearly 10 years...has improved substantially.  If you gave up on it years ago, consider going back as the costs are lower and the system is easier to use.

Instead of a $20,000 system loaded with bugs and ill promised functions, the exact same server support and more can be implemented with a material cost between $2,000 and $10,000 depending on number of users and chosen computer and peripherals to include backup and recovery.  Does not require multiple technicians with varied background to support---one knowledgeable consultant is all that is needed to keep the system online.  

It has become substantially cheaper to purchase, implement and support.

Best suitable with office workgroups of no more than 50 users accounts.  Is possible to keep two SBSs in one office, yet the networks must be separated by a firewall to avoid conflicts.

The next release will likely be SBS 2007, yet not reported by Microsoft, this release would side with the Office 2007 suite just as the Office 2003 is along side SBS 2003.  Chances are that the next version will provide for a greater number of user accounts and increased storage capacity for E-mail of which is now limited to 75 GB.

Each version along the way has been loaded with technical problems in particular with setup/configuration, maintenance and storage capacity of E-mail.   The latest release has been well done with a streamlined setup, increased storage capacity and more.

Used correctly while implicitly following Microsoft specifications, this server application can provide substantial solutions and power.  In particular with remote access where a user can access Outlook mail and take desktop control of any computer on the SBS network using either a PC or a Mac.