Developing Microsoft® Windows® Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS 2003 R2)

Michael Jenkin MVP, MCP, SB Specialist

IT Manager and Senior Engineer CopyworldMicrosoft Most Valuable Professional – Small Business ServerAsia Pacific Council Member for Culminis (I.T. professional Support Group)

Who is Michael Jenkin ?

www.mickyj.com

• an I.T. specialist who works nationally around Australia and occasionally overseas in New Zealand and Singapore. • currently the Senior Engineer and I.T. Manager for Copyworld, a South Australian based technology Company. • a part time presenter and trainer for Microsoft (MFP) and a Microsoft MVP. • the representative, in Asia Pacific, for an I.T Community group called Culminis.• a part time presenter and member for the Adelaide Microsoft Small Business Server User group. • an assistant with Microsoft technical issues and a technical editor of Microsoft product based I.T. books, Microsoft internal Documentation and testing scenarios. • the owner of the website at http://www.mickyj.com which is for keeping the community, user groups, newsgroups and colleagues up to date with what is happening in the I.T. world.• quoted on various Microsoft marketing brochures, SBS blogs, on the Microsoft website and appear in many 3rd party I.T. Small Business Community books.

• My main role is to support, fault find, install servers, workstations and networks (Mainly based on Microsoft SBS 2003). At Copyworld I also train staff in information technology, install networked photocopiers, computer based PABX systems, VOIP systems and more.

• In my secondary role I am a Microsoft MVP (Microsoft SBS) online in the community and doing presentations.

• In addition, I am an MVP Council member for Culminis, a community based group who support Technology based user groups. I am their representative in Asia Pacific. (Similar to INETA for developers). I write SBS material for their Document sharing section.

So I know, live and breath SBS server

What do I do ?

As you are about to See, Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) has many

facilities and resources based in Development. It is also very Client (End

user/workstation) orientated. Due to this, I have been involved with

• Programming Exchange server side event Sinks

• Outlook OFT programming with .Net back ends

• Creating VBS, Windows script host tools

• IIS, ASP, XML editing and customising

In addition, at University I was previously involved with

• Pascal then Delphi

• VB 4 to 6

• C+

So I have some understanding where SBS fits with Development

How do I fit into the Developing Community ?

How does SBS fit ?

Do you have either • The Microsoft Action Pack ?• The MSDN Pack ?

SBS Premium R2 is in the pack. You have it!

Lets talk about a chance meeting with C+ MVP Christian G.

How does SBS fit ?

Why was Christian so excited to try out the product ?

Why did he pound the Newsgroups looking for SBS

answers ?

I hope I can help you see the power and oportunity!

How does SBS fit ?

• Active sync and Exchange support for Windows CE.Net, Pocket PC and Smart phone. (Forms over GPRS)• Exchange Sinks, CDO and Outlook Add-ons• Active Directory tools and VBS scripting• IIS used with XML, ASPx / ASP.Net, Perl, CGI Scripts and more• Microsoft Office with VBA and backend server systems• Outlook Forms, Outlook Web access forms, Outlook Offline code and RPC access over HTTPS• SharePoint with Web parts and BizTalk integration• SQL devotement, Great Plains, CRM, Small Business Accounting • VS.Net, Java, C+, VB and more.

How does SBS fit ?

SBS can form the basis of• CRM programming and development• Project Professional server• Excel and Visio servers• Virtual servers• Online transaction servers• Other web portal development

For a client it is a cheap and easy to install. For you it is an

all round back end development server (And runs well in

Virtual PC for lab testing or environment emulation)

How does SBS fit ?

SBS forms the perfect Programming base for you to test server and client side applications. It has it all in one tidy easy to install application.

In some of my testing, I ran two virtual PC’s on my workstation. One was the SBS server, the other a Windows XP Domain client. A prefect harmony for testing.

SBS is widely supported and the support mechanisms are developer friendly. (Just Ask!)

Why would I be interested ?

Did you know most of the market out there is Small Business ?

Depending on the nation/country, it is usually 90% to 95% of registered

businesses.

Small Business need tools, add-ons, customisations and developers who know

SBS and can make tools and even wizards. They don’t have time to fool

around.

SBS is not the same as normal server. Developers need to know the limitations

or sometimes, the advantages and the collection of tools over and above

Windows 2003 server.

Developers make money and Jobs galore!

Major development companies have built their whole business on • expanding Office Outlook 2003, • Expanding Exchange with connectors and Event Sinks• SQL connectors and integration into 3rd party tools• BizTalk tools, CRM• Website creation• Making 3rd party applications talk with Microsoft back ends• Desktop faxing front ends• Remote Web Workplace and Outlook Web access add - ins

SBS gives everything to you to start playing with these things.

End users are buying these tools. Jobs are created. People extend Skill sets.

The remaining Business ?

Yes, Small businesses are not the 100% of business.

There are bigger seat numbers in Corporate, government etc sectors.

But there is a smaller quantity of bigger companies and they take longer to

discuss, test, compare and implement.

Don’t look at SBS as a one stop shop for making everyone happy. It is an

untapped source of goodness that is waiting for people to start to learn about it

and extend it.

The best way to do this is to install it. See if it fits with you, your work and style.

Is it hard to install ?

Absolutely not !

Microsoft developed it with the end user in mind. The wizards are astounding and a full server can be built with minimal fuss. If you do have a problem, someone will be there to help.

You can concentrate on your developing once it is in. It self maintains, self updates, alerts you to issues and then the solution, is usually a wizard.

If you use it, you can pass your knowledge onto your clients.

What does it do ?

What does it do ?

At Copyworld, we make use of item’s like:

Active Directory, VPN and dial-in server, Desktop faxing, DNS, WINS, DHCP, The ISA firewall, Server publishing, Volume shadow copy system recovery, Distributed file system, SQL, Exchange, Remote Web Workplace, Remote Email, Outlook over RPC, Remote Desktop, System reports and Alerts, Wsus, Intranet and much more ….

Our clients are always looking to push their servers further, you can write the

tools they need.

What can’t it do ?

Small Business server 2003 and 2003 R2 does not support Windows 9x, NT or Me.

The old SBS 2000 Shared Modem services has been removed.

It supports a maximum of 75 users or seats, the server does not support domain trusts (but can have multiple domain controllers with the SBS servers as the Root server). No other SBS server or alternate domain controller can be on the same network segment

SBS uses Exchange STD which is limited to 75 Gb email stores. SQL is provided in the form of the Workgroup 2005 edition. All the SBS applications must be installed onto the server (It is finely tuned for this to all work).

The server only supports 2 x CPU’s (4 x Virtual) and 4 Gb ram.

What about Server 2003 ?

Yes, you could use Server 2003. You will miss out on: • The Wizards (These save time, reduce your need to be technical and are very cool)• Specialty software tools and applications for SBS, Examples:

• SBS Pop3 e-mail connector • Maintenance, monitoring and reporting tools• Remote Web Workplace

• The easy installation and configuration• All the tuned products on one server working together

Can I upgrade if I exceed the Domain or user limits ?

Yes. Whilst SBS 2003 R2 only supports up to 75 users or devices, you can purchase the SBS 2003 R2 Transition Pack to protect your investment and transition to full line of Windows Server™ products.

You do loose the wizards and Remote Web Workplace.

What about Server 2003 ?

• Don’t forget, you can still run multiple servers with SBS. Copyworld run additional Windows 2003 servers as Exchange servers, SQL servers and terminal servers. They all work with the SBS server. We even load balance with a backup Domain controller.

The domain limits again were (in more detail)

• SBS 2003 R2 must be the root domain controller on the network. Additional

servers can be added later.

• SBS 2003 R2 does not support sub domains. SBS 2003 R2 does support

remote offices that are part of the same SBS 2003 R2 domain.

What do I need to do this ?

To play with SBS, even in a virtual server context,

I recommend minimum 1.5 Gb ram (I prefer 3 Gb), 2 Ghz processor and 50 Gb hard drive space.

What about Standard and Premium ?

Microsoft like to make things hard. I only ever use Premium and this is what is in the Action and MSDN packs. They released two versions to capture more market share.

Microsoft recommends the SBS 2003 R2 Standard Edition if you only need• File sharing and management• Data backup and restore capabilities• Resource sharing (printer, applications)• Remote access (mobility) to information and resources• E-mail hosting (for example, myname@mydomain.com)• Network-wide update management

Microsoft recommends the SBS 2003 R2 Premium Edition if you need:• Any or all of the features of the Standard Edition• Internal Internet monitoring and management tools (ISA)• A powerful database to run line-of-business applications (SQL)• Website-publishing software (ISA)

Really, anything worth your time for developing comes in the Premium edition

How is it licensed ?

A CAL is required for every user or client accessing SBS 2003 R2.

• Both editions of SBS 2003 R2 include five client-access licenses—additional CALs can be purchased in 5 and 20 packs.

• SBS 2003 R2 offers two types of CAL’s (user and device):

• User CALs allow a named user to access the server from multiple devices and are ideal for organizations with mobile employees or those using multiple devices to access the network.• Device CALs allow multiple users to access the server from a single device and are ideal for organizations with multiple users for one device.• SBS 2003 R2 customers (Standard or Premium) gain expanded SBS 2003 CAL rights, entitling them to access additional Exchange 2003 and SQL 2005 Workgroup edition servers in the SBS 2003 R2 network.

What is new for R2 ?

SBS was released as SBS 2003, Then SBS 2003 Sp1 and now SBS R2.

• Pre SBS 2003 R2

– Allows for additional Windows 2003 Servers without need for Windows 2003 CAL purchase

– Still need to purchase W2003 Server Licenses

• Post SBS 2003 R2

– As above PLUS…

– Allows for additional Exchange 2003 and SQL 2005 WE servers

– No need to purchase Exchange 2003 or SQL 2005 WE CAL’s

(WE – Workgroup Edition)

What did they do to R2 ?

This is not Windows 2003 R2. SBS R2 is not based on Windows server R2.

They have a similar name, that is the only similarity.• SBS R2 is Based on SBS 2003 SP1• The core operating system, Windows 2003 Server SP1

– Updated File Server Resource Manager (FSRM) for managing remote servers centrally

– MMC v3.0 update• Exchange 2003 SP2

– Up to 75GB Mailbox store• WSS 2003 SP2 (SharePoint Team Services)• WSUS 2.0 + SBS Wizards!

The premium edition additionally has• ISA 2004• SQL 2005 Workgroup Edition

Wsus

The biggest and most appreciated upgrade was the Windows Services update services.

This new inclusion has a wizard or installation, updating and deploying. No more need to update your workstations.

The product is very similar in design to all the other SBS wizards so lets walk through this one.

SBS 2003 R2 – Wsus

SBS 2003 R2 – Update Services

Wsus

Yes, all the wizards are like this or even simpler

Exchange in R2

• Exchange Server 2003 includes SP2– Recipient filtering turned on by default (Antispam)– IMF included with SP2 – IMF Autoupdate Enabled by default– Up to 75Gb Private & Public Stores

IMF = Intelligent mail filter antispam tool (loosely built around the rules used at Hotmail for reducing spam)

• SBS 2003 R2 does not include all the components of Windows Server 2003 R2. The core Windows Server 2003 technologies are available in SBS 2003 R2, but many of the enhancements in Windows Server 2003 R2 are designed for medium- to large-sized businesses.

What is important to remember, is that key technologies from the Windows Server family have been added to SBS 2003 R2, including Windows Software Update Services 2.0 (WSUS) and SharePoint Services 2.0 SP2.

SBS world was shaken by R2Here were some common worries

The difference between SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition and SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition caused quite a stir.http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/faq/sql2005.mspx

SBS world was shaken by R2Here were some common worries

• Most applications designed for SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition will be compatible with SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition. However, it is important to review the backward compatibility documentation for SQL Server 2005

• You can purchase a license for SBS 2003 R2 Premium Edition and request “downgrade” rights to SBS 2003 SP1 Premium Edition, which includes SQL 2000 Standard Edition. You can then run SBS 2003 SP1 and SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition. If you later decide to move to SBS 2003 R2, you must upgrade all the product technologies to the SBS 2003 R2 versions, and you cannot mix and match versions.

• There is a perception that SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition is somehow “less than” SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition. When you compare the two versions, SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition is a fantastic feature improvement for small businesses over the previous version. It contains better reporting, better management, better security – all the features that help small-to-medium businesses get the day’s work done.

SBS world was shaken by R2Here were some common worries

SBS 2003 R2 is 32-bit only. A 64-bit version is planned for the Longhorn timeframe; at that point, SBS will transition to the new code base and will no longer be available in 32-bit versions.

NB: You can still run SBS 2003 R2 on a 64-bit system in 32-bit

compatibility mode.

What is coming ?

What is coming ?

Microsoft SBS Longhorn (code-named "Cougar" )• In 2007, Microsoft is planning to roll out a major version of SBS. This will make Longhorn Server the centrepiece of the bundle. The Cougar release will be more tightly integrated with the desktop (specifically

Office 12 and Vista client). Microsoft is telling partners and Beta testers that the final Cougar bundle will include strong line-of-business support, as well as improved management and troubleshooting functionality.

• Microsoft will likely introduce more managed services to Cougar. Among the types of add-ons Microsoft could roll out as part of Cougar are new remote monitoring and remote management facilities.• With this, SBS, Exchange and SQL will all move to 64 bit

Presently no other information is available due to restrictions on press releases

and Non disclosure agreements.

Rest assured it will be a huge project and other types of servers are also being developed. (Ever thought about a server for the home market ?)

What is coming ?

Centro for the Mid Market • "Centro" will be built on Windows Server "Longhorn" technologies• It will be Multi server and allow you to run server applications separately.• "Centro" is built on the Windows Server "Longhorn" technologies and includes a next-generation e-mail system, next-generation management experience, and next-generation security

technologies brought together into a single solution. • Microsoft "Centro" is being developed to address the needs of a specific midsize business role (the overworked IT generalist). Midsize companies have anywhere from 25 to 500 PCs and only

a few IT people to keep all aspects of the business running (from phones and fax machines to PCs and servers). It’s challenging for a small IT team to perform tasks across all the technologies with which they work, forcing them to be reactive rather than proactive. They don't get to spend a lot of time focusing on how to move the company IT goals forward.

• "Centro" will integrate multiple technologies into a single solution that will be easier to deploy and manage. Processes that used to take hours, if not days, to accomplish will be take less time and be less complex. This simplicity will allow IT professionals to be more proactive, giving them more time to focus on their company’s IT goals and maximizing business value.

What is coming ?

When will "Centro" be available?

"Centro" is in the early stages of development, but Microsoft plans to make this solution available to customers soon after Windows Server "Longhorn" is available.

(As with all other products, at regular checkpoints, Microsoft will provide information broadly to customers, partners, and the industry)

Questions ?

Additional Resources

General Product Information www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/default.mspx

Community Resourceshttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/community/default.mspx

SBS Bloghttp://blogs.technet.com/sbs/

Downloads and Product Updateshttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/downloads/default.mspx

FAQwww.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/overview/generalfaq.mspx

Supporthttp://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/support/default.mspx

Technical Informationwww.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/productdoc/alpha.mspx

Additional Resources

Check out the Microsoft news groups, Technology User groups

Look to competitors / partners, Look to Microsoft Training Centres

Research with http://Groups.google.com

Research with http://www.Google.com

Industry events http://www.mickyj.com/dates.htm

Industry links http://www.mickyj.com/resources.htm

Tools and utilities http://www.mickyj.com/Tools.htm

Other resources and links http://www.mickyj.com (And many other MVP websites)

If you are stuck, email michael.jenkin@mvps.org