Coming Soon: Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 Release 2

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Pamela Lauz, the Product Manager for Microsoft Small Business Server shared some exciting news with me that I suggested she post here.  Here is what she had to say:

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At the US Small Business Summit Microsoft is announcing Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 Release 2 (SBS 2003 R2).  SBS 2003 R2 will be available in Spring ’06. From a technical standpoint, SBS 2003 R2 will include automated patch and update management through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and an increased mailbox store size from 16GB to 75GB thanks to Exchange Server 2003 SP2. SBS 2003 R2 Premium will also include SQL Server 2005 Workgroup edition.

From a licensing standpoint, an SBS 2003 R2 CAL will include access rights to additional Exchange Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition servers in the network. This means that you can install additional Exchange 2003 servers or SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition servers on the SBS domain and you will be licensed to use them.  The current SBS CAL covers access rights to Windows Server 2003 Standard in the network.

Customers do not need to wait until SBS 2003 R2 is released to be eligible for these upgrades. Microsoft has put in place a Technology Upgrade program that entitles anyone who acquires SBS 2003 from a System Builder reseller or an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) after March 1st, 2006 to a free SBS 2003 R2 Upgrade Kit when SBS 2003 R2 is released. Customers with a current Software Assurance agreement for SBS will also be eligible for an upgrade at no extra cost once SBS 2003 R2 is available.

For more information about SBS 2003 R2, visit: https://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/r2/default.mspx