Question

Small Business Server Manager and Win 2003.

Asked by: krlaw6

I'm switching servers from a Win 2003 SBS machine to a Win 2003 machine.  What I'm trying to find out is whether Win 2003 has either a version of, or an equivalent to the Small Business Server Manager interface/snapin that's on SBS.  I find it extremely user friendly, and I can't tell whether there is some version on Server 2003, or whether I'm going to have to do all of that configuration much more manually.

Thanks.

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Asked On
2009-07-02 at 12:42:25ID24540727
Tags

SBS

,

Win Server 2003

Topics

Windows 2003 Server

,

SBS Small Business Server

Participating Experts
3
Points
250
Comments
6

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Answers

 

by: hypercatPosted on 2009-07-02 at 12:59:49ID: 24767210

No, there isn't really a pre-configured management console for Win2K3.  You can create your own console, though, by opening a blank MMC console (Start/Run, type mmc) and then adding the various tools, like ADUC, Group Policy Management, etc., and then save it as a separate .MMC file.  I do this all the time.  

 

by: leewPosted on 2009-07-02 at 13:38:41ID: 24767523

Why are you switching away from SBS?  AS suggested, SBS has MANY wizards that are designed for the novice "office computer guy" to handle everyday tasks.  Server standard is not designed that way.

 

by: krlaw6Posted on 2009-07-02 at 13:46:46ID: 24767572

leew:

NOW you tell me.  :o

We've got an outside consultant upgrading our servers, and that's what he recommended.  And as a novice IT Manager, I'm taking his word for it that it's a step up, and the way to go.  

 

by: leewPosted on 2009-07-02 at 14:05:14ID: 24767702

If it's too late, it's too late, but I without a good reason, I would not do this.  SBS is cheaper and if he's not using the transition pack, he's costing your company even more money in licenses.  Plus he's costing you more money in making things more difficult for YOU.  Oh and you'll be losing the Remote Web Workplace (if you use it).

There are a few restrictions to SBS:
*MAXIMUM of 75 users
*No trusts with other domains
*You cannot run terminal services on the SBS server (you can add other servers that can)
*The SBS server MUST be the FSMO master DC

Common misconceptions:
*You can only have one server - this is FALSE - again, the restriction is that the SBS server must be the FSMO master DC but other servers are fine
*You can only have one DC - this is false, same reason as above.
*You cannot run terminal services - again, false - you can, just not on the SBS Server.

People RARELY need trusts nowadays, in my experience.  No small business I've seen does...

if you are reaching the 75 user limit, then you should be looking into EBS - essential Business SERver - which supports 250-300 users and comes with 3-4 server licenses, the wizards you use, and discounts overall.

 

by: notacomputergeekPosted on 2009-07-02 at 14:38:06ID: 24767954

Yikes! I agree with leew. If you don't have any of the above limitations, I wouldn't do it. If you decide in the future to go with Server 2008, you might consider it then. I like SBS for small businesses just because it includes Exchange, not to mention all those wizards. Are you needing to run Exchange on this box? If so, that's another reason not to do it.

 

by: krlaw6Posted on 2009-07-06 at 09:54:36ID: 24787027

Thanks for all the advice.  I'm going to check with the consultant, and verify whether there's a compelling reason to be switching away from SBS.

Thanks to everyone.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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