In the following sections, we introduce you to the main features of SBS 2003. The biggest strengths of SBS 2003 are network security and remote access to the company network. You will also find information about features that have been improved in comparison with its predecessor SBS 2000.
SBS 2003 has all the features that small and medium-sized companies require for creating their presence on and accessing the Internet. These include Exchange and Outlook technologies for e-mail exchange, for example Outlook Web Access and Remote Workspace, a web server for Internet presence, a firewall function, the possibility of shared Internet access via broadband and PPPoE, security mechanisms for the local network, and productivity tools for team work. Each time that Internet and e-mail are configured, a VBS script is generated (config.vbs). With the help of this script, these settings can be relayed back to the computer later. It can also be used to configure other SBS 2003 clients.
The included SharePoint Services offer an already preconfigured website for comprehensive teamwork.
Exchange Server has an anti-spam function. Additionally, Outlook 2003 has other functions for filtering and blocking spam. For example, Exchange Server includes Microsoft Connector for POP3 mailboxes. This makes it possible to migrate existing e-mail accounts to Exchange and to download the e-mails of these accounts and make them available to the user under Outlook. For file attachments, a filter function has been provided.
SBS comes with a fix for the blaster worm. This fix is installed automatically. Any anti-virus software that is compatible with Exchange and Windows Server 2000 can be installed. The anti-virus software should, as far as possible, support a server-client configuration and not just be a client or desktop solution.
SBS 2003 can be configured like Windows Server 2003 for network services like DNS, DHCP, and WINS. The combination of Outlook/Exchange 2003 and Windows Server 2003 now also allows RPC over HTTP. This makes it possible to establish secure connections via the Internet to RPC server applications.
SBS 2003 has a number of wizards for configuring the necessary security settings. Security-wise, Windows Server 2003, on which SBS 2003 is based, is a vast improvement on Windows Server 2000. Attacks on the server could be reduced by 60%, while the availability of services has increased by 275%. The standard version already has a firewall; the premium version integrates Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000.
SBS also supports hardware firewalls. Almost all UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) devices are automatically recognized by the Internet Connection and e-mail Configuration wizards. If the firewall device is not UPnP-enabled, it will have to be configured manually. Even UpnP devices can be problematic if they are based on proprietary protocols.
The built-in function of the Volume Shadow Copy service makes it possible to have regular data backups. These are carried out quickly and securely.
SBS 2003 offers a central repository for large volumes of data. This data can be easily processed, used collaboratively, and archived. SBS 2003 even offers secure storage for mission-critical data.
Based on Windows, SharePoint Services makes available a preconfigured website. Using this central website, employees can use documents, announcements, events, or links together. The Outlook 2003-Enhanced Outlook Web Access enables the joint use of data or calendar functions via the Internet.
SBS 2003 data can be accessed remotely, irrespective of time, location, and device used. Access can be configured for private as well as public files. A user can have access to his or her desktop and e-mails. Access takes place via the new remote portal Remote Workspace. A data synchronization function is also included. The integration of mobile devices like Smartphones and PDAs is given great importance in SBS 2003. Mobile users can access e-mails, calendar, schedules, and tasks via Outlook Mobile Access (OMA).
For the administrator there is of course a Remote Administration module. In addition, functions for virtual private networks (VPNs) are also included.
The installation and configuration of SBS 2003 uses convenient wizards and needs little time investment. SBS 2003 is already pre-installed on many OEM platforms. The setup of SBS clients has also been simplified in comparison to SBS 2000 since activation is no longer done by diskette but conveniently over the Internet via Online License Activation. OEMs can pre-install the complete SBS with their own logos, service numbers, etc.
The network configuration of clients is now done conveniently via a website and not by diskette. Pre-configuration of client applications is also possible. In contrast to earlier versions, in which only one user could be registered at a time, you can now register several users in one step on the basis of user submissions.
Monitoring functions have been improved. Performance and usage reports can now be received and evaluated by e-mail. The quicker reaction time resulting from this minimizes SBS downtime.