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Subject: Upgrading Software and Server from SBS 2000

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Mark Crowley User is Offline

United States
Member since
1/6/2006

Registered Users
Posts: 3

6/16/2008 10:40 PM
We are an architecture/engineering company with about 14 users. Currently we have a SBS 2000 premium with 20 cals purchased many years ago with a Dell SC600 2 nic server. No complaints with what we have except that Dell no longer will provide service contracts on something that old. We would like to upgrade our server and operating system within the next few months and plan on getting a new Dell server. -The only real purpose of the server would be for file sharing and accessing the internet for our email and web info. -We no longer host our own website, FTP and exchange mail service since we can get that for only $12 a month. -We have DSL with a Netopia 3346n-002 modem/router that has a firewall. -We have 5 static addresses. -I do not want ISA on the new server. I am looking at SBS2008 if there is an upgrade path from SBS2000. Otherwise I am wondering why not just use Windows Server 2008 since the cals are cheaper. Actually I assume SBS2003 would be fine but I hate to upgrade to a old system right as 2008 comes out. Is there any advantage to SBS if we are not going to host web or email? We just want something that is simple and easily maintained. Thanks Mark

Eriq Neale User is Offline

Texas, USA
Member since
5/3/2005

Microsoft MVP
Posts: 2117

6/17/2008 02:12 PM
Mark - SBS is definitely not a perfect fit for everyone. If all you are looking for is a sever to act as a file/print server and you have your e-mail hosted elsewhere, looking at Windows 2008 server may make more sense for you. There is not an "upgrade" path from SBS 2000 to SBS 2008 as the technologies are significantly different. There is, however, one other option for you to consider. You might look at getting SBS 2003 with Software Assurance on your new server. Migrating from SBS 2000 to SBS 2003 is fairly straightfoward, and I'd definitely recommend using a Swing Migration to accomplish this. Then, when you are ready, you could migrate from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 using the Swing process again to end up with SBS 2008 on the new hardware you purchase in a couple of months. Still, if you're not going to use Exchange on these servers, and that's a definite end-of-discussion-absolutely-not-hosting-email-internally issue, then I would steer clear of SBS. Exchange is one of the clear value propositions for SBS (either 2003 or 2008) and if you absolutely will not be using it, then go with the standard server products. Since SBS 2008 is pricing out higher than its Windows Server 2008 foundation, that's a more logical move these days anyway. Lots to think about, but it's good that you're asking these questions this early in the process! -Eriq

Eriq Neale - Small Business Specialist, SBS MVP, Mac Guru EON Consulting LLC www.eonconsulting.net Lead Author of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Unleashed In bookstores December 10, available for pre-order now Listen to eOnCall at AIRtunZ or visit www.eoncall.com.

Mark Crowley User is Offline

United States
Member since
1/6/2006

Registered Users
Posts: 3

6/17/2008 11:26 PM
When I mentioned upgrade I was thinking that Microsoft would give us software discount going from SBS2000 to SBS2008 and not migrating any settings. We would put 2008 on a new server as a clean install, get the bugs worked out, copy over our project files and disonnect our old server. Found out that our software (Autocad Civil 3D) may require a database server in the future so I am back to leaning towards SBS2008. Especially if Microsoft will give us an upgrade price break, since SBS is only about $600 more for us than Server. Plus after reading "end-of-discussion-absolutely-not-hosting-email-internally issue" quote I realized how long never is. SBS2000-SBS2003-SBS2008 sounds good but it doesn't appear that we can go the software assurance route unless we hire someone to do the install and we like to be in control of our own destiny. This is probably foolish but the only problems we have had in the past were ISA and Exchange related. Thanks Mark

william warren User is Offline

United States
Member since
12/8/2005

Registered Users
Posts: 650

6/18/2008 12:58 AM
sbs 2k8 is nearly 1100 at the getgo. you'll save $500 or more if you buy sbs2k3 with SA NOW and let it sit..then when sbs2k8 gets released then you activate your rights and you'll get sbs2k8 for no extra charge.

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Mark Crowley User is Offline

United States
Member since
1/6/2006

Registered Users
Posts: 3

6/18/2008 03:10 AM
If I could save money I would go the software assurance route. The upgrade from SBS2000 to SBS2003 Premium is only $650 + additional cals, but the MS website says that software assurance is not available for upgrades. Am I missing something? Thanks Mark

Eriq Neale User is Offline

Texas, USA
Member since
5/3/2005

Microsoft MVP
Posts: 2117

6/21/2008 11:34 PM
No, I'm pretty sure that Software Assurance is only available with a new license purchase. I have not seen anything for "upgrade" pricing for SBS 2003 -> SBS 2008, and since you can't technically "upgrade" the software, I'm not sure there will be. I'm afraid that you're in that netherworld of trying to "upgrade" two versions, and I don't think you're going to get any help from MS on pricing. It may still be more cost-effective to buy a "new" SBS 2003 Premium with SA to get to SBS 2008 Premium than to buy SBS 2008 Premium outright, but that's not going to accommodate your investment in SBS 2000. I'm afraid that there may not be a cost-friendly solution for you out there... -Eriq

Eriq Neale - Small Business Specialist, SBS MVP, Mac Guru EON Consulting LLC www.eonconsulting.net Lead Author of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Unleashed In bookstores December 10, available for pre-order now Listen to eOnCall at AIRtunZ or visit www.eoncall.com.

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