What's coming in Microsoft Small Business Server

Microsoft announced at the Worldwide Partner Conference this year that there would be not one, but two new version of their Small Business Server product coming out.  Whilst they've not released the final product naming, they are being called Windows Small Business Server code name "Aurora" and Windows Small Business Server 7.

It seems strange for Microsoft to announce two such versions as previously they've said that all Small Business needs are well catered for with the traditional Small Business Server product that we've all come to know and love. 

SBS has been around since 1997 and with SBS 2008 it's in its fifth generation. 

Why then would they come out with two versions? 

The answer is simple - cloud computing. 

With Microsoft pitching everything behind the cloud, this dual strategy with SBS of two versions is a clear sign that the recognise that not every business is yet ready for the cloud.  I know that I too am sceptical about the cloud solutions being the be all and end all and it's great to see that Microsoft understand that their clients may need more time before they are ready to move to the cloud. 

SBS Aurora is for the smaller business with up to 25 users. 

It does not contain Exchange Server as was traditional with SBS, it relies on links into cloud Exchange mail systems such as Microsoft's BPOS. 

The management console is extensible via the software development kit, which means the possibilities for providers of cloud services to integrate with console therefore and ease management and control of your data. 

I expect that larger resellers will exploit this.

SBS Aurora has other features though that SBS v7 does not.  It includes not only server backup, but client PC backup which gives the capability to ensure that critical data stored on users desktops is also kept safely. 

I think that SBS Aurora is a good compromise of on premise and cloud based solution.  I can see myself using it for smaller offices where it's expected lower cost vs SBSv7 will mean clients can save money on their IT infrastructure.

SBS v7 is similar to SBS Aurora in that it's based on Windows Server 2008 R2 as its core operating system but it is also different in that it contains an on server Exchange 2010 mail system. This is really going to be an asset for most of us Australian companies given the poor state of our internet infrastructure. 

I certainly would not want the 75 users that SBSv7 supports relying on a cloud mail system going over my company's ADSL2 connection - think of the havoc that would reign with mail if that connection was down for half a day. 

With SBS v7 you will have the full power of Exchange 2010 without reliance on hosted mail providers. 

This will be a major factor in deciding which solution is right for my clients.  If they need control over their mail for archival and compliance reasons then SBSv7 will be the way to go vs SBS Aurora where I'll be reliant on the features that the hosting provider decides to give me.

SBS Aurora and SBSv7 have the common Remote Web Workplace interface of old, but it's been revamped and is too changeable in a number of ways. 

The beta of both products was stable and the feedback that the team are taking will ensure that these products are well suited to our clients requirements. 

These comments were based on the beta software and as such features may change prior to release.