REDMOND, Wash., May 24, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of Microsoft® BackOffice® Small Business Server 4.5, the latest version of the company’s industry-leading small-business server suite. This new release delivers a comprehensive set of tools that give technology providers more flexibility and control over setup, network management and Internet connectivity.
“Over 150,000 technology providers participated in the beta testing of this release,”
said Rich Tong, vice president, Business Productivity Group at Microsoft.
“Their feedback has been extremely valuable, and we’re confident that Small Business Server 4.5 directly addresses their business needs.”
Microsoft also announced several new features and programs for Small Business Server 4.5.
New POP3 Gateway Provides Low-Cost E-Mail Option
BackOffice Small Business Server 4.5 will feature a Microsoft Exchange Connector for POP3 mailboxes that allows users to download e-mail from ISP-provided POP3 mailboxes to Microsoft Exchange. This gives small businesses all the collaboration and communication benefits of Exchange Server while using a low-cost, dial-up ISP account. This technology was developed with Acotec Inc. and is scheduled to be available at no cost for download from the Web by the end of the third quarter.
“We expect to significantly increase our business with this release of Small Business Server,”
said Fred Simon, chief operating officer of Thru.Put Computing Ltd.
“The inclusion of the POP3 gateway is a great example of how Microsoft really listened to us and incorporated our top feature requests in Small Business Server 4.5.”
Seagate Backup Software Channel Promotion
In response to requests from technology providers for the most comprehensive set of backup tools, Microsoft and Seagate Software, Network & Storage Management Group (which is in the final phase of its anticipated merger with VERITAS Software Corp.) have created a special promotion that allows technology providers to save approximately $200* when they purchase Seagate Backup Exec for Windows NT, Small Business Server Edition with any retail version of Small Business Server 4.5. This U.S.-only promotion runs from June 1 to Aug. 31 and is available through leading distributors and resellers.
Evaluation Kit Now Available
To make evaluating Small Business Server 4.5 effortless for technology providers, Microsoft also announced the availability of a Guided Tour kit that contains a full-featured evaluation copy of Small Business Server 4.5, in-depth technical papers, and online courseware. This kit is available for $19.95 and can be ordered from the Microsoft Direct Access Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/sbserver/default.htm .
The Microsoft Direct Access program also provides a wide variety of additional Small Business Server 4.5 resources including sales and marketing tools, local quarterly briefings, and free Business Critical phone and online technical support.
Licensing and Pricing
BackOffice Small Business Server 4.5 is available now for an estimated retail price of $1,499 for the server and five client workstation licenses. (A competitive upgrade version is available for an estimated retail price of $929.) Additional Small Business Server client workstation licenses are available in five-client and 20-client add packs for $299 and $999, respectively. A five-client version of Small Business Server 4.5 that includes five Microsoft Office 2000 Professional licenses is also available for an estimated retail price of $2,899. (A competitive upgrade version is available for $2,329.)
The version upgrade of Small Business Server 4.5 is free to all registered Small Business Server 4.0 users and can be ordered directly from the Small Business Server Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/sbserver/default.htm . A shipping and handling fee of $7 (U.S.) or $10.95 (Canadian) applies.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Offer only available through participating distributors and resellers. Distributor and reseller prices may vary. BackOffice Small Business Server 4.5 version upgrade and client access license SKUs are not eligible for offer.
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Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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