ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Feb. 21, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the general availability of Microsoft® Small Business Server 2000, the third-generation version of its networking solution designed specifically to address the needs of small businesses with 50 or fewer PCs. The announcement was made before small-business owners in Atlantic City, N.J., attending The Big Day, a Microsoft-sponsored training seminar for business owners and technology decision-makers. Small Business Server 2000 includes the Windows® 2000 Server operating system and the Windows 2000 generation of Microsoft .NET Server solutions for e-mail, fax, database and secure shared Internet connections.
Based on extensive input from small-business customers and technology providers, Microsoft has developed a powerful full-featured networking solution that is reliable and secure for this new Windows 2000 generation release.
“Small-business owners and their technology providers have told us that they need a Windows-based networking solution that allows them to operate efficiently and effectively in today’s rapidly changing marketplace, which includes an increasingly mobile workforce and demanding customer base,”
said Brian Valentine, senior vice president of the Windows Division at Microsoft.
“The new Small Business Server 2000 release is the best way for small businesses to get Windows 2000 Server because of the additional functionality provided by the .NET Server applications and, more important, we focus on the unique small-business customer’s requirements to deliver an integrated solution with reduced complexity levels and hassle-free management, all at an unbelievably great price.”
Small Business Server 2000 includes a single, integrated setup and centralized management across all of its component applications, essentially simplifying deployment and the complete use of the server’s rich functionality into a unified solution. Controls that monitor server status and alleviate user error set new standards for ensuring consistent system uptime and increasing overall productivity. In addition, Small Business Server 2000 offers tools to facilitate a high-quality service relationship between the small business and its technology provider, with proactive system monitoring and remote administration.
“Small Business Server 2000 has given us tangible productivity benefits right out of the chute,”
said Bill Gable, general manager with Alternative Environmental Solutions, an environmental consulting and contracting company in Ephrata, Pa.
“It’s making it easier for our staff to communicate and work together; they see it as a way to improve the services we deliver and therefore increase our client satisfaction. We’re committed to Small Business Server as the foundation for our growing technology infrastructure.”
Components of Small Business Server 2000 include the following:
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Windows 2000 Server Standard Edition with Service Pack 1, a network operating system that provides file and printer sharing, Internet Information Services 5.0 Web server, Microsoft Routing and Remote Access Service, shared application and additional communications services, along with first-rate server performance and reliability.
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Exchange 2000 Server Standard Edition (with the Outlook® 2000 messaging and collaboration client), a reliable messaging and collaboration server that provides e-mail, shared calendaring, task management, shared contacts, instant messaging, Microsoft NetMeeting® conferencing software functionality and broad Internet standards support. Improved Outlook Web Access enables users to view their own inbox, calendars, contacts and tasks as well as exchange public folders from any PC on the network or over the Internet with a Web browser.
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Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000, Standard Edition, a rock-solid Internet firewall security enabling the management of individualized Web access policies and increasing the speed of retrieval for frequently used Web pages.
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Microsoft SQL Server
™
2000, Standard Edition, a fast, reliable relational database management server and engine for running a multitude of business software solutions. -
New shared fax service to allow users to send and receive faxes from their desktops.
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Shared modem service, which enables the client machines to use modems shared on Small Business Server 2000 to connect to external information services.
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Microsoft FrontPage
®
2000, a Web site creation and management tool that makes it easy for new and experienced Web users to create great-looking Web content, even if they don’t have a programming background. -
Windows Terminal Services, deployed by default in remote administration mode, give administrators complete control of servers from their PC. Technology providers can use Internet connections to perform maintenance and diagnose or fix problems remotely.
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One unified solution. All of this powerful technology is integrated to enable a single, unified setup and centralized management across all of the component applications down to the clients. In addition, task-based wizards walk customers step by step through cross-application processes, setting new standards for ease of installation, use and administration.
Cooperative Efforts With Hardware Manufacturers
Key hardware partners include Dell Computer Corp., Compaq Computer Corp., Gateway Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. Small Business Server 4.5 customers qualify for a version upgrade offer to Small Business Server 2000.
Through the FrontLine Partnership Compaq and Microsoft are providing small and medium-size businesses with the solutions that will enable them to take advantage of the Internet, strengthen their customer relationships and improve productivity. Compaq is working closely with Microsoft to optimize Microsoft technology on industry-leading Compaq ProLiant server platforms, ensuring customers the smooth and easy deployment of these solutions. Compaq ProLiant ML server models 330, 350 and 370, running Microsoft Small Business Server 2000, address the needs of small and medium-size businesses and corporate workgroups, offering the functionality and intelligent manageability that growing businesses demand for their Web, e-mail and small database applications. With these solutions for small businesses, Compaq is delivering on its commitment to providing innovative technology, delivered in solutions to customers globally.
As the No. 1 provider of computer systems to small-office and small-business customers in the United States, Dell is working closely with Microsoft to provide simple solutions to complex business issues. Dell will offer factory-based installation of Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 on its PowerEdge servers, making it easier for small businesses to get up and running with hardware and software that can help them streamline business operations, manage customer relationships, use information more efficiently and make better-informed business decisions.
Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 is part of the turnkey, value-oriented server solutions Gateway offers its small business clients. Small Business Server 2000, combined with Gateway’s 6400 and 7400 series servers and personalized network consulting, gives clients the computing platform they need to take advantage of the Internet, enhance customer relationships and increase productivity.
Availability
Small Business Server 2000 is available from PC manufacturers, retail outlets, technology providers and consultants for an estimated retail price* of $1,499 (U.S.) for the server and five clients. The most-current information on Small Business Server 2000 licensing and pricing can be found on the pricing and licensing page at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver/ .
About The Big Day
The Big Day is a free seminar offered by Microsoft and specifically designed for the owners, managers and technology decision-makers of small to medium-size businesses. The Big Day delivers cutting-edge information on competing in the global marketplace and features the latest Microsoft applications for improving information management in business-to-business relationships, e-commerce, Web site development, Web hosting and Internet service.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
* Reseller prices may vary.
Microsoft, Windows, Outlook, NetMeeting and FrontPage are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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