David Overton's Blog : SBSC, SBS 2003 R2

Technical School: installing and Configuring Small Business Server 2008–June 17th 2010

David Overton — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:37:10 GMT

Hi,

I know this has gone out to UK SBSC partners, but I thought I should let people know through the blog too.

Technical School: installing and Configuring Small Business Server 2008

Technical Schools are a series of monthly Live Meetings specifically for the Small Business Specialist Community (SBSC) and Registered partners who specialise in targeting the small to medium sized business market. Taking place on 17 June, 15:00-16:00 (GMT), the next Technical School will be led by Microsoft's David Overton who will provide guidance relating to Small Business Server 2008. Review a recording of last months' Technical School, which discussed Office 2010.

We will cover off the preparation required prior to a migration, the process of installing or migrating and then some FAQ’s of the most commonly asked questions that people have sent me. These will include:

Converting a trial license to a purchased solution
Getting rid of the Outlook prompt for username and password
Installing the latest service pack for Exchange

Thanks

David

Where to buy Small Business Server 2008, Installing, Migrating and Configuring book

David Overton — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:37:00 GMT

I've had a few people ask where they can buy my book so I thought I would lay out the options. You can always purchase both the book and / or the e-book from Packt Publishing at this address however for those who wish to buy elsewhere, you can.

Book or eBook
Free shipping! US, UK, Europe & selected Asian countries

This is the RAW book (Read as Written).
More Information here
To buy or pre-order, click here

Book and eBook. Pre-order now!
Print only price £27.89 save 10%
eBook only price £13.19 save 40%

Amazon in UK

Amazon in USA

Anywhere in the world

I hope you enjoy the book. For a brief summary of the chapters go here and you can preview a chapter from the book here -(Sample Chapter 4 Installing SBS 2008 and Connecting to the Internet [2.0 MB]).

If you wish to request a copy to review, look at the Request a Review Copy page.

I have now embarked on my 2nd book project and you can find out more about it here - http://davidoverton.com/blogs/doverton/archive/2011/08/27/windows-intune-book-update.aspx. I have also included a link to buy the RAW version in the above table too!

Thanks

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2008,Small Business Server 2008,Installing,Configuring,Migrating,Microsoft,Book

SBS 2008, Installing, migrating and configuring BOOK now available to pre-order

David Overton — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:22:00 GMT

[updated 2nd May 2009]

Hi everyone. My SBS 2008 book is in now available to order. Details below. If you want to ask questions once you have the book, go to http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?13. To order the book click http://davidoverton.com/r.ashx?1M

Small Business Server 2008 – Installation, Migration, and Configuration

David Overton

Set up and run your small business server making it deliver big business impact

· Step-by-step guidance through the installation and configuration process with numerous pictures

· Successfully install SBS 2008 into your business, either as a new installation or by migrating from SBS 2003

· Configure hosted web sites for public and secure information exchange using Office Live for Small Business and Office Live Workspaces

· An illustrative book for people with basic technical skills and no SBS background

In More Detail

Available April 2009. Order now!

Cover price	£24.99
Packt Special Offer	£22.49 save 10%
Multi-buy Discount	£20.49 save 18%

Hurray

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2008,Small Business Server 2008,Book,Personal,If you only read one blog today,SBSC,Microsoft

SBS 2008 Migrations from SBS 2003 – Keys to Success from the Official SBS Blog

David Overton — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:05:00 GMT

I started to write about this at SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 migration thoughts and issues and Active Directory Health Checks, but after some discussion with the SBS team at Microsoft we now have much more:

The Official SBS Blog : SBS 2008 Migrations from SBS 2003 – Keys to Success

The purpose of this post is to help you complete your SBS 2003 migrations to SBS 2008 successfully on the first attempt.

……………… much, much more

Use this information if you have a non-standard implementation or are concerned about the success of a migration.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,SBS 2003,SBS 2008,Migration,SBSC,Small Business Server 2008

SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 migration thoughts and issues

David Overton — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:03:00 GMT

I've been part of a lively debate on the Yahoo UK SBS Group about how to migrate from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 and what the issues are. The information I have so far is good, but I need much more to take it to the product teams.

For sure, the issues so far are:

Concerns around the "state" of AD before a migration is started - how do you check it - look at this blog post
Concerns around the Exchange migration in terms of time taken and failure scenarios - how to remove the chances of this?
Concerns around "on-site" versus "off-site" strategies
Concerns around recovery options in the event of failures (restore from backup not being ideal if you want it diagnosed)

My problem is that I have no data to take to the Microsoft product teams, which means I can't ask them to fix things so this is a two fold open invitation.

If you have had an issue, share it via comments below, but also PLEASE e-mail (doverton@microsoft.com) as well so I can get in touch with you and potentially the product teams too. If you put your mail in the blog then others can see it. You are also welcome to just e-mail me, but then there will not be discussion in public, which might be a shame.
Share other concerns so I can get them documented and addressed, but also use the Microsoft support - you can always send me the SR numbers if you want me to tie them together.

That is it - may the knowledge sharing continue!

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003,SBS 2008,migration,Microsoft,Small Business Server,SBSC,Community,Partners

How to upgrade (migrate) from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 on the same system without using a swing migration

David Overton — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:33:00 GMT

Someone posted this question on a discussion group at work and it got me thinking. If you bought a nice new system over the last 2 or so years in preparation for SBS 2008 (Cougar as was or even SBS v.Next) and had it installed with SBS 2003 you've probably heard that SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 is a 2 box migration and needs the Swing technique to do an on box migration.

I've come up with a much simpler solution, but your hardware might need some additions to make it work. So here is what you need:

Box with 6GB of RAM minimum (4GB for SBS 2008, 1GB for SBS 2003 and 1GB for Hyper-V server).
1 new disk for SBS 2008 system disk and 1 disk to hold Hyper-V (which could be small if desired or temporary)
System that meets the minimum system requirements of Hyper-V (http://www.microsoft.com/servers/hyper-v-server/system-requirements.mspx)
You need to ensure your hardware is really up to spec and is fit enough that you want your new SBS 2008 system to run on it for the next 2+ years, otherwise this may well be a false economy.

The process in outline is below. If you need more detailed information, let me know and I'll knock something up (as well as this may possibly end up in the book)

Take a full system backup before starting
Take existing system and add RAM and 2 disks
Install Hyper-V Server onto 1 disk
Install Hyper-V manager onto a client PC (see here for details)
Configure the network to all nodes can connect to a real physical network that has your internet router and firewall on it
Configure a virtual machine with pass-through disks that point to each of your SBS 2003 disks. To make a disk visible in Hyper-V console as a pass-through see here. Only configure approx 1GB of memory as you only need it to run well enough to perform a migration.
Start and boot the SBS 2003 VM. Check that all services start (or can be started if there is a timing issue) and that all data is available.
Install the integration Services Setup disk, run the setup and reboot when asked
Create another virtual machine with 4GB of RAM that points to the other new disk, again as a pass-through volume. This will be the SBS 2008 boot disk and can be booted with or without Hyper-V later
Perform the Migration as per my book (not yet published) or Whitepaper
Start migration process, including creating the answer file.
Create a VFD with the answer file on it and boot SBS 2008 to start the migration
Finish the migration to the point where the SBS 2003 box is downgraded
Turn off SBS 2003 VM and store, recycle or dispose of disks
Choose to either make the machine book natively boot to the SBS 2008 partition (in the bios) or continue to use Hyper-V

That is it. Much simpler than a swing if your box is good enough to run Hyper-V server. If you intend on keeping SBS 2008 running under Hyper-V, have a look at this Technet article.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003,SBS 2008,Microsoft,Migration,SBSC,David Overton

Important Microsoft security update – update your machines now!

David Overton — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:06:21 GMT

DavidOverton.com rebooted today due to an emergency security update – an “out of band” release from the normal “patch Tuesday” process. It is worth considering updating and reboot your computers and servers asap.

More information on this can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS08-067.mspx. Impacted systems below:

Operating System	Maximum Security Impact	Aggregate Severity Rating	Bulletins Replaced by this Update
Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4	Remote Code Execution	Critical	MS06-040
Windows XP Service Pack 2	Remote Code Execution	Critical	MS06-040
Windows XP Service Pack 3	Remote Code Execution	Critical	None
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition	Remote Code Execution	Critical	MS06-040
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2	Remote Code Execution	Critical	None
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1	Remote Code Execution	Critical	MS06-040
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2	Remote Code Execution	Critical	None
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition	Remote Code Execution	Critical	MS06-040
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2	Remote Code Execution	Critical	None
Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems	Remote Code Execution	Critical	MS06-040
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems	Remote Code Execution	Critical	None
Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1	Remote Code Execution	Important	None
Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1	Remote Code Execution	Important	None
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*	Remote Code Execution	Important	None
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*	Remote Code Execution	Important	None
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems	Remote Code Execution	Important	None

ttfn

David

Can't find the WSS (Windows SharePoint Services) sales and marketing toolkit for SBS 2003 - here it was

David Overton — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:18:58 GMT

I've had someone ask me about the WSS toolkit that was referenced at How to Sell, Deploy, and Build Business with Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 and SBS 2003 R2. The download location has moved to http://www.partnersalesresources.com/Pages/sbskit.aspx#.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Windows SharePoint Services, WSS v3, SBS, SBS 2003 R2, Microsoft, Partners

How to migrate from SBS 2003 to Small Business Server 2008 (SBS 2008)

David Overton — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:06:00 GMT

I’ve spoken about migration several times now for SBS 2008. The short answer is that migration from one box to another is vital. If a customer wants to do migration on the same box, then this is either expensive (and a very long process) or something that requires moving the server temporarily to another system, or as I prefer, virtualising it. Of course, SBS 2003 is not necessarily supported in a virtual environment, but since all we want to do is migrate from it, not “run it”, this should help you get over this.

The details of the process can be found in the Windows Small Business Server 2008 technical library. One of the MOST IMPORTANT things to understand is to create the answer file. This is covered in the migration help below:

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Migration Help (Download)

Provides step-by-step instructions for migrating from Windows SBS 2003 or 2008 to Windows SBS 2008. Last Updated on June 30, 2008

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Product Help (Download)

Provides step-by-step instructions for using the Windows SBS 2008 server software. Last Updated on June 30, 2008

Downloadable documentation for Windows Small Business Server 2008

Before you start – what you need to remember

SBS 2008 is a 64-bit solution requiring x64 capable hardware
There is NO 32-bit to 64-bit “in-place” upgrade solution
SBS 2008 Standard is a single server solution, while SBS 2008 Premium includes the license and software for a 2nd Windows Server system (as part of the domain)
SBS 2008 Premium edition does NOT have ISA as part of the solution.

SBS 2003 Premium customers with Software Assurance will be able to “make good” their ISA licenses for a limited amount of time after SBS 2008 is released.

SBS 2008 Premium edition has the option to use SQL 2008 Standard edition on either server.
SQL 2008 can be downgraded

Migration options at high level

Add a new server to existing SBS 2003 domain and either

Remove old SBS 2003 server
Purchase SBS 2008 Premium edition and make old server 2nd server using the license as part of SBS 2008 Premium edition

Using the rights of Software Assurance / Full Packaged Product, move physical SBS 2003 to an virtual machine and migrate from it to the existing x64 capable hardware

Note that SBS 2003 running in a Virtual Machine is not supported!

Load onto existing server, reloading all data and rejoining all PCs to the domain

Option 1 - Process to add new server

Backup up SBS 2003 server

Tidy up the SBS 2003 system

Remove unwanted software, files, users etc

Install the new SBS 2008 system

Create the answer file and install the new hardware with SBS 2008

The answer file tool looks like this:

Complete the setup

Set up web site information, security and so on
Be aware that the migration process is an interactive process, not a click and go process

Turn off old server

Confirm all client applications, printers, shares etc work

If you have SBS 2008 Premium edition, rebuild old server

Windows Server 2008 Standard or downgrade to Windows Server 2003 Standard for application compatibility reasons (x86 or x64 server)

Finally, share how to use SBS 2008

Option 2 – Move from physical to virtual to do 1 box migration

You need to do this part before you go to the steps above, starting at step 3

Purchase P2V (Physical to Virtual) software, such as SCVMM or PlateSpin solution
Backup SBS 2003 server
Tidy up SBS 2003 server as before and remove all unnecessary files
Run P2V software
Turn off SBS 2003 system and re-start SBS 2003 virtual machine
Continue migration process as if installing a new server

Option 3 – Blow away existing server and rebuild all PCs

Just don’t do this unless you really need to pretend you or your customer never had a network before!

I hope this makes sense.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2008, Microsoft, Partners, Community, SBSC, Small Business, Small Business Server 2008

Small Business Server 2008 downgrade rights questions and answers

David Overton — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:57:26 GMT

Last night I was at the Merseyside Partner group in Liverpool and once question that got asked again (and was in TPV and London too) was around downgrade rights from SBS 2008 to SBS 2003, so I dug for about 30 seconds and found these items on the Licensing FAQ site Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2008:

Q: What are downgrade rights? How do I exercise them?
A:Downgrade rights, in general, means that you can use an earlier version of the software acquired. For Windows Small Business Server, this means you are allowed to install and use Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Premium Edition instead of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition, which is what you purchased. You can also install and use Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition instead of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition. At any time, you can install the software you purchased and cease to use the earlier version.
If you obtained your server with Windows Small Business Server preinstalled from a partner or OEM, in order to exercise your downgrade rights you must already have the earlier versions of Windows Small Business Server media available. If you purchased Open Licensing, Volume Licensing, Software Assurance, or the full retail product of Windows Small Business Server 2008, contact Microsoft fulfillment services in your region.
Q:Are my Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 CALs valid to use to access my Windows Small Business Server 2008 network?
A:No. You must have the CAL version that matches the version of the server software you are running. That is, if you have a Windows Small Business Server 2008 domain, you must have Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs. Note: If you choose to run an earlier version of the server software (by way of using downgrade rights), you would still be in compliance with your license by acquiring Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs.
Q:How do I obtain CALs for earlier versions of Windows Small Business Server when they are discontinued?
A:You will need to purchase Windows Small Business Server 2008 CALs and use your downgrade rights
Q:How are my licenses activated?
A:The Windows Small Business Server 2008 server license is activated over the Internet. If you do not have an Internet connection, you can follow the instructions in the Windows Activation wizard for calling a telephone number to activate. Windows Small Business Server CALs no longer have to be activated. Note that if you are running Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition, the second copy of Windows Server 2008 technologies will require similar activation.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2008, Licensing, Microsoft, SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2, Small Business, SBSC

Moving SBS 2003 to new hardware or performing a migration – Update (QFE) to give you longer to do it (21 days up from the 7 days)

David Overton — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:46:41 GMT

From The Official SBS Blog : Small Business Server 2003 Migration Update 943494 Released, a slightly old post, but something work highlighting – how to have 2 SBS boxes on the same network for 21 days.

Small Business Server 2003 Migration Update 943494 Released

[Today's post comes to us courtesy of Justin Crosby]
The software license terms for Windows SBS enforce a limitation that permits the presence of only one Windows SBS server in the domain. However, there is a grace period where you can have a second SBS server in “join domain” type migration scenarios. This grace period is 7 days. In some situations, this grace period may not be long enough to properly complete the migration.
This software update extends the allowable grace period for the supported scenarios from 7 days to 21 days. Please plan accordingly, aim to complete your migration within 7 days and only use this update for situations where it is needed. Remember, if you hit the 21 day limit there is nothing that can be done to extend the limit any further.
Important: We strongly recommend that you complete all migration tasks before you demote the Windows SBS domain controller to a member server. Once you demote the Windows SBS domain controller to a member server, the grace period is reset back to 7 days or whatever is left from the 21 days (whichever is less).
The update is available at: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=64903D3C-3264-418D-9199-2963A599E268
The KB is available at: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;943494
For more information on migrating Windows Small Business Server 2003 to new hardware please see: http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServerSolutions/SBS/en/library/62e2094e-ad4e-4227-b20e-97a716ed7c861033.mspx

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003, SBS 2008, Small Business, Microsoft, SBSC, Updates, Tips

Proof that SBSC partners can grow from 1-man businesses into Microsoft Certified Partners – and still be good for small business – congrats Richard Tubb

David Overton — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:07:00 GMT

I remember the name Richard Tubb being mentioned a few times over the last 2 year and remember him on some of the Live Meetings I delivered and then he launched his blog. One thing that was apparent from his questions, contacts and especially his blog is that this is a man that “got it”. Now there are a few others that I believe live and breathe this attitude and to name some and miss others would be bad, so I wont name any (if you want to know if your on my “I love you man” list, drop me an e-mail, but I’ve probably told you or made time for you, which is a good hint), but one thing about living your life by certain principles is that you still have to live your life. By got it, I mean:

is solution, not product oriented
Is value sensitive, not price sensitive
Believes in the value of the community
Is prepared to stand up and be counted for his opinion – which is his, not others
Will tell you when he things you are talking… erm… rubbish!!
Believes in good processes (eg service plans, documentation etc)

If you look at his blog, you will see the above, so it is nice to see the business grow and achieve an amazing milestone. Richard is still a great SBSC partner, but now he is ALSO a Microsoft Certified Partner. Well done -

TubbBlog: Netlink IT achieves Microsoft Certified Partner Status

I'm chuffed to announce that Netlink IT achieved Microsoft Certified Partner Status this past month gone.

After striving to reach the level this Certification demanded for quite some time, the achievement of reaching the goal-post almost got lost in the business that taking on new staff, moving into a new office and re-organising the business brought on!
It was March 2006 that Netlink IT became a Microsoft Small Business Specialist Partner - and two years on I think that the SBSC certification, and in particular the benefits of working with the community that surrounds the "blue badge" from that certification, have significantly helped me to grow the company to the stage it's at now.
I'm hoping that Microsoft Certified Partner Status helps me grow the business further still.

I’m always happy to shout about great partners, so if you have something to shout about, let me know and either myself and / or Microsoft will shout too.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Partner, Certified Partner, SBSC, Community, SBS 2003, Small Business, Business

EBS 2208 and SBS 2008 Upgrades & Migrations from SBS 2003 and SBS / EBS 2008

David Overton — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:07:00 GMT

I saw over on Nicholas's blog post - Nicholas King : EBS/SBS Upgrades & Migrations that he has started to answer some of the questions around system upgrades and migrations. Below are some snippets of key information he has shared. Read his blog post for more. However, key thoughts for me are:

1) no in box SBS 2003 -> SBS 2008 upgrades. This is a box to box migration process. If you have SA or FPP copies of SBS 2003 then you can potentially do a P2V and then migrate from the virtual image. If not, I would consider running a VM of Windows Server to enable you to move the domain at least

2) Moving from one box to another (eg hardware upgrades in the future) are now supported. This can potentially be used to go from a RC0 build to RTM, but it is not tested or supported, however that does not mean it will not work!!

3) There is a GREAT document linked below that describes a migration in glorious detail

EBS/SBS Upgrades & Migrations

Recently I had several people ask me whether it is possible or supported to do a build to build migration or upgrade from the RC0 of either SBS or EBS to RC1 or even RTM.
Migration and Upgrade are two words often used interchangeably. Technically as you know they have some very specific meanings. Upgrade means to take the existing code base and then lay binaries over the top of, or underneath of (believe it or not this is how Vista does it!) the existing installation effectively taking the old installation and making it the new, whilst maintaining the existing configuration. Migration means setting up a completely new environment and then transferring the settings, user data and environment functionality to the new setup.
Upgrades are not something we design, test or develop for either SBS or EBS. For RTM our research points to the fact that most installations have new hardware on site, and added to that the SBS architecture change from 32-bit to 64-bit prohibits us from doing in place upgrades. EBS is V1 so no upgrade requirement there.
This leaves migrations, I need to be very clear that it IS NOT SUPPORTED from any build to build. Code can and does change from each of these milestones and we focus our resources on shipping a quality product for RTM. Now that that's out of the way, let's cover if it's possible..
Yes it is possible to do such a migration. We do this for our TAP customers using the same migration document that is on TechNET (we add some more details to it to cover the changes we make, but for the most part it is the same doc). Both products have focused heavily on migration scenarios. I'll break this into two sections to make it read easier.
Small Business Server 2008 Migration
Migration is one of the killer workloads for SBS 2008. We've built so much from SBS 2003. An SBS 2008 migration is based off of a domain join side-by-side configuration where you migrate the user accounts and settings from the old machine to the new using a 21 day trust we create. It is also answer file based so you'll need to kick off the tool found in the SBS 2008 binaries. You can read more by following the migration guide found here
<snipped>

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003 R2, SBS 2008, EBS 2008, Microsoft, SBSC, Partners, Small Business

If you are a Microsoft partner who sells SBS, then please fill in the Windows Small Business Server 2008 Community Survey

David Overton — Sat, 31 May 2008 23:18:06 GMT

Kevin asked a couple of weeks ago if I could share this – so I’m sharing :-)

The Windows Small Business Server 2008 WW Community Survey is live

This is the third year we have published an SBS WW Community Survey to the SBS Community.
Because of the previous surveys, we have made some adjustments in our community engagement. To name a few; we really worked on putting more focus on the Official SBS Blog. Our Sustaining Engineering team runs mini betas with our MVPs before KB's and Bug Fixes are released via Windows Update. We try to get more involvement in our techbetas from our User Groups. The list does go on.
To the survey, the SBS Product Team would like to hear from the Windows SBS Community again. This survey is completely anonymous. In fact, some of you may have to sign out from Live in order to take the survey. So, if you get a PAGE NOT FOUND error message, please log out of Live and click on the link to the survey again.
We want to know how valuable your experience is with the community resources and information that is available to you today as a member of the Windows SBS Community. We also want to know what you think could be done to improve your Windows SBS Community Experience. Please take a couple of minutes to provide us your candid feedback via this survey and let us know what you think.
SBS WW Community Survey 2008
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Kevin Beares
Community Lead - WSSG

The WSSG Community Lead Blog : The Windows Small Business Server 2008 WW Community Survey is live

Please fill it in

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2008, SBS 2003, Small Business, SBSC, Partner, Microsoft, Community

Pricing for SBS 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008 released (US FPP) and public beta for EBS, with public beta for SBS 2008 to follow

David Overton — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:40:51 GMT

My blog has been quiet recently – think of it as a the quiet before the storm (or I’ve been maxed around quarter and year end business, family and partner visits to the US). Anyway, this has crept up on me before I re-installed my server, so I thought I would just share the love.

Microsoft Announces Public Preview and Pricing for Windows Essential Server Solutions

Today Microsoft announced the following prices for the Windows Essential Server Solutions family:

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition software, including five CALs, $1,089 (U.S.); additional CALs $77 each (U.S.)
Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition software, including five CALs, $1,899 (U.S.); additional CALs $189 each (U.S.)
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Standard Edition software, including five CALs, $5,472 (U.S.); additional CALs $81 each (U.S.)
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium Edition software, including five CALs, $7,163 (U.S.); additional CALs $195 each (U.S.)

We also announced availability of the public beta, which is available here: http://www.MultiplyYourPower.com

Since I know this will raise some eyebrows I thought I would jump in early:

Yes the price has gone up, but so has the value of what is in the box.
In many scenarios, due to the single CAL purchases and reduction in Standard CAL prices, the solution will cost less for a customer than SBS 2003 today
The Premium product now has a copy of Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition in it to enable SQL on a 2nd server, Terminal Server solutions and more. The Exchange and management components need to stay on the 1st server
You ONLY need a Premium CAL for users who are accessing SQL, so if you don’t access SQL, then you can use the Premium product without having to move to Premium CALs, saving you money

Happy to hear more about this – I will be discussing the product at the London and Liverpool group meetings over the next month.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Small Business Server 2008, SBS 2008, SBS, SBS 2003, SBSC, Microsoft

UK SBS group meeting in Manchester on Wednesday 23rd April 2008

David Overton — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:51:15 GMT

I just saw this from Chris Parks and thought I would share with a wider audience:

Folks, Just a quick reminder of the meeting this Wednesday at One Central Park, Manchester M40 5WW, 18:30... Attending from Microsoft are David Overton, Danny Ovens and myself.

Hope to see you there :) Also, a huge thanks to those who’ve either joined the online network or sent me back their profiles so far...some of them have been enlightening and some of them downright intentionally hilarious!!! (Please feel free to send through today if you get chance and haven’t done so yet :)

Regards,

Chris Parkes

Technology Adoption & Solutions Specialist

thanks

David

Technorati Tags: Small Business, SBSC, SBS 2003, SBS, Manchester, Community

Where will your customers be looking for solutions – will they stick to on premise, or will they move towards a S+S or SaaS solution not from you?

David Overton — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:02:00 GMT

I know the table above is really, really simple, but I wanted to start the ball rolling – I have been thinking about this for ages!! Let me explain the diagram. The horizontal axis signifies how much of a solution is hosted. An example of this might be Office Live or Hotmail, where almost all of the solution is hosted. We then have the “on premise” or on-site IT going vertically. For most people, this is solutions like SBS 2003. A typical S+S solution might be MS CRM Online which has online components, but also enables you to go off-web and use Outlook or one of the mobile clients when on the road.

While many thought on-line would be the next best thing even the king of on-line, Google, have recently admitted that it would not always be the answer in the posting they made on April 1st. Steve Clayton did the leg work and checked this was not form of April fool too!!

Even the NY Times is talking about it, which to me says it really is going mainstream - http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_002570DE00740E180025742400363509.html.

Ok, so that is the picture out the way, now lets talk about the question. Which question you ask… well, this one:

Will any of your customers be running in the “S+S or hosted” marketplace in 5+ years time?

Now while that is a good question, I expect most of you will say … some, definitely not all, but some. How many customers can you afford to lose to a S+S provider?

Now this leads to an even bigger question ….

What will you have done to ensure they are still your customers, as opposed to someone who is skilled in S+S?

Personally I find this question much more concerning as many people can’t articulate any plans they have to capture these customers!! So what do I suggest …

If you are a services partner I recommend you start to look at SaaS services like Office Live that are slowly moving towards S+S or S+S services like CRM online and start to plan how you could add value to them and make money in the future.

If you are an ISV, then now is the time to start to look at services like the Sync Framework - http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/sync/default.aspx and the blog at http://blogs.msdn.com/sync/.

You should have most of the other tools already, although if not then other keywords to do some reading on are Hosting, SPLA licensing, Application Virtualisation and Citrix.

If you want to know more, let me know

David

Technorati Tags: S+S, Saas, Software as a Service, Software plus Service, Live, Online, SBS 2003, Small Business, Business, Community, SBSC

Extended Promotional offers for SBS 2003 – now available until June 30, 2008

David Overton — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:58:17 GMT

I saw these on the SBS Offers site and noticed that they have been extended, so here are the things you need to know below. It is worth remembering that it is up to you how you pass these benefits through to your customers!!

What? – Promotion Offering:

When? – The promotion extension means system builders and resellers can now submit claims for services they deliver between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008. Participants will have until July 31, 2008 to complete their claims.

*If a partner submitted claims between January 1, 2008 and February 29, 2008 they will be applied to this extension period and cannot exceed 50 claims in total per partner.

Who is eligible – All system builders and resellers in the participating countries in Western Europe, Germany, France, UK, APAC, India, MEA, CEE (EU only), and Latam (CCA only).

How? – The system builder/reseller goes to www.sbsoffer.com to learn about the offer and the steps needed to redeem:

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2, SBSC, Partners, Microsoft, Offers, Promotions, Community

Dear Susan … It is 75 CALs, but recommended for 50 users … reply to "Tom"? We'll need you to dispel another myth. - The Official Blog of the SBS "Diva"

David Overton — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:33:31 GMT

Susan has raised a really good point and something that is often misunderstood about SBS – and this ties in to SBS 2003 AND SBS 2008.

What is the problem … Here is what Susan put… is SBS designed for 50 or 75 CALs?

"Tom"? We'll need you to dispell another myth.

March 11, 2008
Windows Small Business Server 2008 – HOT!Prepare for New Server-Solutions Business <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=8493173>
Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 is coming in the second half of 2008. The enhanced platform, part of the new Windows Essential Server Solutions family, is built on the Windows Server 2008 operating system and includes Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Microsoft SQL Server 2008, and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. With SBS 2008, you can deliver cost-effective, manageable, enterprise-class technologies to your small-business customers with up to 50 75 workstations or devices,and grow your server-solutions business.
"Tom"? We're going to need you to dispell another myth that has already been started. It's not 50, it's 75. There's no change in cal count from SBS 2003.

"Tom"? We'll need you to dispell another myth. - The Official Blog of the SBS "Diva"

The answer is that SBS can run with up to 75 CALs, but the risk of hitting that limit is not good, so we recommend if someone is buying a new system for them to go with 50 CALs as a limit to give headroom. If they expect the server to last 3-6 years, the potential of hitting the top is there and the experience when they do is not great. Now I know that we have the transition pack for those that hit the limit, but this is about a simple positioning statement that people can understand.

So, 75 CALs limit is still true, but the recommended (as it is for SBS 2003 today) is still 5-50. You will also notice that EBS has a recommended coverage of 25-250.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2, SBS 2008, Licensing, Microsoft, SBSC, Community

Are you a “Wizard bigot”? So you think that SBS is a poor quality, cut down version of Windows Server? Do you think that SBS admins are small in capability?

David Overton — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:12:27 GMT

Unfortunately there are people who answer yes to the questions above, so lets get some things straight – if you think that:

SBS is bad. There were dark days in the SBS 4.5 and 2000 time (to a small extent) when people thought SBS did not work, did not perform and was clobbered down with stuff that made people hate it. Now Days SBS 2003 is amazing and is built on top of Windows Server 2003 with lots of good stuff extra too.

SBS is insecure. SBS is not only as secure as Windows Server 2003, but since most of the work of securing the system is done for you, it stops you missing silly and obvious things. SBS 2003 R2 even ships with WSUS enabled and a system for telling you if your systems are patched (yes, desktop and server). For a fun look, see Hack That!

Wizards are for wimps. I don’t understand those people who insist on not using the wizards. Yes, SBS 2003 has all the tools of Windows Server 2003 underneath, but why why configure everything by hand when a wizard will do 1/2 hours work in 1 minutes. If you then need to tweak the settings (and that means tweak because it helps the business, not because you prefer everything to end in an even number), then you can still do so – all the of the product features are still there, including all the low level tools.

SBS can’t do everything that Windows Server can do. Well, the answer is almost. It does have some restrictions on it, but they are really simple and nothing to do with application compatibility or ability to work inside a small business:

1 domain (as many other DCs and servers as you want – have a look at Ultimate Server Rave and )
75 CALs, so no enterprise
Only 1 SBS Server per organisation, but as with the domain question – you can have as many Windows Servers in the domain as you want.
Also look at Tech-knowledgey

I love SBS, but to help you convince others, why not have a look at a few places:

For information on the Myths -

Presentation: Dispelling Common Myths About Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2
Are you prepared to answer customer questions about SBS 2003 R2? Get an overview of product features and licensing scenarios as well as a list of common misperceptions about SBS and why they're incorrect.

Windows Small Business Server Truths Revealed
Myths abound about the flexibility and scalability of Windows Small Business Server (SBS) environments. The truth: SBS can work in most complex server-workload scenarios, from multiserver environments to line-of-business applications and remote access. Read about Microsoft Partner experiences. Learn about the robust capabilities of SBS. The benefits of deploying the platform and how you can satisfy the needs of your small-business customers - and increase revenue - by selling them the right solution.

or for customers, send them to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/evaluation/topmyths.mspx

To punish those bad wizards from the past have a look at Punch A Wizard Game and then understand more about them look at Wizards.

Finally, have a look at Hello World! and all the items on the blog to understand more about what SBS can do!!

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2, Server, Windows Server 2003, Wizards, Small Business, Small Business Server, Marketing, Microsoft, Humour, Humor

Want to know more about Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0? Make time from 6pm in London on the 29th April 2008. Remember that you can load WSS v3 onto SBS 2003 and it is a part of SBS 2008 (Cougar) and Essential Business Server 2008 (Centro)

David Overton — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 18:36:00 GMT

I have said many a time that SharePoint will be a key asset for small business partners now and in the future and all the press suggests the exact same thing. Vijay has arranged, and will be presenting, at an Event in London with Steve Smith, Craig Carpenter and Bill English. Given the quality of the speakers, I would suggest that you sign up early to say that you will be there:

Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 Event for SBSC Partners on 29th April 2008

Venue & Time
Microsoft London, Cardinal Place, 100 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5JL meeting at 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start and 9.00pm finish.
Presentations from some of the worldwide experts on Sharepoint on Windows Sharepoint Sservices 3.0 which will be a key component of SBS 2008 and which can be installed as a side-by-side installation on SBS 2003.
Presenters
Steve Smith MVP and Craig Carpenter (co-owners of Combined Knowledge one of the leading Sharepoint Training Consultancies). Steve is also one of the organisers of the Sharepoint User Group in the UK. Check out the bios here.
Bill English MVP of US based Mindsharp and author of a number of MS Press Books on Sharepoint will be presenting on WSS User Management on the new DeliverPoint Platform.
To register either leave a comment with your name and company or drop me an email at vijay@iqubed.biz. We are expecting a lot of interest and it will be opened up to the Sharepoint User Group as well

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SharePoint, WSS, Windows SharePoint Services, SBS, SBS 2003, SBS 2008, Cougar, Office System, Office 2007

Manchester SBS Group (Kick Off Meeting) - 27th March 2008 - be there to see how it all starts again - with Chris Parkes, Ceri Thomas and me

David Overton — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:04:00 GMT

Ceri Thomas is planning a new group in Manchester and Chris Parkes will be there to host things with him for the 1st meeting. I will also be there slightly later in the evening. Below is the mail sent out by Danny Ovens to SBSC members in the area, but all are welcome.

Dear Partner
New: Manchester SBS Groups (Kick Off Meeting)

What is the purpose of the SBS User Group....?
SBS User Groups are partner meetings, run by partner, for partners. They are an independent forum that enable partners to meet one another, share best practice, learn how to better engage with IT Vendors and also hear directly from Microsoft about our products and strategies.
· Partner to partner networking – how can collaborating, learning what successes others have had, sharing problems and concerns or working as a group help your business
· Connect with Vendors – The group can invite Microsoft and others to attend and present to your agenda...be heard!
· Plugged in to Manchester Northwest activities – We’re increasing our engagement with partners in the Northwest through events and communities and we’ll keep the forum updated with relevant news
· Ability to shape the agenda of the User group in future – What works for you...? Influence the agenda to reflect your needs.
The first meeting is being held in Manchester on the 27^th March and if you’d like to register your attendance please do so through the voting buttons above.
[to vote from this blog entry, click here: Yes, I'd like to attend I would like to attend but can't make this date I would not like to attend thanks]

Date & Time:
Thursday 27^th March, 18:30-21:00

Agenda:
18:30 Welcome, introductions.
19:00 Microsoft Update
19:45 Partner Roundtable – Issues, concerns & successes
20:45 AOB – Agree Next meeting agenda
21:00 Close
Venue:
One Central Park, Manchester M40 5WW
Host Partner
Your host partner for the evening will be Ceri Thomas (168tech.co.uk) from 168tech and he will be supported by Chris Parkes, Microsoft Technology Adoption & Solutions Specialist and Dave Overton the Microsoft SBS Guy.
Please feel free to forward this invitation to others you think might be interested.
Look forward to hearing from you....
Regards
Danny
Danny Ovens | Regional Partner Engagement Manager

Hope to see you there

David

Technorati Tags: SBSC, community, partners, small business, Manchester

More ways to engage with customers using the Microsoft advertising campaigns

David Overton — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:00:00 GMT

[updated 4th March]

Many people congratulated Microsoft after the Mr Busy campaigns allowed partners to drive their customers back to them using a MS campaign. Well, this is now being repeated for a number of campaigns. Today I found the click and go site to get them all (http://www.campaigns.arvato-services.com/). You can get 200 post cards or 1,000 e-mails for free and then a low price for additional cards/ e-mails if required. The campaigns covered include:

Business Productivity
Customer Acquisition and Retention
Security and Reliability
Small Business PC
Mr Busy

This method of engaging is not new to the Small Business team and others have covered this before (eg Susanne here), but it is worth re-highlighting this now as some of the campaigns have been renewed, so go back and visit the site!!

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Marketing, Campaigns, Business Productivity, Customer Acquisition and Retention, Security and Reliability, Small Business PC, Mr Busy, Partner, SME, Small Business Server 2008, Mid-Market

Small Business Server 2003 Best Practices Analyzer Updated - from the Official SBS Blog

David Overton — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 08:39:00 GMT

Yesterday we announce SBS 2008 and now there is the updated best practice analyzer for SBS 2003 - The Official SBS Blog : Small Business Server 2003 Best Practices Analyzer Updated - the updates are below

Small Business Server 2003 Best Practices Analyzer Updated

The SBS 2003 Best Practices Analyzer configuration file has been updated with new rules. There are approximately 100 new rules and many pre-existing rules have been improved based on your feedback.
To check to see if you have the latest configuration file go to Start>All Programs>SBS Best Practices Analyzer, then click on the About the Best Practices Analyzer link. The updated configuration file version is 2.1.18.0.
If you still have the old version (2.1.4.0), click on the Updates and Customer Feedback link. Then click on the Check for Updates Now link.
Some of the new rules include:

Expanded checks for Blue Shield issues relating to WSUS
Checks for the .Net Framework version for Companyweb
Resolved some issues with the WSS and DST update checks
Checks the SQL Default instance for service pack level/version
Information messages regarding Forest/Domain Functional Levels and Exchange Functional level
Checks that KB 911829 is installed for OWA/Vista compatibility
DNS Forward lookup zones are set to allow secure dynamic updates
Verifies IIS keep-alives are enabled
Checks ISA 2004 service pack level, and if ISA 2000 is installed recommend that it be upgraded to ISA 2004 using SBS 2003 SP1 media
Verifies that no restrictions have been placed on the IWAM or IUSR accounts for workstation or logon hours
Checks to see if the LANNIC guid appears to be the internal interface
Checks for MSFW instance for service pack level/version
Warning if NIC drivers are over a year old
Verifies that the reverse lookup zone is configured for allowing secure dynamic updates
Verifies that WSUS is integrated with SBS R2
Informational message to show the AD schema version level
Attempts to ping other domain controllers to test connectivity to them
Verifies that SSL is not required on the /exchange-oma virtual directory
Checks that the server has been updated with KB 926505 for Outlook/Vista compatibility
Checks for Windows SharePoint Services v3.0 SP1
Checks for Windows Server Update Services v3.0 SP1

Note: Please remember if you see the error that Windows SBS 2003 Service Pack 1 not installed that SBS 2003 SP1 is made up of 5 parts (Windows, Exchange, Windows SharePoint Services service packs, XP SP2 update, and the SBS 2003 service pack itself). If you are getting this error then you may have Windows Service Pack 2 installed but would appear the SBS 2003 SP1 itself is still not installed. For more information see http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=50694.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2, Best Practice, Microsoft

Where to go to study for SBSC exam 70-282 - help from the community by the community

David Overton — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:51:03 GMT

This comment was added to my blog the other day, but I think it deserves posting as a blog entry in it's own right:

Hi Dave,
We've worked up a 70-282 set of resources on a live.space. The effort is thorough and a good starting point for anyone looking at the 70-282 exam. Two particularly useful URL's are:
http://wigital.spaces.live.com AND
70-282examteam.events.live.com
You are welcome to contribute and/or comment if you have time.
Warm Regards,
Mark

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBSC, 70-282, Exam, SBS Server, Community

Download the "How to Sell, Deploy, and Build Business with Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 and SBS 2003 R2" now

David Overton — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:11:51 GMT

I have been asked about this loads of times, but for those of you who want to know more about using WSS v3 and SBS 2003, the guide is finally here at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=59acc518-023e-43c3-b8f3-378c5e387461.

How to Sell, Deploy, and Build Business with Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 and SBS 2003 R2

Partner tool to create solutions using Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2.

File Name: Selling_WSS_and_SBS_Kit.zip
Date Published: 11/15/2007
Overview

A new partner enablement tool helps you create solutions using Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2. Access the toolkit’s resources—including a process cookbook, technical documentation and marketing materials—to learn how to build your business by selling and deploying customized solutions.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003 R2, SBSC, WSS v3, WSS, SharePoint, Windows SharePoint Services

Whitepaper on Migrating SBS 2003 to New Hardware

David Overton — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:18:07 GMT

It is funny how things happen. I was debating with my dad which was better - building a new server and re-joining the clients, migrating via AD in a VPC to give the server the same name or adding the server and dealing with the fact that the "server" has a name change. I then told my dad that I had blogged about this and he should have read the document, only to discover that I had not. I've seen it covered in a few places. I'm always open to feedback on this sort of information. I am pro-VM based migrations but people seem to think they are too hard, so more on that would be really good.

Microsoft has released a new whitepaper and set of worksheets entitled:

”Migrating Windows Small Business Server 2003 to New Hardware“
Sections include:

Migrating Windows Small Business Server 2003 to New Hardware
Worksheet 1 Source and Destination Computer Information
Worksheet 2 SMTP Connector Settings
Worksheet 3 Exchange Server 2003 Global Settings
Worksheet 4 Location of Data for Line-of-Business Applications and Location of General User Data
Worksheet 5 Windows Small Business Server 2003 Settings
Worksheet 6 Shared Folder Information

The whitepaper outlines the following steps for migrating from an existing computer running Windows SBS 2003 to new hardware:

Evaluate the current status of the source server.

continued at Whitepaper - Migrating SBS 2003 to New Hardware | NoGeekLeftBehind.com

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003 R2, Migration, Tips

A SBS Blog to watch - Girish's Graffiti : How to use Performance Monitor Wizard (PerfWiz) on SBS

David Overton — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 10:18:00 GMT

This is just one example of the many blog entries on this blog that is again worth watching. Is it also worth mentioning that Girish supports SBS? Go to Girish's Graffiti to see lots of good stuff.

How to use Performance Monitor Wizard (PerfWiz) on SBS

You can download PerfWiz from here;
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=31fccd98-c3a1-4644-9622-faa046d69214&displaylang=en
Many times when you have performance issues on your server you can use this tool to simplify creating performance counters. This will benefit you in the following way; you don't need to do this one by one manually and this would be a head start before you call for support. Because for most performance issues you may find that we would want to collect this from your system.
So here is a step by step on how can do this
More information at Girish's Graffiti : How to use Performance Monitor Wizard (PerfWiz) on SBS

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS, Blog, If you only read one post today

Be there or be square - Westcoast Small Business Forum - 29th November, Reading

David Overton — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:30:30 GMT

What can I say - an amazing line up of presenters, plus a chance to throw pies at me as I do a song and dance for 1 hour. Seriously though, look at the agenda and wonder how you survived without it!!

Westcoast Small Business Forum

Get yourself booked onto our Small Business Forum which takes place on November 29th at Microsoft’s Thames Valley Campus.
Spaces are limited (unless you’re happy to sit on laps?!) so get yourself booked on now. First come, first served.
Full details are available by clicking here. We’ll be updating it with a few more events that are coming up this year in the UK that we think you’ll be interested in.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Oh, and guess who’s also found another site to blog on…

UK SMB Girl » Westcoast Small Business Forum

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: If you only read one post today, Small Business, SBSC, Community, Westcoast, Event

A SBS Blog to watch - Moloy Tandon's Blog - Ask Me

David Overton — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:11:00 GMT

This is just one example of the many blog entries on this blog that is worth watching. Is it also worth mentioning that Moloy supports SBS? Go to Moloy Tandon's Blog - Ask Me to see lots of good stuff.

Upcoming Events: Small Business Server 2003 Webinar

We've arranged three Small Business Server webinars to cover topics that we think you may be interested in. You can watch these webinars from the comfort of your own PC and there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions at the end.
But hurry! Spaces are limited so ensure you register as soon as possible.
The Small Business Server OEM pre-installation kit
Join us for the first of our three-part webinar series, focusing on Microsoft Small Business Server.
We'll be looking at how to:

Automate the build process - using features such as auto-unattend
Centrally manage your installations - by using network-based deployment
Incorporate third party drivers - and pre-install additional applications
Add unique customisations - to promote your company and support offerings
We'll also touch on creating images to help you save time on future installations and finish with a question and answer session.

Tuesday 30th October, 9am-10am - Register
Tuesday 6th November, 9am-10am - Register
Common configurations with Small Business Server
In part two of our series on Small Business Server we'll be investigating common configurations. This session will include:

Hardware and network infrastructure considerations, including how to set up, email or transfer from an ISP
Security
Troubleshooting techniques and common pitfalls

Tuesday 30th October, 4pm-5pm - Register
Tuesday 6th November, 4pm-5pm - Register
Windows SharePoint Services
In the third and final part of our series on Windows Small Business Server we'll look in detail at Windows SharePoint Services.

Key capabilities of Windows SharePoint Services version 2.0 around web-based team working
Options for ongoing management
Introducing Windows SharePoint Services version 3.0

Wednesday 31st October, 9am-10am - Register
Wednesday 7th November, 9am-10am - Register

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS, Blog, If you only read one post today

From the Official SBS Blog - SBS now has a Best Practices Analyzer!

David Overton — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:17:34 GMT

You have seen the Exchange, SQL, Security and Windows best practice scanners, well now we have all that SBS expertise wrapped up into an SBS scanner - enjoy!!

SBS now has a Best Practices Analyzer!

The Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Best Practices Analyzer examines a server that is running Windows Small Business Server 2003 (Windows SBS) and presents a list of information and errors that administrators should review.
The Windows SBS Best Practices Analyzer examines the server and collects configuration information from many sources including:

Active Directory
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
Registry
Metabase

After collecting information about server configuration, the Windows SBS Best Practices Analyzer verifies that the information is correct and then presents administrators with a list of issues sorted by severity. The list describes each issue and provides a recommendation or possible solution.

System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Small Business Server 2003 (Any version of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003)
Links
KB article
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940439
Download
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=3874527A-DE19-49BB-800F-352F3B6F2922&displaylang=en
So take a look and let us know what you think about it! (Feedback email address is in the KB article).

The Official SBS Blog : SBS now has a Best Practices Analyzer!

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003 R2, Best practices, If you only read one post today

Where to go to study for SBSC exam 70-282

David Overton — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:21:03 GMT

I have been asked a couple of times if there has been any updated info on the 70-282 exam and information on it. While looking through old blog entries I found this:

A free webcast series hosted throughout the month of May by David Fabritius is being offered at MSReadiness.com. More information is available here - http://msreadiness.com/study70-282r2.

The Official SBS Blog : Studying for 70-282?

This takes you to the MS Web site, where I found out that all the webcasts happened in the past, but the recording and blog are still there for you:

To access the Study Group blog, visit us at http://blogs.technet.com/BackRoom.
Using Self Test Software's great data bank of approved practice exam questions, we will review the material for the week on Fridays and help you check your preparedness for the actual exam. We will not only be looking at why an answer is correct, but also exploring why answers are wrong.
Syllabus for 70-282 Study Group
All of the sessions outlined below will be presented at 10 AM PDT on their respective days. The primary references for this webcast series are:
Small Business Specialist Primer & 70-282 Exam Preparation Guide
by Mulzer and Brelsford
Published by SMB Nation Press, ISBN-10: 0-9748-5803-X, ISBN-13: 978-0974858036
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 Administrator’s Companion
by Russel, Crawford, and Gerend
Published by MS Press, ISBN-10: 0-7356-2020-2, ISBN-13: 978-0735620209
Session 1, 5/7/2007
Analyzing the Existing Environment &
Designing a Business Technology Solution for a Small- to Medium-sized Company, Part 1
Primer, Chapter 3 & pp. 4-15 to 4-18; Companion, pp. 36-39
Session 2, 5/8/2007
Designing a Business Technology Solution for a Small- to Medium-sized Company, Part 2 &
Expanding the Windows Small Business Server 2003 Network
Primer, Chapters 4 and 9
Week 1 Practice, 5/11/2007
Sample questions and Q&A from sessions 1 and 2, Analysis & Design
Session 3, 5/14/2007
Installing Windows Small Business Server 2003
Primer, Chapter 5; Companion, Chapter 5
Session 4, 5/15/2007
Configuring SBS 2003 for Networking and Remote Connectivity
Primer, pp. 7-6 to 7-21; Companion, Chapters 6 and 15
Week 2 Practice, 5/18/2007
Sample questions and Q&A from sessions 3 and 4, Installation & Configuration
Session 5, 5/21/2007
Configuring SBS 2003 for Messaging and Collaboration
Primer, pp. 7-21 to 7-51; Companion, pp. 90-92, 178-199, 324-363, 444-489
Session 6, 5/22/2007
SBS 2003 Security
Primer, Chapter 6; Companion, pp. 150-197
Week 3 Practice, 5/25/2007
Sample questions and Q&A from sessions 5 and 6, Installation & Configuration
Session 7, 5/29/2007
Managing Small Business Server 2003
Managing SBS Clients / Troubleshooting SBS 2003
Primer, Chapter 8; Companion, pp. 200-231, Chapters 12 and 20
Session 8, 5/30/2007
Using Backup in SBS 2003
Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2003
Primer, pp. 8-32 to 8-38, Chapter 10; Companion, Chapters 13 and 21
Week 4 Practice, 6/1/2007
Sample questions and Q&A from sessions 7 and 8, Support & Maintenance

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBSC, 70-282, exam, study, webcasts

The UK SBS Back to Basics Tour

David Overton — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:07:53 GMT

This will be the 1st one of these tours that I have not attended for four years. Sad times, however that doesn't mean that Mark, Sven and everyone else will not do an amazing job (in fact, to suggest otherwise would be incredibly arrogant of me). So come and see how they can help you sell more and solve more problems over the next 9 months before the end of "FY08" inside Microsoft. "FY09" is of course when SBS Cougar is due to ship, but more on that later on in "FY08"!!!

SBS 'Back to Basics'

New to selling Microsoft Small Business Server? Or looking for interesting ways to approach selling a Small Business Server solution to your customers? Our 'Back to Basics' seminars cover common configurations, building servers with SBS, and looking at Windows SharePoint Server as a great solution-based approach to SBS for your customers.

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003 R2, Training, Windows SharePoint Services

How to change the welcome mail sent to new users on SBS 2003

David Overton — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:20:56 GMT

This is just a small tip that I recently saw. If you wish to change the e-mail that is sent to new users when they are set up on SBS 2003 then you need to edit the html file found in this location:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Windows Small Business Server\Administration\samplemail.htm

that is it :-)

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS 2003 R2, Tips, New User, e-mail

SBS rebates for partners - get up to $225 back per installation - and don't complain that we only do these in the USA - this is available in many countries, including the UK too

David Overton — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:00:00 GMT

I just know when a rebate offer goes up on the Microsoft web site that I will get an e-mail asking if it will be available in the UK. For this one the answer is most definitely YES. To prove that it is not a waste of time, I need you to USE the offer, i.e. sell SBS and claim back you money, CALs or D-Link wireless router. Below are the details from the UK web site, but if you go to http://www.sbsoffers.com you will be able to select your country. Since this is a limited time offer, the more you sell now, the more you make - you can make up to 50 claims under this offer!!

Take advantage of these offers when you provide on-site, deployment services for Windows^® Small Business Server 2003 R2!

Don’t miss this opportunity! From September 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, the on-site services you may already provide to customers to deploy Microsoft^® Windows^® Small Business Server 2003 R2 could make you eligible to receive some great rewards.

Provide on-site deployment services to your customer between September 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007.
Submit your valid Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 Certificate of Authenticity or Volume License Number and then upload, fax or mail your deployment services invoice
Choose which offer you would like to receive!

Server Rebate Offer - UK rebate site

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: If you only read one post today, SBS 2003 R2, Rebate, SBSC, Partners, Microsoft

SBS Technet Chat Transcript published

David Overton — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 11:25:38 GMT

Hi folks, this is a really simple one - I had the pleasure of answering some questions at a TechNet chat a few weeks back - that chat has now had a polished transcript published on the web at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/chats/trans/sbs/07_0713_tn_sbs.mspx.

thanks

David

Technorati Tags: SBS, SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2, Technet, Chat

Finally the internal mail arrives announcing two new SBS MVPs in the UK

David Overton — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 07:52:57 GMT

You saw it here last folks. Congratulations to both Susanne and Tim and to the existing peeps of Scott, Steve and Nick (since he works the UK patch sometimes). If you know of these two then you know they are hard working people in the SBS community and have probably already read that they have been honoured with the MVP award. They join the ranks previously blazed by Steve, Scott and Nick. I also think that Susanne might have decided that since at least 50% of the photos from the MVP site look scary, she would forgo one just now :-).

Their comments about this on there blogs can be found here for Susanne and here for Tim - both humble, but the links to other pages shows what others think.

New MVPs in UK

Susanne Dansey: Windows Server System - Small Business Server
Susanne Dansey has spent her entire career in business development in the IT industry & recognizes that the key to successful customer relationships is empathy, trust and under...
Tim Long: Windows Server System - Small Business Server
Tim has been a software engineer in the telecommunications industry since 1986 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in computing. In 1999 Tim moved to Cal...

Existing MVPs in UK and Ireland

Scott McKenzie: Windows Server System - Small Business Server
Scott has been helping small and medium businesses maximize their use of technology for the past 7 years. He is a former solicitor and holds an MBA from NSU in Florida. Scott...
Steve Foster: Windows Server System - Small Business Server
Steve has more than 20 years experience in IT. He's worked for a variety of organisations, ranging from small software houses to large government agencies. For the past decade,...
Nick Whittome: Windows Server System - Small Business Server
Nick Whittome is the Managing Director of NTES Limited, a company he formed in 1999 with his partner Rachel Hogan. Nick has dedicated his skills to small and medium sized bu...

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: SBS MVP, MVP, Community, Microsoft

Want to know what is happening on your network, packet for packet - get Microsoft Network Monitor 3.1

David Overton — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:05:19 GMT

I saw this had been published and thought I would share - it is an amazing tool that I use for diagnosis all the time. Reading http://www.ditii.com/2007/07/03/network-monitor-31-released/ it also reminded me that this includes traces on wireless networks!!

Microsoft Network Monitor 3.1

Network Monitor 3.1 is a protocol analyzer. It allows you to capture network traffic, view and analyze it. Version 3.1 is an update and replaces Network Monitor 3.0. Network Monitor 3.x is a complete overhaul of the previous Network Monitor 2.x version.

Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2003 x64 editions; Windows Vista; Windows XP; Windows XP 64-bit
It is suggested that you have a CPU of 1GHz or greater, 1G or greater of Memory and 25 Megs of available Hard Disk space, plus room for capture files. Supports Vista 64 bit as well as 32 bit.
Instructions

Network Monitor 3.1 can co-exist with Netmon2.x. NM3.1 installs in %program files%\Microsoft Network Monitor 3, so there is no conflict. But it will require that NM3.0 be uninstalled first. The NM3.1 install will do this automatically for you.
For Vista, we have a new driver that supports new features available in the NDIS 6.0 driver. If you are using tools that rely on Network Monitor 2.x NPPTools, these tools will no longer work.
Capturing on Vista requires NM3.0 or NM3.1, as Netmon2.x does not capture properly on Vista.
Warning: Capturing with the NM3 GUI with conversations enabled can use up considerable amount of memory. This may cause a machine to become unresponsive. If you need to capture data for long periods of time, please use the included command line utility, NMCap, and the /DisableConversations switch.

Download details: Microsoft Network Monitor 3.1

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: NetMon, Network Monitor, Network, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 R2, SBS 2003, troubleshooting

David Overton moving on to pastures new

David Overton — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:00:47 GMT

With a tear in my eye the time has come for me to move my stick hut somewhere new. I have loved working in and with the small business community and with a set of awesome partners who can complain and nag, but normally with good cause and that are more willing to say thank-you and "good job" when the time is right. To you all I take my hat off for making me feel so welcome.

As a legacy we now have SBSC up and running, partner groups that support themselves, a voice into Microsoft from the smaller end of the partner community and a better understanding of the motivations of both Microsoft and our partners. We also have a new level of engagement with customers. I wish I could take credit for all of this, but I am just a figurehead for a great team of people inside Microsoft.

A nice chap called Mark in the OEM team will be helping to drive Cougar knowledge through the community when the time comes (no, this is not the time yet, trust me), SBSC has been supported by Jen as many of you would have seen from the e-mails and SBS has a product manager who cares in the form of Sonal. Finally campaigns like Mr Busy prove that while we still have some implementation details to improve on, the ideas are getting better and better and the team responsible for these will continue to push forward on this front.

They say you can take the boy out of the small business, but not small business out of the boy and this will be true for me - the blog will continue and I will still try to be a voice of reason and rant as I feel appropriate and pass on comments to the right people internally within Microsoft, just realise that I have less time to do this now. This points to the fact that I will still be with Microsoft. My next challenge is to help those ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) who wish it to move further along a path with Microsoft to do so, whether they already work with us today or not. This should be a fun challenge - viewing all of the Microsoft world as a platform rather than a solution, but this is something I have always said.

To those I have already told, thank-you for your kind words, to everyone else, good luck, don't go away as I will not, but remember that this is a business for all of us and the better the feedback the better the business!!

take care and see you soon!!

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, ISVs, SBSC, David Overton, if you only read one post today

Can Windows Server 2003 R2 be added to a SBS 2003 SP1 (i.e. non-R2) domain - Yes

David Overton — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 09:03:00 GMT

[updated 14:52 27th June 2007]

I got this question yesterday and while I will not name names, I felt this should go public. It is from a customer who I believe has been mis-informed by a partner about SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2 and Windows Server 2003 R2.

Here is the mail I got:

To: David Overton

I have a question concerning compatibility. I have a SBS 2003 with SP1 as my domain controller.... I am about to migrate to a new ERP package and have purchased 2 additional Windows Server 2003 R2 servers from XXXXXXXXXX. I have been told the new servers will not be able to join the Domain and I must upgrade my SBS 2003 to SBS 2003 R2. Is that true??

Here is my reply

You have been mis-informed. Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2003 r2 interoperate without any difficulty. If you are trying to use a specific R2 feature such as remote printer management or FSRM then you might have to upgrade, but joining the domain is not a problem. Also, SBS 2003 R2 enables you to get some extra benefits from your CALs with regard to licensing additional SQL 2005 WG Edition and Exchange 2003 Standard servers.
Thanks
David

Think of this as feedback for company XXXXXXXXX - Windows Server 2003 & Windows Server 2003 R2 work together just fine in a domain, as does Windows Server 2000 and if you really want to push NT4 (OK, so NT4 is ugly).

While I have stated that you have to only worry if you are using an R2 specific feature, if you have Active Directory in your domain then you will need to do a schema update IF your R2 boxes are to become DCs in the domain.

It is worth saying that at http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/5022eea0-54bc-422f-b98b-ddb836c8ee851033.mspx?mfr=true it states:

Update the Active Directory schema on domain controllers. In Windows Server 2003 Active Directory networks, you will need to update the Active Directory schema before:

•	Installing Windows Server 2003 R2 on a domain controller.
•	Configuring a Windows Server 2003 R2 server to be a domain controller by using the Active Directory Installation Wizard (Dcpromo.exe).

To update the schema, on the schema master domain controller, insert Disc 2 and open the command prompt. Then, change to the Cmpnents\R2\Adprep folder of Disc 2, and type: adprep.exe /forestprep

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: R2, Windows Server 2003 R2, SBS, SBS 2003 R2, SBS 2003

Vlad Mazek - "What is service management" and "how to avoid being hit by a truck when it is most inconvenient"

David Overton — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:14:00 GMT

I love Vlad's straight talking. If you get a chance read the whole of the blog entry Vlad Mazek - Vladville Blog » Blog Archive » Windows Server 2003 SP2 EEULA & CYA because as far as I am concerned he is preaching to the converted.

I will stand by my view that Service Packs are tested as much as possible, but you need to do your own validation (see Who should test software and service packs - I think vendors,customers and partners - others thi) to ensure that your application vendor is also happy to support their products on that service pack. If you only have MS products, check the release notes AND SUPPORT.MICROSOFT.COM as both may well have important information.

I've extracted part of Vlads process to avoid a bloody head - read his post for more as people like Susan Bradley wishes she had :-)

However, a part of me wonders just how heavy the rock was. You know, the one that he was under since Microsoft started releasing service packs. As painful as the above is to read, and as painful as this process has been for him, this outlines the fundamental lack of respect for change management we have in the IT industry.
First, where is the full backup of the server that this was done on. At the very least this would have allowed him to take the server back to the last known good configuration.
Second, where is the test system on which he checked Act 6.0 for compatibility?
Third, never change more than one thing. If you installed the Service Pack and it broke things, do not proceed to install drivers (that likely have not been tested with the said service pack) and do more exotic changes.
Fourth, test, test, test, test. Forget about the stuff you should have done before you patched, too late to setup a test vm, too late to do a full backup, too late to check the app vendor for advisories related to the patch, too late. You’re patched, there is a whole new world on your network. Isn’t the first thing to check all the workstations and rerun MBSA, performance testing, reset the performance counter on both server and workstations, build new baselines, etc? If not, why?
Perparing for a Service Pack
There are a few simple things you can do to minimize your chances of a 35 hour support call:

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Service Packs, Support, Change Management, SP2, SBS 2003, SBS 2003 R2

Please, Please, Please fill in the SBS Community Survey for 2007 - if you don't tell us about it in the survey, how can we do more / less / fix it for you?

David Overton — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 23:32:56 GMT

It has been around for a little while now, but this is a MUST do for us - whether you think things are great or poor. Please fill in the survey and then we can stay up all night and look at the results using the latest holo-projection equipment to understand the multi-dimensional nature of what it takes to please our small business partners. If you don't fill it in, then my R2-D2 projection system will not be used and we will take the 3 replies (two posted by me as a test) and you only get one answer this year.

OK, so this is a little humorous, but I hope you get the idea - we need the feedback to make things even better. Don't think you only need to answer it if you need to moan, or you think things are great. Confirming things either way (or even the fact that we have more than one type of partner out there) is all "goodness" as one of my managers used to say.

Have I said enough yes? Fill it in, send it off, spank us if we don't respond!

Announcing the SBS Community Survey for 2007!

The Windows Small Business Server Product Team would like to hear from the Windows SBS Community. This anonymous survey of the Windows SBS Community is brought to you by the Windows SBS Product Team.
We want to know how valuable your experience is with the community resources and information that is available to you today as a member of the Windows SBS Community. We also want to know what you think could be done to improve your Windows SBS Community Experience. Please take a couple of minutes to provide us your candid feedback via this survey and let us know what you think.
SBS WW Community Survey 2007
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Kevin

The SBS, Centro and Windows Home Server Community Lead Blog : Announcing the SBS Community Survey for 2007!

ttfn

David

P.S. David was in a playful mood when this was written. We don't have any R2-D2 style holo-projectors (that they have told me about) and the spanking bit is as in spanking a naughty child - nothing else, except in many regions spanking naughty children is illegal too, so this is purely conceptual and hypothetical.

Technorati Tags: sbsc, community, survey, if you only read one post today

BMS in the UK understands how to use the Business and Technology Assessment Toolkit - do you?

David Overton — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 20:37:35 GMT

I get asked about this quite a lot - so Microsoft has this thing, the "TAT". I've looked at it and it is just a bunch of questions. Yep, but you can change the questions and all the results are stored and if you know what you are doing, you can use it to build an IT strategy for your customers which means that you go back to them regularly and take their IT onto the next stage for their business.

I don't think this is rocket science, but perhaps it is something that we don't do enough of - look for the opportunities in a programmatic way. Now of course, this could be a very slavish process, but at Steve says:

The questions are now much more relevant to the SME market and you don’t feel so uncomfortable asking your customers. We don’t just run through all the questions one after the other but slot them in to the rest of the presentation. It feels less like the Spanish Inquisition that way! We’ve conducted several surveys so far and they don’t just have to be prospective customers. You can survey your existing customers as well which we have found really useful as it starts the ball rolling on subjects that they maybe haven’t discussed with us previously such as desktop refresh timescales for example.
Conducting the survey is really just the start. Once completed you can then start to spec. up a proposal based on the answers. It’s a great opportunity to open a dialog with your customers and prospects.

BMS Blog: Everything SBS in the UK. » Business & Technology Assessment Toolkit

ttfn

David

Technorati Tags: Technology Assessment Toolkit, SBSC, SBS 2003

Microsoft says PCs may need DRAM upgrade (to ECC RAM)

David Overton — Wed, 23 May 2007 07:16:22 GMT

I have looked at many system crashed and often ended up concluding that RAM is at fault (random causes of BSODs is a very good pointer to this). It now appears that single bit errors is being considered as a major system failing. obviously, when spec'ing a server or computer perhaps you should consider ECC RAM as a standard to improve reliability.

For about four years Microsoft has been collecting data through its Online Crash Analysis (OCA) tool that reports system crashes to a Microsoft Web site. About 18 months ago it began sharing OCA data and the white paper with systems and chip makers. According to one source, the report said single-bit error rates in DRAM are now among the top ten causes of systems failures

Source: EETimes.com - Microsoft says PCs may need DRAM upgrade

Technorati Tags: BSODs, ECC RAM

SBS 2003 R2 & CALsare now on the Academic Price list so you can sell SBS to schools again :-)

David Overton — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 23:01:00 GMT

Hi guys,

I've just picked this up from one of our internats web chats and thought I would share it.

SBS will be on the Academic Price List and available in all languages (SBS Standard, Premium + 5 CAL packs) through Volume Licensing as of April 1st.

For FPP, retailers will be able to get the product as of May 4th.

This is great news and I have had it confirmed that it is on Wescoasts price list, plus some other distributors.

ttfn

David

Who should test software and service packs - I think vendors,customers and partners - others think it is just Microsoft (vendors)

David Overton — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 17:32:00 GMT

I saw this in a forum and got a bit upset by it... it read:

“SP2 is not going anywhere near anything we manage until some other people have tried it and seen whether it has any unexpected side effects.”

This was followed by

“What would happen if everyone took that attitude? I believe that we have to take responsibility for testing these service packs ourselves for the benefit of our customers, not waiting for someone else to try it first.”

And then

“That's MS's job - not ours.“

And

“It's not about whether others can be bothered it's about whose job it is to test these patches. It's not mine, nor my customers.

There are far too many Microsoft bashers and there are far too many Microsoft sycophants - the rest of us just get shouted down when we say it like we see it.”

The last comment really got my goat, so much so that I posted back to the forum this reply, but I thought I would make it wider as I think the conversation should be discussed broader. Now in defence, I have snipped little bits of the conversations to highlight the point and people posted things like:

“And do you think MS didn't test it? Give them a break.
I am of the opinion that as soon as something new comes out you go like this:
First week
On your test box (or if none then home system)
Second week
On your own production domain if there has been no 'blog storm'
Third week
On 10-30% of your clients
Fourth week onwards
Slowly install on the remains of your client base until after 10 weeks or so all is done

Key thing is to keep an eye on the blogs and SBS2K Yahoo group”

And

“Well I am with you Ian on this - its exactly what I do - test, test, test, check, verify, and test!
IF other cannot be bothered, leave them to it !”

In the end, this is what I posted. Flame me if you disagree, comment either way, but I think that IT professionals are part of solution and that means testing software, not on behalf of the vendor, but on behalf of the customer who should not have to pay IF something is rolled out and is untested and does not work as expected.

My Post to the UKSBSG group:

I don't know which group I fall into, but I do disagree with your statement that it is neither you nor your customers role to test a Service Pack.

I'm sure I'm going to put some noses out of joint here, so I should say this is David's view, not necessarily Microsoft’s. I also have a banging headache that won't go away and I have "coffee shop" music playing in my ear which has included “Chariots of fire” and “Hawaii five-o”, so I could blame my "strong" views on that.

Microsoft builds service packs to fix a number of problems and sometimes to change the behaviour of a server. This is tested extensively internally and externally and then released with no known issues. They are not always perfect and we need to be told about the things we do not find. Thousands of vendors (non-Microsoft people) are involved in the signing off of the product to try to get the best quality product out the door.

We do not test against the millions of combinations of hardware, not the 100s of millions of possible combinations of software / custom devs on a box - this is not possible. (I guess we could charge to do that as other organisations do). In every large corporation I have worked the IT department saw its job as taking the software as supplied by any vendor and implementing it inside the organisation to benefit the business. Part of this process is finding all the little things that don't quite work right and making them work right by either working around them, filling the gaps or working with the vendors to fix the problems (lets call this testing). This is what IT departments do (besides then keeping it running as it shows it still has niggles after deployment). They don't open a box, install the software and walk away - they add value. Part of that is knowing which box to open, but far more is doing the magic of making IT fit the business needs by whatever means necessary and then keeping it running.

Just because I have worked with organisations of 250,000 employees or more does not mean that these principles do not scale right down to a 1 man band business. Someone has to work out which box to open and then make the software in the box do what the business needs, integrating it with what is already there.

I believed this is what you do.

Now this does not mean that you implement SP2 when it 1st ships, you work out whether you should look at it. You work out the case if you don't look at it. You could even say, I'll let someone else test it 1st, but you should still work out how key it is for you before you make that decision.

My job is NOT to test the service packs. I don't have a technical role at Microsoft, I sit in sales - yes sales. My job is to help a number of sales channels sell more. I do however run a SBS box that runs several small ventures and help partners. I installed the service pack because some of its benefits were for me. I documented it (and the issues I found) to give others a true view of what it did for me (BTW, SQL does run faster on my box with it).

My advice, unless you always want to be 2 steps behind your fellow consultants, is to test it. I like the approach mentioned above in the thread. To decide which customer gets the product 1st you think who will benefit 1st or be happy to help kick the tyres and start with them.

So, opinion shared. I think it IS your job to do some testing. Customers probably think it is your job too. You may want to ask them to see what they think about service packs and ultimately who they think should manage it if it does not work. Even if you wait a bit, you still have to test it!

I'm sure others will disagree, but unless we tested solutions before we implemented them, what value are we adding as a profession? Would you be happy if a doctor gave you a drug because lots of other people had used it and he had not heard of any problems, or if he said "you are the 1st and I think it will be good for you, but I can't be sure" and then for others "I have used this lots and it has helped many people". I like people who test. They tend to also be the people who do backups and know how to restore them.

ttfn

David

Published with BlogMailr

Using Vista and getting a slower performing network? Perhaps with SBS or other network equipment? Then you need to read Kevin's post at Neoblog.

David Overton — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:26:20 GMT

We all know that sometimes things sloooowwwwwiiinnnngggg down can be a real drag. Some people have seen this sort of thing with Vista and while sometimes it is to do with drivers (do I need to say wireless here??), others it could be one of the "nice" new features in Vista. In the latter example I can give you a good pointer to help.

Susanne Dansey pointed this out to me, which is a posting by Kevin Higerty on this very problem - pop along to his blog to get the low down.

I’ve been running Vista on my SBS network for a while, well since the January Action Pack, and have noticed resource access to the SBS box getting slower and slower over the last few days. At the same time I had issues like log on’s taking 2 minutes, explorer time outs and generally the whole system running like a dog.
The two symptoms have turned out to be seperate, but combined they are a ‘throw the sodding pc outa the window’ type scenario.
Slow networking is due to the auto tuning of TCP/IP in Vista which is turned on by default.

Source: neoblog » Vista + Network = Slow

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: Windows Vista, Network, Slow, Auto Tuning, Syn

How to get Companyweb (Windows SharePoint Services v2) to work with Office 2007

David Overton — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:01:00 GMT

[updated 9th August 2007 to add read/write document registry change]

A few people said this was a showstopper for them in recommneding Office 2007 to their customers so I figured it had to be fixed. I nixed a huge amount of work from the right stuff blog "Office 2007 File Icons for Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 and SharePoint Portal Server 2003" and the script work from http://blogs.msdn.com/karstenj/archive/2006/01/03/508888.aspx. The problems were: 1) no icons for files 2) file types not recognised by companyweb 3) downloads could not be opened as the file type was said to be a compressed file 4) could not edit from companyweb

OK, so here is the process.

1. Download the icons from here and put them into folder C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\60\TEMPLATE\IMAGES\ (read the item on the the right stuff to pick your files)

2. Update the C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\60\TEMPLATE\XML\docicon.xml file with the information below into the ByExtension section

<Mapping Key="docx" Value="docx.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Word" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="docm" Value="docm.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Word" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="dotx" Value="dotx.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Word" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="dotm" Value="dotm.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Word" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="xlsx" Value="xlsx.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Excel" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="xlsm" Value="xlsm.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Excel" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="xltx" Value="xltx.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Excel" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="xltm" Value="xltm.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Excel" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="xlsb" Value="xlsb.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Excel" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="xlam" Value="xlam.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office Excel" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="pptx" Value="pptx.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office PowerPoint" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="pptm" Value="pptm.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office PowerPoint" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="potx" Value="potx.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office PowerPoint" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="potm" Value="potm.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office PowerPoint" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="ppam" Value="ppam.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office PowerPoint" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="ppsx" Value="ppsx.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office PowerPoint" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>
<Mapping Key="ppsm" Value="ppsm.gif" EditText="Microsoft Office PowerPoint" OpenControl="SharePoint.OpenDocuments"/>

3. Update the metabase MIME types by running the following script (copy it to a text file called update_mime.vbs and then double click on it - ONCE):

'This script adds the necessary Office 2007 MIME types to an IIS Server.
'To use this script, just double-click or execute it from a command line.
'Running this script multiple times results in multiple entries in the IIS MimeMap.

Dim MimeMapObj, MimeMapArray, MimeTypesToAddArray, WshShell, oExec
Const ADS_PROPERTY_UPDATE = 2
'Set the MIME types to be added
' MimeTypesToAddArray = Array(".manifest", "application/manifest", _
' ".xaml", "application/xaml+xml", ".application", "application/x-ms-application", ".deploy", "application/octet-stream", _
' ".xbap", "application/x-ms-xbap")
MimeTypesToAddArray = Array( _
".docm","application/vnd.ms-word.document.macroEnabled.12" , _
".docx","application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document" , _
".dotm","application/vnd.ms-word.template.macroEnabled.12" , _
".dotx","application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.template" , _
".potm","application/vnd.ms-powerpoint.template.macroEnabled.12" , _
".potx","application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.template" , _
".ppam","application/vnd.ms-powerpoint.addin.macroEnabled.12" , _
".ppsm","application/vnd.ms-powerpoint.slideshow.macroEnabled.12" , _
".ppsx","application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.slideshow" , _
".pptm","application/vnd.ms-powerpoint.presentation.macroEnabled.12" , _
".pptx","application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.presentationml.presentation" , _
".xlam","application/vnd.ms-excel.addin.macroEnabled.12" , _
".xlsb","application/vnd.ms-excel.sheet.binary.macroEnabled.12" , _
".xlsm","application/vnd.ms-excel.sheet.macroEnabled.12" , _
".xlsx","application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet" , _
".xltm","application/vnd.ms-excel.template.macroEnabled.12" , _
".xltx","application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.template" _
)
'Get the mimemap object
Set MimeMapObj = GetObject("IIS://LocalHost/MimeMap")
'Call AddMimeType for every pair of extension/MIME type
For counter = 0 to UBound(MimeTypesToAddArray) Step 2
AddMimeType MimeTypesToAddArray(counter), MimeTypesToAddArray(counter+1)
Next
'Create a Shell object
Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
'Stop and Start the IIS Service
Set oExec = WshShell.Exec("net stop w3svc")
Do While oExec.Status = 0
WScript.Sleep 100
Loop
Set oExec = WshShell.Exec("net start w3svc")
Do While oExec.Status = 0
WScript.Sleep 100
Loop
Set oExec = Nothing
'Report status to user
WScript.Echo "SharePoint Mime Types have been added."
'AddMimeType Sub
Sub AddMimeType (Ext, MType)
'Get the mappings from the MimeMap property.
MimeMapArray = MimeMapObj.GetEx("MimeMap")
' Add a new mapping.
i = UBound(MimeMapArray) + 1
Redim Preserve MimeMapArray(i)
Set MimeMapArray(i) = CreateObject("MimeMap")
MimeMapArray(i).Extension = Ext
MimeMapArray(i).MimeType = MType
MimeMapObj.PutEx ADS_PROPERTY_UPDATE, "MimeMap", MimeMapArray
MimeMapObj.SetInfo
End Sub

that did it for me :-)

[updated]

Well, it almost did, in fact, when you tried to open a file by clicking on it, you only got a read only version. Reading the KB article http://support.microsoft.com/kb/870853 I discovered this was deliberate and I changed it a bit for Office 2007 and now the following command run from an ELEVATED command prompt on the client will work. You can also set Group Policy on the server to set this key too (just remember to change the 11 to a 12 if reading the KB article).

reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Common\Internet /v OpenDocumentsReadWriteWhileBrowsing /t REG_DWORD /d 01

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: WSS v2, Office 2007, SharePoint, Office 2007 Deployment blocker fixed

Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) always has the wrong domain name, IP address or always prompting me about security - here are the fixes

David Overton — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:11:25 GMT

One of my UK SBSC partners asked me how to do a couple things in Remote Desktop using the new Vista RDP v6 client as they were bugging the hell out of him and others (I asked him how Vista was going). Since he admins a number of SBS boxes, these were his top (valid) gripes:

Stop putting in IP addresses for the domain name
Stop the pre-prompt for credentials when TSing to another system
Stop the statement about security every time I try to remote admin into things

The good news is that much of this has been documented else where.

Stop putting in IP addresses for the domain name

Problem is that you fill in a screen like this and get a prompt as below. Notice it has the domain name as the IP address? The quick answer is to type the username as <domain>\<username> - eg abusiness\administrator. This will change the domain name.

Stop the pre-prompt for credentials when TSing to another system

Now the pre-prompting for credentials is the process we have just seen above. This is required in domains where Network Level Authentication will stop the TS connection without the appropriate credentials before the connection is made. Details of this can be found at http://blogs.msdn.com/ts/archive/2007/01/22/vista-remote-desktop-connection-authentication-faq.aspx#_When_to_use

Stop the statement about security every time I try to remote admin into things

This is again due to increased security levels. It can be solved by either editing your RDP file (the default.rdp file is in your documents folder - it is a text file) or by going tothe advanced tab and tellit it to always connect. This information can be found at both http://weblogs.asp.net/owscott/archive/2006/11/10/Vista_2700_s-Remote-Desktop-Prompt.aspx and http://blogs.msdn.com/ts/archive/2007/01/22/vista-remote-desktop-connection-authentication-faq.aspx#_How_to_eliminate

ttfn

David

Technorati tags: Vista, Windows Vista, Terminal Server, RDP, Remote Desktop, Credential Prompt

Using Windows Vista and Outlook 2007 in a Windows Small Business Server 2003 Network

David Overton — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:47:00 GMT

[updated 28th Feb 2007 - 07:47 with correct link for Outlook 2007 and Windows XP]

Use this document to join computers that are running Windows Vista to your Windows Small Business Server 2003 network using the "Update for Windows Small Business Server 2003: Windows Vista and Outlook 2007 compatibility (KB 926505).

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=46E95C56-1A4C-45BD-8D69-5F41FF8F1F22&displaylang=en

File Name:
SBSVista_Conceptual.doc

Date Published:
2/8/2007

Download Size:
265 KB

The “Update for Windows Small Business Server 2003: Vista and Outlook 2007 compatibility (KB 926505)” adds support for the Client Deployment tools in Windows Small Business Server (Windows SBS), and it resolves compatibility issues for running Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 in a Windows SBS network. Use this document to join computers running Windows Vista and Outlook 2007 in your Windows SBS network.

You might also want to look at:

· Vista and Office 2007 FAQs

· Related Knowledge Base Articles

KB 926505 – Update for Windows Small Business Server 2003: Windows Vista and Outlook 2007 compatibility

· KB 911829 – Outlook Web Access (OWA) update

· KB 929556 – Firewall Client for ISA Server

· KB 930414 – ISA Server 2004 update package for Vista 64-bit editions

· KB 930955 – Vista User Profile WMI Provider

KB 931905 – Regarding Outlook users; note: this is a catch all KB for someone who has XP with Outlook 2007 – a separate update is not required, it is the same update as mentioned in KB 926505

Technorati tags: Vista, Windows Vista, Small Business, SBSC, SBS 2003, Small Business Server 2003

I'm sorry - I am not perfect and nor is Microsoft. Sometimes it is our fault

David Overton — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:26:51 GMT

I can be abrasive sometimes and whether it "is my fault" or not, I don't always understand others' point of views. To this I would like to say "It is my fault".

Now, if you have got up off the floor, let me give you a few examples.

I say "contact our customer support" and you say "I don't have time". Before I rant - OK, I understand this, if you could share the bug at some time, we will try to fix it. We haven't been able to identify it yet, so need your help
I say "There is no OEM media, get over it" and you say "I need OEM media to do my installs". OK, I can't fix this one. I do understand where you are coming from. If I were to share the fact that in the UK, which is a low piracy country, our tests so far have shown between 10-15% of all copies of Windows are pirated and many come from Action Packs and other OEM keys, does that help understand why this is such an issue? I do wish I could give you back OEM media, but I've been told it is just not possible. While Microsoft did publish the changes coming, I now get the impression that many did not realise that this was linked to the change in qualifying an upgrade, making the process different to Windows XP

The list goes on, however why did I even start this? Well a man I respect lots is Joel. I started reading his latest filing:

"Now I was fuming. Squiggly lines were coming up out of my head. I was a half hour late to work and had to go to the locksmith for a third time. I was tempted just to give up on him. But I decided to give this loser one more chance."

"Seven steps to remarkable customer service
http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/customerservice.html

It then carries on:

I stomped into the store, ready to unleash my fury.
“It still doesn’t work?” he asked. “Let me see.”
He looked at it.
I was sputtering, trying to figure out how best to express my rage at being forced to spend the morning going back and forth.
“Ah. It’s my fault,” he said.
And suddenly, I wasn’t mad at all.
Mysteriously, the words “it’s my fault” completely defused me. That was all it took.

Potentially wise words from the sage. I mean what I say

have a great day

David

Small Business Partner Community ‘Catch Up’ Evening - Come to the SBSC Symposium "pre-drinks" - yes, drinks the night before the Reading event (so drinks on the 31st January)

David Overton — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:05:00 GMT

If you will be in the Reading area on the night before the SBSC Symposium, then come along to Reading and have a drink and catch up with the community.

You'll have the opportunity to mix and chat to different members of the regional groups as well as exchange ideas about business (or anything you like!).

No agenda has been set for the evening (as yet); think of it as a regional SBS group meeting on steroids! The VIP area has been booked out for our meeting so there’ll be plenty of space to spread out and relax.

Members of the community, Microsoft, and other vendors will be available to chat to and this will hopefully be a great start to the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Symposium.

And just a reminder, while some drinks will be bought, more food and drink is available, but sorry guys, you've gotta pay for yourselves!

David Overton's Blog : SBSC, SBS 2003 R2

Technical School: installing and Configuring Small Business Server 2008–June 17th 2010

Where to buy Small Business Server 2008, Installing, Migrating and Configuring book

SBS 2008, Installing, migrating and configuring BOOK now available to pre-order

SBS 2008 Migrations from SBS 2003 – Keys to Success from the Official SBS Blog

SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 migration thoughts and issues

How to upgrade (migrate) from SBS 2003 to SBS 2008 on the same system without using a swing migration

Important Microsoft security update – update your machines now!

Can't find the WSS (Windows SharePoint Services) sales and marketing toolkit for SBS 2003 - here it was

How to migrate from SBS 2003 to Small Business Server 2008 (SBS 2008)

Before you start – what you need to remember

Migration options at high level

Option 1 - Process to add new server

Backup up SBS 2003 server

Tidy up the SBS 2003 system

Install the new SBS 2008 system

Complete the setup

Turn off old server

If you have SBS 2008 Premium edition, rebuild old server

Option 2 – Move from physical to virtual to do 1 box migration

Option 3 – Blow away existing server and rebuild all PCs

Small Business Server 2008 downgrade rights questions and answers

Moving SBS 2003 to new hardware or performing a migration – Update (QFE) to give you longer to do it (21 days up from the 7 days)

Small Business Server 2003 Migration Update 943494 Released

Proof that SBSC partners can grow from 1-man businesses into Microsoft Certified Partners – and still be good for small business – congrats Richard Tubb

EBS 2208 and SBS 2008 Upgrades & Migrations from SBS 2003 and SBS / EBS 2008

EBS/SBS Upgrades & Migrations

If you are a Microsoft partner who sells SBS, then please fill in the Windows Small Business Server 2008 Community Survey

The Windows Small Business Server 2008 WW Community Survey is live

Pricing for SBS 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008 released (US FPP) and public beta for EBS, with public beta for SBS 2008 to follow

Microsoft Announces Public Preview and Pricing for Windows Essential Server Solutions

UK SBS group meeting in Manchester on Wednesday 23rd April 2008

Where will your customers be looking for solutions – will they stick to on premise, or will they move towards a S+S or SaaS solution not from you?

Will any of your customers be running in the “S+S or hosted” marketplace in 5+ years time?

What will you have done to ensure they are still your customers, as opposed to someone who is skilled in S+S?

Extended Promotional offers for SBS 2003 – now available until June 30, 2008

Dear Susan … It is 75 CALs, but recommended for 50 users … reply to "Tom"? We'll need you to dispel another myth. - The Official Blog of the SBS "Diva"

"Tom"? We'll need you to dispell another myth.

Are you a “Wizard bigot”? So you think that SBS is a poor quality, cut down version of Windows Server? Do you think that SBS admins are small in capability?

Want to know more about Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0? Make time from 6pm in London on the 29th April 2008. Remember that you can load WSS v3 onto SBS 2003 and it is a part of SBS 2008 (Cougar) and Essential Business Server 2008 (Centro)

Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 Event for SBSC Partners on 29th April 2008

Manchester SBS Group (Kick Off Meeting) - 27th March 2008 - be there to see how it all starts again - with Chris Parkes, Ceri Thomas and me

More ways to engage with customers using the Microsoft advertising campaigns

Small Business Server 2003 Best Practices Analyzer Updated - from the Official SBS Blog

Small Business Server 2003 Best Practices Analyzer Updated

Where to go to study for SBSC exam 70-282 - help from the community by the community

Download the "How to Sell, Deploy, and Build Business with Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 and SBS 2003 R2" now

How to Sell, Deploy, and Build Business with Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 and SBS 2003 R2

Partner tool to create solutions using Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2.

Overview

Whitepaper on Migrating SBS 2003 to New Hardware

The Official SBS Blog : Migrating Windows Small Business Server 2003 ...

Migrating Windows Small Business Server 2003 to New Hardware - E-Bitz ...

Microsoft has released a new whitepaper and set of worksheets entitled:

A SBS Blog to watch - Girish's Graffiti : How to use Performance Monitor Wizard (PerfWiz) on SBS

How to use Performance Monitor Wizard (PerfWiz) on SBS

Be there or be square - Westcoast Small Business Forum - 29th November, Reading

Westcoast Small Business Forum

A SBS Blog to watch - Moloy Tandon's Blog - Ask Me

Upcoming Events: Small Business Server 2003 Webinar

From the Official SBS Blog - SBS now has a Best Practices Analyzer!

SBS now has a Best Practices Analyzer!

Where to go to study for SBSC exam 70-282

The UK SBS Back to Basics Tour

How to change the welcome mail sent to new users on SBS 2003

SBS rebates for partners - get up to $225 back per installation - and don't complain that we only do these in the USA - this is available in many countries, including the UK too

SBS Technet Chat Transcript published

Finally the internal mail arrives announcing two new SBS MVPs in the UK

New MVPs in UK

Existing MVPs in UK and Ireland

Want to know what is happening on your network, packet for packet - get Microsoft Network Monitor 3.1

Microsoft Network Monitor 3.1

David Overton moving on to pastures new

Can Windows Server 2003 R2 be added to a SBS 2003 SP1 (i.e. non-R2) domain - Yes

Vlad Mazek - "What is service management" and "how to avoid being hit by a truck when it is most inconvenient"

Please, Please, Please fill in the SBS Community Survey for 2007 - if you don't tell us about it in the survey, how can we do more / less / fix it for you?

Announcing the SBS Community Survey for 2007!

BMS in the UK understands how to use the Business and Technology Assessment Toolkit - do you?

Microsoft says PCs may need DRAM upgrade (to ECC RAM)

SBS 2003 R2 & CALsare now on the Academic Price list so you can sell SBS to schools again :-)