Small Business Server 4.0: Differences and Limitations

• Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server versions 4.0, 4.0a

SUMMARY

This article defines the differences between BackOffice Small Business Server and BackOffice, as well as the limitations applied to the product.

Each component of the Small Business Server (SBS) is described separately and compared to the individual BackOffice components suite where applicable.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows NT

• Windows NT 4.0 is installed through an unattended setup with Service Pack 3 slipstreamed.



• Licensing is limited to 25 concurrent users and strictly enforced. License Manager is disabled so that licenses can only be added through Client Add Packs.



• Windows NT domain trusts are disabled.



• The computer name, domain, and organization dialog boxes are combined to ensure invalid characters for SQL Server and Internet mail standards are not allowed during the installation.



• During setup, SBS auto-converts from FAT to NTFS.



• NetBT was changed so that a WINS/RAS server would register its name with a remote WINS server instead of locally.



• The DHCP Server service was changed so that it will not become a rogue DHCP server.



• RAS was changed to allow fax and RAS to handoff successfully. RAS is configured for access to the local computer only for additional security.



• SBS installs only as a primary domain controller (PDC) in a new domain.



• The concept of security groups is removed. Users are added as users or administrators.



• TCP/IP is the only network protocol installed. IPX and NetBEUI are shipped but not installed.



• DHCP server and WINS services are installed by default.

Exchange Server

• Exchange Server 5.0 is installed with Service Pack 1 and a few additional changes prior to the release of Service Pack 2. Service Pack 2 can be applied to SBS. For more information, see the following Microsoft Web site:




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver

• Exchange Server is installed as its own organization as a single site/single server. Thus, Exchange Server cannot replicate with other sites.



• Exchange Server is optimized to run in a 7 MB footprint and with 25 or fewer users.



• The Internet Mail Service connector is installed on SBS by default, but the NNTP Service, MS Mail Connector, cc:Mail Connector, and Outlook Web Access can be added.

Internet Information Server

• Internet Information Server 3.0 with Active Server Pages is installed by default on SBS and is required for core functionality including the Manage Server Console.



• IIS can be upgraded to IIS 4.0 for no charge. For more information, see the Option Pack white paper listed under references.



• The Gopher service is removed.

SQL Server

• SQL Server 6.5 is installed with Service Pack 3 slipstreamed.



• SQL Server is limited to the number of concurrent users added through Client Add Packs.



• The SQL Server user databases, including data and log space, are limited to 1 GB.



• The concurrent work limit is set to five, which limits the number of requests processed concurrently.

Proxy Server

• Proxy Server 1.0 is installed during the SBS installation.



• SBS can be upgraded to Proxy Server 2.0 for no charge. For more information, see the following Microsoft Web site:




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver

• Access Control is enabled by default. For configuration of access control, please see the Proxy Server online documentation.



• The WinSock Proxy Client is installed on the SBS server by default and can be removed if not needed. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:




Q189008 SBS Unable to Get Name Resolution with DNS

Modem Sharing Server

• The Modem Sharing Server service is unique to SBS.



• This service supports up to four shared serial ports.



• For compatible devices, refer to the SBS HCL referenced below.

Fax Server

• The SBS Fax Server service supports up to four Class 1 fax modems.



• The Fax Server service is unique to SBS.



• For compatible devices, refer to the SBS HCL referenced below.

Additional Information

• Internet Information Server, Proxy Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, Fax Server, and Modem Sharing Server will only install on the Small Business Server.



• Each component can be upgraded to the full retail product individually or to the full BackOffice suite. For more information, see the references listed below.

REFERENCES

For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q190152 Requirements to Install Updated SPs and Add-ons on SBS

• Small Business Server Setup and Installation




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver

• Fax and Modem Troubleshooting




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver

• SBS Licensing Upgrade Roadmap




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver

• What SBS Does to Maximize Performance?




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver

• SBS Default Settings




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver

• SBS Hardware Compatibility List




http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusinessserver/deployadmin/Recommended.htm

Additional query words: smallbiz compare contrast comparison

Keywords          : SBS 
Version           : winnt:4.0,4.0a
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbinfo 

Last Reviewed: July 29, 1999