Difference Between Windows Server 2003 & Small Business Server 2003
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Small Business Server 2003, or SBS 2003, are both based on the same server operating system technology, but significant differences exist between the two products. SBS 2003 integrates the functionality of the core Windows Server 2003 operating system with Microsoft's Exchange 2003 messaging platform and the SharePoint intranet solution.
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Background
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Windows Server 2003 is a version of Microsoft's network server operating system. Designed for installation on server hardware, Server 2003 runs as part of a Windows domain network. Server 2003 is fully scalable and is commonly used as part of a large infrastructures with hundreds of servers and PCs, as well as in smaller offices to manage domain access and share files and printers.
SBS 2003 is an all-in-one server solution, allowing you to control all of the functions of a small office network with one product. The core server operating system, as well as Exchange and SharePoint, are all installed on one physical server. Larger infrastructures using standard Server 2003 would usually control each of these functions with a separate physical server.
Capabilities
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SBS 2003 is designed specifically for smaller networks. The product can only support up to 75 individual users or networked computers. Server 2003 has no restrictions on the number of users or devices you can connect, provided they have valid client access licenses, or CALs.
SBS 2003 also only allows you to manage a single Windows network domain, whereas Server 2003 supports multiple domains. This restriction is unlikely to be a problem on small networks.
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Features
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The Microsoft Exchange 2003 email system and SharePoint intranet and collaboration tools included with the SBS 2003 bundle are not included with Server 2003. Larger organizations usually buy these separately. SBS also includes a set of management tools and wizards to simplify the configuration and management of the various functions.
Recommendations
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If you are choosing a server operating system for a small business, SBS 2003 integrates a set of Microsoft's enterprise-level products in one package at a lower price point than purchasing each of the components separately. The configuration wizards also reduce the complexity of setting up these products. However, SBS 2003 is not suitable for companies with more than 75 users or devices. If you exceed this limit, you need to use Microsoft's standard line of server products and purchase the components you need separately.
Versions
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As at March 2011, SBS 2003 has been superseded by Microsoft Small Business Server 2011, which is based on the newer Windows Server 2010 and Exchange Server 2008 technology.
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References
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