News

SP1 RTMs for Windows Small Business Server 2003

• By Scott Bekker
• 05/19/2005

In addition to the fixed included in the baseline Windows Server 2003 SP1, which was posted to the Web in March, the special service pack for Small Business Server also includes Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 SP1 and Exchange Server 2003 SP1. The security and stability update also includes Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Outlook 2003 SP1 both for client deployment.

A version of Windows Small Business Server 2003 SP1 for the Premium Edition of the product also includes SP4 for SQL Server 2000 and Internet Security & Acceleration Server 2004 SP1.

The download of Windows Small Business Server 2003 SP1 is available here. Microsoft is also accepting orders for CDs by mail.

Harry Brelsford, a Small Business Server author and consultant, recommends customers and consultants test the service pack rigorously before deploying it. "As with any service pack release from Microsoft, thought rather than haste is called for," Brelsford said.

Meanwhile, Brelsford expressed disappointment for the Microsoft partner community that Microsoft didn't use the SP1 release to fortify the channel and create additional opportunities around the product.

Brelsford noted that the summer 2002 release of SP1 for the Windows 2000 version of Small Business Server coincided with a press release, a worldwide channel partner rebate program and a dozen whitepapers. In addition to passing on those steps this time around, Microsoft missed opportunities to boost Small Business Server adoption in the final month of the Partner Engagement Program that expires in June, Brelsford said.