Microsoft announces beta availability of Small Business Server 4.5

Microsoft announces beta availability of Small Business Server 4.5 New version of leading small business server solution designed to meet needs of technology providers

Microsoft Corporation today announced beta availability of Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server version 4.5, the latest version of the company`s industry-leading small business server suite. This new release focuses on delivering a comprehensive set of tools that give technology providers more flexibility and control over setup, network management and Internet connectivity.

Included in this release is Microsoft`s award winning relational database program Microsoft SQL Server 7.0. Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 is the database that brings business advantage and improved decision-making to all levels of the organisation through the power of scalable business solutions, data warehousing and integration with Microsoft Office. "Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 is a major breakthrough for Microsoft database technology," said David Sieff, Microsoft SQL Server product manager. "It`s a complete package, delivering the scalability, reliability and ease of use companies of all sizes are looking for to meet the needs of their business-critical applications."

Microsoft Small Business Server 4.5 includes the Windows NT Server network operating system 4.0 with Service Pack 4, Microsoft Exchange Server version 5.5, Microsoft SQL Server version 7.0 and Proxy Server version 2.0. Microsoft Small Business Server 4.5 has been tested for year 2000 compliance and offers an increased limit of 50 workstations and complete integration with Microsoft Office 2000. The version upgrade of Microsoft Small Business Server 4.5 will be available for a nominal shipping and handling fee to licensed users of Microsoft Small Business Server 4.0 when it is released. A special channel preview version of Microsoft Small Business Server 4.5 can be ordered for a limited time via the Web at http://www.microsoft.com/directaccess/ "Microsoft Small Business Server 4.5 demonstrates the strategic importance we place on technology providers by incorporating their requests for tools that allow more control over setup, management and Internet connectivity," said Ian Hatton, business systems division product manager for Microsoft South Africa.

New features to support technology providers include the following:

• Enhanced setup engine offers an automated and flexible installation process with interactive help, hardware confirmation pages, a progress bar and the ability to specify installation directories for applications.

• Small Business Server Internet Connectivity Wizard allows easy configuration of Small Business Server with any ISP using the broadest range of connectivity options, including ADSL, cable modem, ISDN and other high-speed solutions.

• Server Status tool delivers scheduled server status and log reports via e-mail or fax.

• Enhanced Remote Administration tool utilises Microsoft NetMeeting conferencing software version 2.1 to allow technology providers to administer and manage Microsoft Small Business Server sites remotely.

• Two no-charge telephone support incidents and unlimited free online support will be available at product release to make it easier for technology providers to support their customers.

• The maximum number of licensed client workstations has increased from 25 to 50.

• The separate Small Business Server with Office Pro SKU now features a fully integrated version of the Office 2000 business productivity software suite.

Technology providers can receive in-depth technical information about Microsoft Small Business Server 4.5 by attending a no-cost Direct Access event in their area. More information about these briefings is available at http://www.microsoft.com/directaccess/events/

Microsoft Small Business Server 4.5 is a comprehensive and integrated suite of server applications designed to provide small businesses with the powerful networking and application server capabilities of Windows NT Server 4.0, as well as internal and external e-mail functionality, a relational database, fast and secure Internet access, fax- and modem-sharing services, and an easy-to-use console for basic server administration.