Microsoft takes its new Windows Small Business Server 2003 offering to market this month, aiming to provide a complete server solution to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for 37% of local GDP.
"There is growing pressure on SMEs to gain access to business information, increase productivity, offer mobile remote access to business data, access the Internet, and use e-mail without large capital outlay and the need for technical support staff," says Microsoft marketing manager Desmond Nair. "Windows Small Business Server 2003 is aimed at addressing these needs because it is easy to install, manage and use."
The SME market is the fastest growing sector in the world and Microsoft has joined a growing number of software producers in identifying simplicity, ease of use and low cost as key to capturing a share in that market. "Windows Small Business Server takes only 15 minutes to set up on delivery and complete systems including hardware priced at under R10 000," says Nair. "At just a third of the cost of its individual components, this new software represents excellent value for money."
A survey conducted in August a month ago in the US by Lawrence Associates concluded that Windows for Small Business Server provides a rapid and significant return on investment of between 63% and 2 000% in investment recovery periods of between 1.3 months and two years.
Nair says studies have shown that Windows Small business server will enable employees to get 20% more work done every day by making it easier for them to find, share, communicate and remotely access information. He says the operating system has been designed with input from users to make it extremely user-friendly, with wizards available to guide users through most tasks, using best practices to ensure data security at all times.
"Windows for Small Business Server is aimed at businesses with 50 to 75 users with the Standard Edition priced at under R4 000 being best suited to businesses moving to a network server for the first time, and the Premium Edition priced at just over R9 000 being aimed at businesses that require database support," explains Nair.
"Businesses with the Standard Edition can easily upgrade to the Premium Edition at a later date by paying only the difference in price between the two editions."
Microsoft begins a five-city road show this week aimed at introducing Windows Small Business Server 2003 to 6 000 partners and customers. Microsoft says its new multipurpose network operating system provides features such as intranets, remote connectivity, support for mobile devices, and file and printer sharing at an affordable price with none of the hassle normally associated with similar products.
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