Small business versions of Windows Server have been around for quite a while now with each implementation following much the same pattern. All have been based on a standard edition of Windows Server together with a copy of Microsoft's Exchange e-mail server, plus a number of other bundled applications, all supported by a unified setup routine and a simplified management front end. The latest incarnation, Windows Small Business Server 2008 (SBS2008), however, breaks the mould in a number of important ways.

Like previous versions, SBS2008 is restricted to supporting just 75 users and is available in two editions - Standard and Premium - both designed to run on a host server configured as an Active Directory domain controller. Other servers can be included in the domain, but there can only be one AD forest and trusts with other domains aren't allowed, mainly to stop big companies using the SBS software to save money.

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The core OS is Windows Server 2008, with a full implementation of Exchange Server 2007 included in both editions, but that leads to the first departure from the usual SBS stamp in that the new release is 64-bit only.

With 64-bit servers now very much the norm that shouldn't deter new buyers, and most will buy the software pre-installed anyway, from OEMs such as Dell, HP and IBM. Those wanting to upgrade, however, will have to replace their hardware. Upgraders have also to install again from scratch then migrate the old server to the new, as there's no in-place upgrade available, even if using a 64-bit platform already.

On the plus side, hardware requirements aren't that onerous although you do need at least 4GB of memory to get the best results. Processors can be either AMD or Intel, single or multi core, and you'll need at least 60GB of free disk space, with a lot more needed if you want to support more than a handful of users.

As before, the lure of the Premium edition is a bundled SQL database server, in this instance SQL Server 2008. But this time round you also get a second copy of Windows Server 2008 which means you can configure a separate database server altogether. Unlike the domain server, this can be either 32-bit or 64-bit with a copy of SQL Server 2005 also included to run applications not certified for the 2008 platform. Plus there are no restrictions on what you can do with the second server. You get a full copy of Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V virtualisation, Server Core and everything else that goes with it.

On the security front the Windows ISA (Internet Security and Acceleration) Server, previously included in the Premium edition, has been dropped in favour of using an independent Internet router/firewall. That's a sensible move given the complexity of the ISA product although, again, it could be an issue for existing users looking to upgrade.

A copy of Forefront Security for Exchange Server is also included to scan messages for viruses, spam, spyware and so on, although only with a trial licence. Similarly, although SBS 2008 comes ready configured to use Windows Live OneCare, you only get a trial licence for this online service designed to provide general server threat protection.

Installation has been made easier and, with just one DVD required for the standard edition, a lot quicker. The management console also gets a facelift with separate tabs for the key options plus new and improved wizards to help with common tasks such as adding new users, creating websites, managing shares and so on. You can also take backups from here although the backup tool is now limited to copying to external disks and, compared to third party alternatives, is very limited.

Client PCs need to be configured to access the server but this is done automatically when they join the host domain, with a desktop link labelled 'Internal Website' from which users can open shared documents, calendars, tasks and so on. Remote users can also be given access and VPN tunnels configured. However, there are limits to what you can do from the SBS console and as soon as you need to do anything more advanced you're referred back to the standard Windows tools, cancelling out the advantages of the simpler console.

Integration with the Office Live Small Business services is another new feature along with changes to the way clients are licensed, with a separate, more expensive licence required for users wanting to use Premium Edition services. A multi-server implementation for larger companies called Windows Essential Business Server is also available.

There's a lot in the SBS2008 package and used properly it can give small businesses affordable access to enterprise-quality applications in an easy to manage format. However, it's far from a ”one size fits all” solution and quickly loses its ease of use appeal when pushed to take full advantage of what the bundled applications have to offer.

Now 64-bit only, Microsoft's small business server features the latest Windows Server 2008 platform and Exchange Server 2007. SQL Server 2008 and a second Windows server come with the Premium edition while a revamped management console makes for easy management. However, the SBS console is limited in scope and it's back to ordinary Windows tools for anything other than basic day to day tasks.