THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE SBS "DIVA"

Dear Greg:

When I asked you and others to look at the SBS R2 webcast I wanted you to look at it from a "new client" viewpoint.  When you say that "how can I sell this to my existing clients?" you are right.  This will be a hard sell.

But I think all of the "Gregs" out there are missing the point on this release.  Regardless of how we feel about it, listen to the webcast again... hear how the emphasis is on new clients?

Can you answer one more thing for me?  Why is it that even to this day there is evidence that we have SBS 2003 boxes that don't have Service pack 1 on them?

I know I'm in the serious minority of how much a PatchAholic wacko I am, but you know what.... I shouldn't be.

That's what R2 is all about.  And yeah while some of the more talented in SBSland can roll out WSUS in nothing flat, it's pretty obvious to me that many of you guys and gals out here have not installed it, have not even tried it, and are not using it.

Now granted WSUS can't put SBS 2003 sp1 on that box, but if you haven't begun the process of getting a Patching process in place, then when that new client of yours shows up on that doorstep with a R2 box in tow, and you'll look at that WSUS going.... okay what the heck is this patching thing about anyway....needless to say you'll be starting off on the wrong foot.

Yeah, the first thing you should understand about me is that I will throw on a patch or a hotfix to a server or workstation without blinking an eye, but it will take me longer to roll out a Service Pack.  I'll wait, and I'll see, and I'll test on a test box, but I roll it out.

Right now the word on ISA 2004 sp2 is that we're seeing some issues with websites and downloads, and yeah if you must have it installed, the best advice is to delete the cache, install SP2, then disable the compression filter.  (Obviously not a biggie for us down here anyway).  Due to the time of the year at my office.... I have not installed it.  But the best advice I can give on patching in general is ....

• Get a test program in place
• Learn how to google for issues (hint put the KB article in the Google Groups box and chances are you'll hit someone talking about an issue)
• Install it on your machine...and then let it bake before rolling it out to others. Yes, Microsoft tests these...but the cannot test them with every line of business stuff you have.
• You don't have to be first. I still remember the day that Windows 2003 sp1 came out and someone downloaded it and installed it during the lunch hour.  I mean come on....

Service packs are a big change management.

So yeah Greg... don't look at this as something you'll necessarily need to get for your existing clients unless they are looking to get the SQL 2005.  Instead I'd be looking at those clients who could benefit from a member server running Windows 2003 R2 for your existing client base.  Or looking to upgrade folks from Standard to Premium (which of course is ONLY one cdrom, you do NOT need to start over and install the entire Premium cdrom set, all you need is the ONE premium disk and you install the SQL...like for example for CRM 3.0) 

But don't blow this release completely off.  Because for the PatchAholic that I am, this is a milestone for us.  Be proud that SBS showcases how far patching has come in Microsoft.  Realize how this means a lot of work has gone on under the hood.