THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF THE SBS "DIVA" : SBS Licensing

Sometimes I feel like Nicole Kidman...

bradley — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 01:03:00 GMT

There are times when it comes to Software Assurance I feel like Nicole Kidman... no.. seriously... I'm Nicole... and Microsoft is Tom Cruise over there... got a new girlfriend/future wife... new baby ...and where does that leave me? I'm the original one who believed in Software Assurance...bought into it... got the Koolaid from the initial day, got the two year, and then the three year... and now it looks like my SA reward for my three year period...the "upgrade" I'll get is the SBS 2003 R2 upgrade. I mean yeah I'm a patchaholic and all that.... and the green check in the daily email is very cool....but ..uh... um....kinda a Nicole moment here 'eh?

"SA is a hard sell"

It is isn't it?

True statement by a Var/Vap about Software assurance...that he had a hard time selling it...

In my industry I'm used to subscription models, but it's a guarantee that every year or month or quarter I'll get a new update (law changes and what not), as there were changes needed for that ..but not necessarily function changes. And support under this model was built in. But for other industries... where the upgrade story isn't as obvious, it's a tough sell...

But what if you are the "Katie" in this view of looking at Software Assurance... you know that if you buy OEM right now you get the R2 Technology upgrade program that guarantees you the green check. You know that if you buy OEM you are stuck with that software on that box, it CANNOT be moved to new hardware....but ... you know if you buy software assurance to add to that OEM within 90 days you "can" move that operating system off that box and get the 64 bit SBS upgrades in the next Longhorn cycle..which... looks somewhat reasonable to hit within the three year period.... and if you do go three years you get the one support call, the media sent to you (which, I'll admit, as the "Nicole" here.. is nice to have as I don't have to go digging up the media it comes to me). And there are even some monthly installment payment plans you can do these days. So from looking at Software assurance as a "Katie", it's something that looks reasonable.. ensures you WILL get on that 64 bit SBS platform. And all my AD guru guys says that AD and Exchange just has to go on the 64 bit to get that good stuff. 32 bit was a total drag on our boxes... on all boxes.

But there's another thing the "Katie's" have... one of the var/vaps the other day said that they actually were better able to sell a solution the other day with the "managed service"/Software assurance. The client really LIKED the proactive stance that the consultant gave because the SA gave them planned 'forward thinking'. This was a firm that "got IT" and knew it was a part of their strategic overall plans. As a "Katie" they totally got Software assurance was part of their strategic overall plans and goals for that firm. Interesting viewpoint isn't it.... especially as folks are moving to the "managed services" viewpoint. "Katie" wanted software assurance because she was mapping out her technology future and wanted to ensure that it included an investment in technology.

The fact is for me, the "Nicole" here is that I did get a good SA deal in the SBS 2000 era.. I got Live Communication Server (which I still argue they need to code up a SBS lite version of LCS, but I digress), so my disappointment of being "Nicole" in the R2 era is tempered with my gains in the past.

For those of you that have clients that are "Katie's", think about the forward looking view... that 64 bit coming down the road.... those that have managed services clients... something to think about isn't it ...to position that Software Assurance as an "investment"

But Microsoft... just make sure that in the future both the "Katie" and us "Nicole's" feel like we're treated well... you know what I mean?

So what about you? You find that it's easy to sell software assurance... or it's a hard sell?

I do get one Support call now due to SA

bradley — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 04:14:00 GMT

Ah but I DO get this as a software assurance benefit...

Dear Susan Bradley,

Please note that the content of this email has been created by Microsoft and is being sent to you by Microsoft, on behalf of the Software Assurance Benefit Administrator, Susan Bradley , within your organization.

As a Microsoft Software Assurance customer, your organization is eligible for benefits that can help you get even more value from Microsoft’s technology. 24x7 Problem Resolution Support (PRS) is one of these benefits.

You have been identified as an Authorized Contact to use this 24x7 Phone Support and Web Support Software Assurance benefit. In order to access this benefit you will need the following Software Assurance (SA) Access ID.

SA##########

24x7 Phone Support
When you want to use phone support, dial the PSS support line. You will then be asked to provide your ID. Use the SA Access ID to open problem resolution requests on eligible Server, Windows and Office products. Your organization has a limited number of phone support incidents, using this ID helps limit access to specific individuals. You can find the Product Support Services phone numbers at http://support.microsoft.com/gp/saphone. More information about 24x7 Problem Resolution Support can be found at http://support.microsoft.com/sasupport.

Web Support for Servers with Software Assurance Coverage
For eligible Standard and Enterprise Edition server products with current Software Assurance coverage, the SA Access ID allows you to open problem resolution requests via the web using the Microsoft Online Assisted Support (OAS) interface http://support.microsoft.com/sasupport.

Please note: If you are also an Authorized Contact on a Premier Services contract, then your SA Access ID allows you to open problem resolution requests via the normal Premier Support channels (Premier Online for eligible server products). Support service levels for these various offerings remain unchanged.

For more information about the number of 24x7 Problem Resolution phone support incidents available to your organization or which servers are eligible for this support coverage under your SA Access ID, please do not hesitate to contact your Benefits Administrator, Susan Bradley.

For more information about Software Assurance, please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/licensing.

Please note that the use of this SA Access ID is specifically granted to you, and is bound by the Terms & Conditions of Microsoft's Problem Resolution Support and Support Lifecycle policies. This ID is not transferable to other individuals within or outside your organization.

You should also note that the use and deployment of Problem Resolution Support software, and any other software provided to our organization in connection with Microsoft's Software Assurance enhancements, is subject to the terms and conditions of our Volume License Agreement, the Product Use Rights (PUR) and the applicable eligibility criteria set forth in the Microsoft Product List and the Microsoft Volume Licensing Services (MVLS) web site.

Once again, we welcome you to Microsoft Software Assurance benefits!

Thank you,

Microsoft, on behalf of your Benefits Administrator

What "I" get with SA

bradley — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 03:34:00 GMT

Well eweek talked about Microsoft's offering of "Information Work Solution Services" as part of a SA benefit for small to medium firms. Once again..it's either eweek not getting the facts...or someone at Microsoft doesn't define Small firms like me as a "small firm".

I have SA licenses for Office and Windows and SBS. I don't have company wide licenses either... so when I looked at the new SA coverage, the only thing I went ..oh..okay I get that new thing.. was one Support call.

As you can see from this chart inside my licensing window (one for the server, one for Office/Windows), only those items that are hyperlinked am I eligible for. Everything else I'm not.

So on this screen I get some training cdroms... and the biggie advantage for Office on SA... is that Home Use Rights. The other day my sister was asking what was the cheapest way to get office for a employee at the place where she works and she went "hang on...we're on software assurance..we have a "Home Use Rights" plan.

On this one I get a Virtual PC Express and the biggie for me is that 1 phone call now I get with SA.

But if you are concerned that suddenly "any" certified partner is going to start calling me for a free day long training session...guess again. Unless your small firms regularly buy a lot of software, we're down below many of these benefits offered by Software Assurance.

Those CAL rights

bradley — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 06:45:00 GMT

The other day someone asked if the cal rights in the R2 that allowed you to have and SQL 2005 workgroup or Exchange server without having to buy CALs covered if you had either a Standard or Premium R2 system.

The answer according to the webcast is yes. Obviously you'll still need to buy Server licenses and what not, but the client access rights will be covered by your SBS CALs.

Exactly how many licenses do I have?

bradley — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 07:05:00 GMT

I have access to an MSDN license that gives me testing rights to an operating system

I have access to an Action pack license that gives me rights to run the IT side of my business

My firm has a Open Business/Value (whatever the 3 year software assurance is called) because at the time I signed up for it, there was not the MPAN program and since the majority of the firm's income is from consulting other than IT, I didn't feel that it was kosher to be running the firm on my "action pack" license.

I think I'm about as legal as you can get, as least I hope so. A fellow CPA said to me that what they didn't like the most about Microsoft licensing was the 'wink wink' that seemingly occurs. That he felt that Microsoft purposely turns a blind eye to the issue of illegal software sales. That oh sure... Bill Gates and make a big deal about it, say that it's going to take 10 years, annoy the heck out of us with Windows Genuine Advantage and Activation, but when push came to shove they needed to put their money where their mouth was and truly make and effort to show they were really and truly serious about piracy.

Two of Vlad's posts showcase this better than anything... first a vendor still selling NFRs and then a Doctor buys the Action pack.

Microsoft... if you want to walk the walk and talk the talk on piracy.... this is where the cliches' come to pass and you put your money where your mouth is.

You spend the Lawyers fees to shut down that vendor.

You train your staff to understand the difference between a Doctor of Medicine and a Implementer of Technology.

The black hole of the transition pack

bradley — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 03:47:00 GMT

SBS 2003 has a 'transition pack'. A method that you can upgrade from SBS 2003's restrictions to the full fledged products of it's big brother servers...and big brother price tag.....and as SBSers go through this transition pack, invaribly they post in the newsgroup "What's the transition like".

I swear this is a worm hole.... because they ask about it...and never post back.

Well one mortal who has survived in our SBS MVP ranks posted about it and I thought I'd capture it here...from Michael Cocanower of ITsynergy.com

OK, here's what I found.

Installed the Transition pack on SBS SP1 Premium (running SQL but not ISA). It churned for a while and rebooted twice. Note that you are warned all over the place that you'll have to reinstall all service packs after installing the transition pack. Towards the end of the install, I get a message box "Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD. Warning: If you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be recovered. To exit, click Cancel. For more information, click Details. Clicking Details got me nowhere, so I clicked Cancel. I thought I was in trouble, and was ready to call PSS. I rebooted after clicking cancel, and much to my surprise, I get prompted that the transition pack was installed successfully. So now the box is in the "I think the transition pack is applied" state. I moved FSMO roles to another box without a problem (something you're only supposed to be able to do post transition pack). I moved Exchange and SQL each to their own box. I am also now running 2 DHCP servers in the environment, and the old SBS box seems to be stable. I'm not sure what else I can do to confirm that the transition pack is OK, but everything seems to be stable at this point.

To give more background... the transition pack was indeed applied successfully... ...the way you check is attempt to disable license logging serivce and sbscore services. If those two services will shut off and stay off, you don't have a SBS box anymore. In this "no longer a SBS box" state, Remote Web Workplace and all the SBS wizards still work, there are just no guarantees that future patches/service packs will break things.

The 'transititioned' server is now three boxes. Exchange was the snap migration process to a new box. SQL LOB app, also a piece of cake. Sharepoint was the one that needed fixing in permissions, site owners, versions of MSDE and what not. The site to this day is still chugging...OWA running fine along with Remote Web Workplace...and yes the client fully understands that technically while it still is running, [and they use it quite a bit] there are no absolute guarantees that RWW might be broken with some security patch or service pack and it's no longer supported.

If I were in charge of the Universe.. I'd steal RWW...customize it a smidge more...and stick it in Centro.

...now... to go get myself in charge of the Universe... that's the problem...

So... there we go... one 'story of someone who survived the "Black hole of the transition pack" and we've now posted his story.

P.S. For you folks that have commented with issues....can you email me at sbradcpa -at- pacbell.net as I'd love to check with you guys on some points you've raised. When you don't leave an email address, I can't email back directly.

Okay so you have your Action pack SP1 media..but...

bradley — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 05:25:00 GMT

You get to the part where it asks for Outlook and you don't have it? Go grab the previous Outlook from the first non SP1 version of SBS. Even though it's dated November of 2003 it is the same media as before and there is no difference. The SBS sp1 part will layer on the SP1 part of the install.

Also if you have Open License media you should get the Outlook in the media kit.

Yes it really does need activation

bradley — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 05:02:00 GMT

...so I'm calling product activation because I'm doing a migration from an old wheezy computer to my new HP here at home and I love it when I have to explain with first the Product Activation people and then with the Licesning number ( 888-352-7140 ) people that yes, SBS requires activation, and no I'm not calling about Windows XP.

...there are times that embracing the "spots" ... i.e. the differences of SBS are very rewarding ...as in the remote web workplace that we have that one one else has.... and then there are times when you have to point out to Microsoft employees themselves, that no, we're SBS... we're different...every version of SBS needs activation...yes, even if it's Action pack or MSDN or Volume license.... that the spots get just a smidge frustrating.

Whomever you are Mark, you passed the test

bradley — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 02:23:00 GMT

So I was mean today. You see I called 1-800-426-9400 and punched the numbers to ask for a licensing specialists for small businesses [less than 50 desktops] and I asked "Mark" some questions. You see ...it was a test... I knew what the answers were... I just wanted to see if the Microsoft Licensing department knew the right answers as well. Outside of the US, you can call the phone numbers here.

It was a test actually... to see if I could find a resource for 'mere mortals' to find info on MS licensing that was SmallBiz sized. Now we already have the wonderful information from the Mssmallbiz.com portal but I was looking to see if a customer could find out this info.

So here's what I asked...and what Mark answered:

On SBS what's the first five cals? Are they user or device?

How can I add SA to the OEM product?

Can OEM software be bought without hardware? Can I buy it say...with a mouse?

What's the difference between user cals and device cals? Which one should I choose for the Small Business Server platform?

And Mark, whomever you are, you knew your stuff. And if somehow this blog post gets back to you.... sorry for being a sneak and putting you on the spot, but I was seeing if I could find a person who had enough SBSized information about licensing. And Mark did.

Mark said that the first five cals are either user or device cals. That you decide which way they are. That all you had to do to add Software Assurance to a product you bought via OEM channel was to add it within the first 90 days after purchase. He said that to buy OEM software, that you had to buy an entire computer, that it was attached to the system. That I might see some system builders out there that were selling them with a cord or a mouse because that used to be how some of the wording was, but now days only system builders could sell OEM software to other system builders without a 'system' to go with it. He said that it would be wise to stay away from such places, that I still might see them on the web. He then talked about User versus Device cals and how, in my Small Business Server which has Exchange, and thus Outlook Web Access, that I might want to pick User. In fact he went on to say that most small businesses buy "user cals", because we tend to have flexible users that can access things from many devices, but that there might be a time that I would want "device cals" if say... I had 50 desktops and 100 employees and they all used those 50 devices.

Sometimes, just knowing who to contact and get the right informtion is the key element in success. I'll give another example of this...a source for buying the licenses once you've figured out what you need that I like is a vendor who specializes in nothing but. Sometimes I think we end up trying to wear too many hats. Software Licensing is sometimes [okay a lot] confusing, but I know that I have had a lot less headaches since I've been in the habit of sending off an email to the gang at softwareone.com and just telling them what I want and they come back with the SKU numbers I need.

So how about instead of getting that licensing headache... you instead pick up a phone and make a call.

Say hi to Mark for me, will ya?

Dear Microsoft Licensing People

bradley — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 00:16:00 GMT

Dear Microsoft Licensing People...

When giving information to SBSers... make sure you are not giving them “Big Server Land” information.

It's Friday and I'm in the mood for a rant....

In the newsgroup today someone was trying to download a copy of a trial version as overseas they couldn't get the software through customs worth a darn, and so someone told them to buy SBS under Volume licensing and they said “oh yes that if you had Open value that they could get downloadable media..... they said... and I quote from the post...

'I have a confirmation from Microsoft that though it was not possible to download the media through eOpen, it is in fact possible to download licensed media through Open Value at the MVLS site. This is confirmed for US only.'

Well I AM an Open Value customer and I can confirm WITHOUT A SHRED OF DOUBT that it's not available for download. Folks, this is why the media gets sent to me automagically because we need a product key.

See this download screen?

Do you see the fact that there is NO SBS 2003 on that listing?

Folks when you talk to Microsoft in any way shape or form, especially when it comes to licensing, can you say to them “can you check and make sure your information that you are giving me pertains as well to SBS?” And if they say there is no difference, don't believe them, because when it comes to Software Assurance and other small business licensing information, I can assure you that we are unique, we don't get all the benefits and for many folks that you call on Microsoft licensing, they really don't have a clue about the small business licensing. Hands down the best resource for Smallbiz licensing is Eric Ligman and company on the Mssmallbiz site and the official Microsoft Mssmallbiz yahoogroup.

So ...want to know the real scoop of what I get with software assurance? Check out this grid.

Okay let's review...since I have 2 servers and less than 50 desktops....

For the Open Value that I have that doesn't go through the Eopen site but instead through MVLS site, I do get version upgrade rights. So I'll be getting SBS 2003 Release 2 [WSUS, SQL server 2005 workgroup and Exchange 2003 sp2].
I do get media for the server sent to me automatically [mainly because I can't download it]
I will get Windows Vista uprade rights and a copy of Virtual PC Express edition for every Windows software assurance license I have.
I don't have 50 Office licenses so I won't get training.
I do get a cdrom called the Information Worker eLearning cdrom
I get a Windows eLearning cdrom
I get a Server eLearning cdrom [it's not SBS specific though]
Office gets home use rights
Desktop - for every $200,000 of SA for Office and Windows I get one phone incident [translation... I get barely get one phone call at that conversion rate]
Server for every $20,000 of SA I get one phone incident for servers.
I get “cold server rights“.
I get one user ID for Technet Managed newsgroups [I think I have enough newsgroup access :-) so I might pass on that one]

Someone said that Microsoft themselves internally should not necessarily pay for licenses but be required to track their compliance.

Bottom line folks...whomever told that SBSer that we can 'download' a copy of SBS... is ...well... flat out wrong.

Buying a license

bradley — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 04:04:00 GMT

I have a box of Windows XP in my office. It's a retail blue box. And if [heaven forbid] the office burns down, I've lost that license. I have to rebuy it.

The other day for our Business Insurance renewal I was asked to write down all the software licenses that I could not replace, that we'd have to rebuy all over again, and we were surprised that there's a lot of software that I have that I don't have to worry about scrambling to rebuy.

My office is by the airport and lets just pretend that the biggest jet airliner that goes out of the Fresno Airport [which is the UPS plane by the way] dropped on my office.

What software could I easily replace?

My server software including the media. I log into the Eopen web site with my Microsoft passport and I look up the contract number and immediately replace it.
My Windows XP licenses - that also gives me the right to the next version - better known as Vista that includes additional features.
My Office software including the media. Again, I log into the Eopen web site.

Next to my desk is a test Dell OEM server. There's a server license on that box. If the box dies, the server license dies with it. It's not transferable. But add software assurance within 90 days and I can move that software anywhere I want to.

If you are buying OEM or retail software boxes for your clients.

Stop.

OEM may be cheaper in the short term, but it's not cheaper in the long run. Retail boxes means that you or your clients have to track those licenses and worst still, you lose those licenses if a disaster occurs.

Your small business clients need to ensure you have built in the flexibility they need, business continuity plans built in from the get go.

Check this site out:

http://www.noretailbox.com/

Dear CAL people

bradley — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 22:15:00 GMT

To whom it may concern in the SKU and CAL department. Yes, I know that we've asked before for less SKUs. We've asked before for easier licensing, for Dell computers to be forced to stop saying XP Home operating systems are 'suitable for small businesses'.

There's one more thing I'd like.

I'd like another SKU.

Yes you heard me. I want to have one more SKU for a SBS add on.

I want a Terminal Server bundle for SBS. I want one SKU number to give to a small business owner or partner that would represent a Windows Server OS and 5 TS cals [and then add on more in increments of course].

Have you ever tried to explain to a normal human being that all they need is one Windows Server license, that the Server cals they say you don't need because you are a SBS server owner has nothing to do with the TS cals?

Even after reading this whitepaper, the normal human being still goes “huh“?

I talked to a normal human being today and it was obvious that he was confused by this document and just wanted a product SKU number that he could go to his vendor and say “I want that“.

So Microsoft CAL people? Can I have one more SKU? Please?

One SKU, one Single SKU

bradley — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 03:15:00 GMT

For years, Small Business Partners have been asking for a way to help make acquiring the core Microsoft software products that Small Businesses use easier to buy and sell. Your requests have been answered! Launching today, as part of the NEW Open Value 2.0 Licensing Program, is just that solution. Be among the first to learn about and take advantage of this exciting new offer by joining us for a 60 minute session to learn all about the NEW single SKU offering for Small Business customers that every Small Business Partner can sell! To make things even better, not only does this offering make it easier for you and your customers, it also makes it more affordable as well:

Session #1: October 4th, 10:30 - 11:30 am PST [passed]
Session #2: October 11th 10:30 - 11:30 am PST
Session #3: October 18th, 10:30 - 11:30 am PST

Virtually SBS

bradley — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 23:17:00 GMT

No, I'm not talking about running SBS on Virtual server [which on a side note when Exchange 2003 sp2 hits the streets, the Standard SBS will be fully supported on Virtual Server], I'm talking about a hosted SBS. Vlad and I were swapping emails with a vendor who was offering 'hosted' SBS solutions and Vlad pointed out that this was already being done and he had some articles about it.

Interesting, huh?!

Mr. Minasi we can do that too!

bradley — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 22:59:00 GMT

Met up with Mark “oh SBS is evil because it can't have a secondary domain controller” Minasi at the MVP summit and it reminded me that we recently got a clarfication on how we CAN have a secondary domain controller and all you need to have to cover the licenses of that secondary DC is plain ol' SBS cals. You don't need Windows server cals. The SBS license specifically allows us to have our member servers and even our additional domain controllers covered by a SBS cal. So all you need to have in order to set up and be legal for an additional DC is the server CAL that came with the Server OS [and yes if you buy Open License version of Windows 2003 server you can buy it with one and only one CAL] and then your SBS CALs.

So to review....

SBS CAN have a secondary/additional DC
The CALs for it are merely ONE Windows server OS CAL [you know the one you get with the OS itself]
and then it's covered by the SBS CALs.

The Enterprise IT pro white paper even talks about this. “You can add a computer running Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 as a replica domain controller to a local or remote office for redundancy in the event that the server running Windows SBS is unavailable. Replication with the server running Windows SBS keeps Active Directory up-to-date on the additional domain controller even in the remote-office scenario, provided there is a link between the offices. Users can then log on to the network normally until the server running Windows SBS is brought back online.” Personally I've found that what's more important is the DHCP than the Domain controller per se...as workstations that can't find a domain will merely log in via cached credentials.

Bottom line.. buy good hardware and normally is a non issue in a small office.

Dear IT Pro Community:

bradley — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 03:58:00 GMT

HOW TO FACE OFF AGAINST MICROSOFT

Intuit has repelled the Redmond six times. Now it's defending its

largest business -- small-business accounting software

http://newsletters.businessweek.com/c.asp?id=583044&c=0a3482e76a3aa5ed&l=2

INTUIT'S BENNETT: READY FOR MR. GATES

Facing another onslaught from Redmond, the finance-software maker's

CEO says, "I love our position." Score so far: Intuit 6, Microsoft 0

http://newsletters.businessweek.com/c.asp?id=583044&c=0a3482e76a3aa5ed&l=3

-----------------------

I am a CPA in Californa. On a pretty regular basis I deal with small business customers. Some that have standalone computers, some with networks. I have a trusted relationship with all of these small businesses.

Just like how you install software better when 'you' know it.. just like how you have impact with what I call the 'wow' factor and word of mouth, so do I. As a result Microsoft has just introduced the Microsoft Accountants Network to introduce my world to Microsoft's Small Business accounting 2006. As part of this network my community is now eligible for free CPE and the Action pack [for $299 a year].

Now before you start yelling "Hey Microsoft, you are now allowing CPAs to use Action pack? You are taking software sales away from us", Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you make your income from software sales.. you make it on the labor and installation of the network.

Microsoft is offering to my world because they realize too how much I influence software purchases when I am plugged in.

Now in these same beancounter communities are the "just good enough' folks. The same people that when they raised their hands in a presentation on Wednesday and said if you ARE running Windows 98, you are sending a message to all of your clients that you don't CARE about the security of their data. These are exactly the cheap, 'it's good enough people' that you can now go to and say, "here's a way to get software, to get secure, to get free CPE and all you have to do is sign up and check out this software bundle"

Also for this plan it gives them "business critical down" that includes things like printers failing on April 14. To a beancounter ..that IS a critical down issue.

This week I was in Illinois and Cindy Bates of Microsoft indicated that the firm that "gets IT" has higher growth that one that doesn't. Here's your chance as a consultant to go to that CPA in your area and show them the MPAN program and say ...it's time you killed off that Windows 98 machine. It's not good enough ANY MORE. Show them THIS link and tell them this is one time “too good to be true“ isn't.

Now then my IT community out here... all you IT consultants... you talk to that CPA and tell them about how they can share calendars. How with Audiovox Windows Mobile phones, the partners can check their calendars from anywhere. That having their client data on a system hooked up to the Internet IS safe, and in fact with high speed access I would argue allows you to be more secure and up to date.

I told a room of 100 or so Accountants that if they thought the SBS 2003 product I talked about and used at my firm and actually demo'd was cool, that they needed to go and find an SBSer. To go to YOU and ask you how many SBS installs you had done. Be honest. Don't say you have and you've never even seen the product before.

Just remember if you don't treat my CPA community right, I just might hear about it.

How to find an SBSer

bradley — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 03:51:00 GMT

Norm in the comments in the blog lists the 'official' link and rightly indicates... ..and it will rank those that have the "Small Business Specialist" first so you can more easily find and partner with them.

http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/partner/vendorsearch.mspx

Sometimes you can just smell the Coconut can't you?

bradley — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 17:28:00 GMT

I cut open candies in the candy box because I want to know what I'm getting, don't you? You want to make sure you are getting the Chocolate you want, right?. I don't like Chocolates with coconut inside... there's just something about that texture that just .... ugh...

If you've ever gone to the doorway of Fry's Electronics... breathed in the computer smell and then walked into the department that looks like computer guts are spilled all over the place and folks are waxing poetically about Intel this and AMD that... you'll know the Motherboard section of the computer store. Yet many of us may not realize out important that Motherboard is to the license of our operating system.... Mr. Licensing on the Mssmallbiz site [who will be at SMBnation in September], Eric Ligman posted a couple of gems about Motherboards and OEM software licensing.....

"Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your customer's computer and the end user customer may maintain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer" to which Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do NOT need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC."

“For reference, the above answer comes directly from the Microsoft System Builder Frequently Asked Questions Page: http://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?PageID=553075. It is the 4th question listed below the Refurbished/Used PCs section.“

When it comes to buying OEM software, it might be wise to review those folks that are authorize OEM sellers http://www.microsoft.com/oem/authdist/default.mspx. Like Eric said, if you buy OEM software outside that channel, the buyer beware sign should be flashing very brightly.

Now Forest Gump may say “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get”, but I think it would be a pretty safe bet that if you see something that just is too good to be true price wise....it's definitely too good to be true. Like I said....I'm not a fan of Chocolates with Coconut in the middle. Sometimes when you see offers for OEM software with a mere mouse or stick of memory ...you can just smell the Coconut without cutting open the candy, can't you?

Can 40 to 50 users be connected to a SBS 2003 server?

bradley — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 02:48:00 GMT

From the mailbag tonight comes this question....

Hi!!! I want to know if it's recommended for 40-50 users connected to a SBS2003 Std. Server for file, print, mail and fax. And what specs for a server with 40-50 users connected are recommended.

You DO know about the SBS Dogfood server don't you?

What?

You don't? You see it's the Poor little SBS box that probably has the WORST job in the entire universe... putting up with a bunch of it's owners...and when I say owners... I'm not talking about any owners.. I”m talking about the people that WROTE the stuff in the first place.

That's right..one poor little SBS box supports about 70 users.

And what's the specs on this box?

Dual Proc - 2.8 ghz

1 gig of RAM

SCSI disks

Now in my network... I'd call that underpowered... I have 4 gigs but I'll be honest with you ...my server falls asleep most of the day waiting for things to do.

So can 50 people hang off a SBS server? Oh you bet...but here's the thing... back in our MVP ranks we've been swapping stories about

3 servers with 4 users
1 server with 1 user
5 servers with 25 users
2 servers with 20 users
2 servers with 45 users

Get the idea there isn't just one answer...that it depends on the needs of the firm? But in all of those 'specs' ... SBS 2003 is the base of the firm.

What you need to check with the firm is WHAT ELSE are they needing to do. My guess is that firm is unlike the SBS dev team and they need some line of business app server or a terminal server to hang off the side.

So Danny... the answer is.

YES. But honestly for more advice? Come out to the Small biz community will ya and ask a bunch of us?

A little bad advice

bradley — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 00:35:00 GMT

Like my prior post, sometimes there's an instance where someone gets bad advice. And right now I'm seeing one issue with getting bad advice in the past. Remember class, my history.... I was once told that SBS was too limiting for me....that I would outgrow it...that it wasn't for me.

Look around folks...now tell me that SBS is limiting? Let's see...oh yes... Remote web workplace where a co-worker is logging into from overseas...oh yeah..that's limiting... or Cell phones that sync up with the mail server... ah yes... see how limited I am?

So when that firm has indeed listened to a partner.. a Microsoft Partner in fact... I'm sorry...but I don't think it's right that they should now suffer and not be able to get any kind of version upgrade rights into SBSland from 'normal' server. Alas the migration from Windows 2000 [plain] to SBSland is not seen as an upgrade/version upgrade or anything that qualifies the customer who got bad advice to a slightly better deal.

Now... you know me.. I certainly call a conversion from plain Windows 2000 to SBS..ANYTHING above a 2000 version an upgrade. I mean ... we have so much more to offer than plain server it's not funny.

Call me silly, but I think it's even more silly that the customer who thought they were getting a good recommendation...didn't. Especially now.. some would argue that there were major drawbacks on the SBS 4.0/4.5 platform, less drawbacks on the SBS 2000 platform... for a firm in the 'sweet' spot, it's just a shame that they have to now pay for the bad advice they got. Even in the SBS 2000 era... SBS was seen as a bit of a 'runt' box and cut down... 'oh you have a limited version of SQL don't you?' ...uh...no you are thinking of SBS 4.5... so it took a long time for Microsoft partners [remember MY story about how I had to insist on SBS?] to deploy SBS 2000 and you pretty much had to get someone wacko enough to beleive in the platform.

So I would argue that it's now a bit hard to say ...gee you should have gotten a better Partner recommendation...when it was 'buyer beware' and the customer had to insist on SBS in many cases.

Other examples of bad advice... don't buy Full retail/packaged product of SBS 2003...buy it via open license. It gets you into the Open license model where EULAs and CAL codes and what not are kept track of for you. As a customer of SBS, make sure your consultant talks about the options you have in licensing... if all he or she does is bash Microsoft... go get a new Microsoft partner...a Small Business Specialist in fact [just got the welcome box today as a matter of fact]

Oh...and one more bit of advice? If you ARE selling/installing SBS and you aren't a Microsoft partner...arent' considering going for the Small Business Specialist designation...if you are not a hard core SBSer and planning your trip to Seattle and SMBnation, the SBS lovefest?

Why not?