So what is the SBS community really?

re: So what is the SBS community really?

Jason J. Thomas — Thu, 25 May 2006 12:47:52 GMT

I come to the world of SBS after spending the last 6 years in a heterogeneous enterprise environment. I managed NetWare, Windows, and the occasional Linux server for a large academic institution. About a year ago was my introduction to SBS, which tends to throw everything that enterprise admins learn on its ear.

That said, I agree with what Vlad is saying. A community is no substitute for training, but it is a valuable resource when dealing with something "in the trenches" or if you are looking to make sure that you have crossed all of your "t's" and dotted all of your "i's". I read documentation quite well, but I will admit to wanting to get another opinion before moving forward with something. I have to admit to appreciating hearing the experiences of others.

Now, keep in mind that I do not have any formal certification--no MCSE, CNA, etc. I do have the experience I have and in-depth work with systems. As a matter of fact, I know more about IMAP mail than anyone should ever be allowed to know. (If you want to bore yourself, go read an RFC. Good times.) Nonetheless, experience and training are key, and a community is there for mutual support.

It's not fair to those of us who are professionals to be used as a simple resource for the person who is the computer-savvy guy at the office. I would make the argument, though, that in like any community, participation is optional. You can live in a community and make a point from time to time, but it is not incumbent upon you to be an activist.

re: So what is the SBS community really?

Vlad Mazek — Thu, 25 May 2006 03:28:54 GMT

I take responsibility for prompting this encyclopedia entry in Susan's blog. We have had this argument going back and forth for months. For me, it boils down to our responsibility as IT Professionals not to empower the wrong people to pursue a career they are broadly unqualified for.

My points are here:
http://www.vladville.com/2006/05/is-the-sbs-community-a-good-substitute-for-training.html

Please take a moment to read it. Hope our blogoffs are entertaining you :)

-Vlad

re: So what is the SBS community really?

Amy — Thu, 25 May 2006 02:27:02 GMT

Gated communities are not for me. I may not like all of my neighbors but I comfortable in this town.

But the availability of really good infomation on the individual technologies is important. I need good in depth information on each of the technologies contained within SBS. Maybe SBS is no longer a community but is rather a thriving huge city with various types of communities within it.