Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 and Tech Guarantee Plan

Guy over at the Windows Server Division WebLog talks about the release of SBS 2003 R2 and when it will come out. You no doubt saw that Windows Server 2003 R2 was released yesterday.

Here's a couple of takes that you may want to think about:
If you're thinking about upgrading or moving to SBS 2003 in the near future then:
1. Definitely get Software Assurance on your SBS box or
2. Purchase after March 1st.

Why purchase after March 1st? Well Guy explains about the Technology Guarantee Plan. If I was moving to a new package I'd sure try to make sure it wasn't outdated in a couple of months. This is the first I've seen of this from the SBS package and I think it's a nice move in the right direction.

Should you take the plunge then if you just have regular old plain vanilla SBS 2003?
Well if you're the normal small business out there probably not. You can download and install WSUS to install patches. You can download and install Exchange 2003 SP2 to get the 75 GB limit.

However you definitely should if you are growing and have an additional Exchange Server in the works as the new CAL will allow for this. Or if you have a specialty app that needs SQL Server 2005 then you're covered by that as well or if you just want SQL 2005 then R2 is for you.

But hey if it was up to me it would be a moot point because the new Software release schedule is for 2 year increments of server products. Software Assurance would be in my offering.