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New Buyers of Small Business Server to Get R2 Upgrade

A Microsoft promotion to give customers who buy Windows Small Business Server 2003 a free upgrade to the Release 2 version kicks off on Wednesday.

The R2 update is scheduled for release to manufacturing during the second quarter. It will feature automated, network-wide patch and update management for all Microsoft Update supported products, and increased mailbox limits from 16 GB to 75 GB.

The Premium Edition includes SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition technology. And it provides expanded Client Access License rights, including access to additional Exchange Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition servers in the SBS 2003 R2 network.

There will be a fee to cover shipping and handling in addition to any applicable taxes. In order to qualify for the Technology Upgrade program, customers must purchase Windows Small Business Server 2003 SP1 Standard or Premium Edition from an original equipment manager or a system builder partner on or after March 1 and before July 31, the company said in a statement.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

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