Microsoft Small Business Server 2003
Editors' rating
Very good
7.8
out of 10
- The good: Comprehensive feature set; tight integration with Exchange and SharePoint portal services; wizards and task lists simplify setup and ongoing maintenance; competitively priced.
- The bad: Still not quite DIY simple; no server-side antivirus or spam filtering; firewall in Standard Edition is limited.
- The bottom line: For small businesses that need a business in a box and want to stick with Microsoft technology, SBS 2003 is the only game in town.
- Reviewed by:
- David Coursey
- Review date: 2/6/04
Ratings explained
Editors' rating: software
CNET editors evaluate every product according to a standard set of review criteria. To see our rating criteria and weightings, click the category you're interested in here.
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
Buying choices
for Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 from online stores:
- Softwaremedia.com In stock: Yes
- $799.00
- Royal Discount In stock: Yes
- $354.87
- Jigantic.com In stock: Yes
- $449.99
- VioSoftware Inc. In stock: Yes
- $338.96
- TRUSTprice In stock: Yes
- $354.88
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