Microsoft Announces Pricing for SBS 2008

This morning Microsoft announced the retail price for SBS 2008. SBS 2008 will be released later this year.

• Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition software, including five CALs, $1,089 (U.S.); additional CALs $77 each (U.S.)
• Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition software, including five CALs, $1,899 (U.S.); additional CALs $189 each (U.S.)

By contrast SBS 2003 prices were $599 and $1299.

On the Plus side:

• Client Access Licenses no longer have to be purchased in packages of 5. Rather, you can now purchase exactly how many you need.
• For those that require SQL server, the cals for premium edition can be purchased individually. So if you have a SQL application and 20 users but only 10 need to use the SQL application, then you only need to purchase 10 premium client access licenses.
• Premium edition included a second full server. It also includes SQL Standard edition. This is a very good thing. It means that the SQL application no longer has to run on the SBS server!
• Many of you will not require the premium edition moving forward because you don't need the SQL database server.
• Actual price was lower than full retail and will hopefully continue to be.

On the Minus side:

• SBS no longer includes a firewall. Those customers with Software Assurance on their server will get a new firewall. Those without will have to purchase a separate firewall. (We will have recommendations)

SBS can be licensed for up to 75 users. If you are on the under 15-20 side SBS 2008 will be more expensive. If you are on the upper end, it might actually be less expensive. However the firewall purchase requirement is going to throw a fly in the ointment for everyone.