Read about the strengths of Small Business Server against this
competitor.
Thousands of Compatible Applications
Because Microsoft Small Business Server 2000 includes the mature,
multipurpose Windows� 2000 Server
operating system, plus SQL Server� 2000 and Exchange 2000
Server, there are thousands of compatible business applications
available to run on top of Small Business Server. Even operating
system offerings with the backing of companies such as IBM will
struggle versus Windows in terms of application choices available
to run on them.
Better Integration and Ease of Use�Stronger Long-term Buy
While the Linux software is practically free, implementation of it
is far from free because a rollout will take up substantial
developer and administrator time due to the lack of complete
programmer toolkits and consistent standards for things like
object technologies. Meanwhile Small Business Server 2000 delivers
full-featured functionality and better ease of use for both
customers and technology providers right out of the box. Plus, all
of the applications delivered in Small Business Server are
integrated to enable a unified setup that's efficient and
predictable, as well as centralized management capabilities. The
familiar Windows user interface further contributes to the ease of
installation and management of the server.
Popular, Reliable Platform�Less Risk
Linux is an open-source operating system with limited
company-based support. The open-source nature of the product means
that many Linux deployments are somewhat unique and custom built
with various solution pieces pulled together. Thus a
small-business customer becomes highly reliant on the technology
provider who designs and implements the Linux-based network. If
that technology provider is not available to continue to provide
support, there is not likely to be another provider who can easily
step in and have the knowledge to take over support of that
custom-built network.
Greater Depth of Channel Support
Because Small Business Server 2000 is built on the popular Windows
2000 Server operating system, there are many thousands of
certified technology consultants who have the skills and expertise
to implement and maintain a Small Business Server network. Because
Linux still represents an immature and fragmented market with
limited company-based support, it lacks the same depth of channel
expertise. This can make it difficult for small-business customers
to find qualified technology providers who can support Linux-based
systems. This also makes it problematical for technology providers
to find qualified employees with Linux expertise.
