Microsoft's Windows Small Business Server 2011

I've just completed my first Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2011 installation. It has been a successful exploration of the new features and wizards of Server 2008 R2, Exchange 2010 and Sharepoint 2010. Though I'm impressed that most of the server software management functions are readily available to the novice user some of the settings, logs, reports, etc. have been buried even further into the depths. Email in particular is difficult to monitor. User's file replication and sharing sharing appears easier to configure with wizards to move this data, email storage are readily available and easy to follow.

The full Microsoft Outlook licences have now been removed completely and replaced by Outlook Web Access. No problem for novice users but Outlook aficionados will struggle to accept this will be forced to buy a Office 2010 version that includes the full program. Pity as most client computers now come with acceptable Word and Excel Office 2010 Starter variants.

All-in-all, a good upgrade from Microsoft for small companies who want to manage, secure and protect their data in an affordable, integrated package.