R2 is born, SBS in final trimester

So its the R2 day at Microsoft. Some products are going gold, others are up as evalutation versions (snag a 180 day copy of Virtual Server 2005 R2). Windows Server 2003 R2 is being released today so the R2 of SBS will naturally follow in about 60-90 days. For everything you always wanted to know about Windows Server R2 here is the link. Here are a few notes on R2 and SBS courtesy of Steven Bink: Q. What is Windows Small Business Server 2003 Release 2 (R2)? A. Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 will be an update release to Windows Small Business Server 2003 with SP1, providing new features and functionalities. Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 will offer increased productivity and functionality by adding automated patch and update management, increasing mailbox limits to 75 GB and adding SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition for Premium Edition customers. Q. When will Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 become available? A. The Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 update will be offered 60-90 days after the availability of Windows Server 2003 R2. Windows Server 2003 R2 is scheduled to release TODAY!! Q. Why will Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 become available later than Windows Server 2003 R2? A. Windows Small Business Server 2003 is an integrated product that includes advancements and improvements in Windows Server 2003 R2. Because of this, Windows Server 2003 R2 delivery to market must happen first. Microsoft is working to ensure that Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 is well integrated for customers. Q. How will existing customers obtain Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2? Will it be available for free download? A. Like Windows Server 2003 R2, customers will need to have purchased Software Assurance to obtain Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2, or they will need to purchase a new server license. Unlike Windows Server 2003 R2, a low-cost option for Windows Small Business Server customers (any version including 4.0, 4.5, 2000, and 2003) will be available to upgrade to Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2. Customers tell us that Software Assurance is not commonly purchased with Windows Small Business Server so we continue to make low-cost version upgrade SKUs available. Q. How much will Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 cost to upgrade? A. Specific pricing details are not available at this time. Update: Susan Bradley just wrote in to let me know that the SBS FAQ has been updated to say the following: Q. What about the next release of Windows Small Business Server, R2? A. Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2, the next release of SBS which promises increased productivity and functionality, will be available in 32-bit only, and will be available shortly after the availability of Windows Server 2003 R2. SBS 2003 R2 is expected to release mid 2006. Here is another hint to that mid-2006 date from the press release:

Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS 2003 R2) is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2006. SBS 2003 R2 will help small businesses improve their productivity by providing automated, networkwide patch and update management, increased mailbox limits, SQL Server™ 2005 Workgroup Edition technology for SBS 2003 R2 Premium Edition customers, and expanded client access license rights for access to additional Microsoft Exchange 2003 and SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition servers in the SBS 2003 R2 network. As part of a Technology Guarantee program, beginning March 1, 2006, for a limited time customers who purchase SBS 2003 from an original equipment manufacturer or a system builder will have the opportunity to obtain SBS 2003 R2 for a nominal shipping and handling fee, once the product is released.

So it looks like you won't see SBS 2003 R2 until mid 2006 but if you purchase SBS after March 1, 2006 you'll get free upgrade to R2. If you are among people considering that purchase without Software Assurance you're a darn fool, SBS Longhorn is due in 2007.