Expanded client-access license (CAL) rights. SBS 2003 R2 customers can use their CALs to access additional servers running Windows Server 2003, Exchange Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition on the SBS 2003 R2 network. As before, no duplicate CALs are needed when new servers are deployed on the network as the business grows.

Current SBS 2003 with Service Pack 1 customers may be able to upgrade to R2 using the Technology Upgrade Program to receive SBS 2003 R2. Through this program, you can receive a copy of the R2 Upgrade Media Kit if you purchase SBS 2003 with SP1, either Standard or Premium edition, preinstalled on a new server from a reseller or a registered System Builder during the eligibility period from March 1, 2006, through Nov. 30, 2006.

SBS customers with Software Assurance, the bulk license agreements they can individually sign with Microsoft, will be able to obtain SBS 2003 R2 without purchasing a new server license, only the cost of shipping the media. SBS customers without Software Assurance will only be able to purchase a new version upgrade package via retail channels and stores.

The recall issue

You might have heard about a minor recall in late summer regarding the final version of R2 shipped in some quantity to retail channels. Microsoft did a routine check of the media it released to manufacturing and discovered that some beta and release-candidate versions of certain files had been included. While these nonfinal versions wouldn't really have affected operating servers, Microsoft Update services to the machine would have been affected.