SBS 2008 could be cheaper than SBS 2003 R2.
[Today’s post comes to us courtesy Karan Rustagi.]
Microsoft recently announced the Public Preview and Pricing for Windows Essential Server Solutions.
Though the price of SBS 2008 seems almost twice then SBS 2003 R2, an Interesting fact to know is that it could be a cheaper product when deployed in following scenarios;
11 Employee Small Business Scenario
SBS 2008 Standard Pricing
Server : $1089 (includes 5 CALs)
Additional 6 CALs (5-CAL + 1-CAL): $462
Total : $1551
SBS 2003 R2 Standard Pricing
Server : $599 (includes 5 CALs)
Additional 10 CALs (2 x 5-CAL packs): $978
Total : $1577
In this scenario, SBS 2008 is CHEAPER than SBS 2003 R2 by $26.
26 Employee Small Business Scenario
SBS 2008 Standard Pricing
Server : $1089 (includes 5 CALs)
Additional 21 CALs (4 X 5-CALs + 1-CAL): $1617
Total : $2706
SBS 2003 R2 Standard Pricing
Server : $599 (includes 5 CALs)
Additional 25 CALs (5 X 5-CAL packs): $2445
Total : $3044
In this scenario, SBS 2008 is CHEAPER than SBS 2003 R2 by $338.
* Please note that as per the press release these are Estimated retail prices. Actual prices may vary.
Couple of posts that we found that have hinted similar comparison are here and here.