|
BackOffice Server 4.5 Released at Spring Networld+Interop '99 |
from The Executive Software Team
Microsoft has just announced the latest version of its system management suite, Microsoft BackOffice Server version 4.5. While this latest version contains a number of features previously released individually - SQL Server 7.0, Systems Management Server 2.0, Exchange Server 4.5, Proxy Server 2.0, Site Server 3.0, and SNA Server 4.0 - it also updates them, combines them for interoperability, and includes features unique only to the suite. In addition to manageability and compatibility advantages, there are notable licensing advantages to owning the products as a suite, as well.
Some of the features not found in the individually-sold components are:
Web Development Starter Applications - Included in BackOffice Server 4.5 is a ready-to-use intranet site with seven Web-based starter applications that can be used as is or combined and customized to meet specific needs. Applications include a group directory, a document library, discussions, expense tracking, event calendar, news engine, and Helpdesk.
Integrated Startup - BackOffice Server 4.5 installs and configures all application components and service packs through a single, integrated, consistent setup. It detects current version levels and recommends appropriate component or service pack upgrades, and automatically sets many common parameters and consolidates the number of setup screens. An installation script can also be generated, and can be reused as part of an unattended setup.
BackOffice Server Deployment Wizard - With reusable setup scripts and a graphical editing tool for deployment, IT managers can replicate a single baseline server configuration across dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of branch office or departmental server deployments.
Single Management Console - BackOffice Server 4.5 provides a single console for managing BackOffice Server and its components. It provides four customizable starter consoles for Helpdesk, Web, branch office, and central IT administrators, along with integrated taskpads for managing users and groups and core suite components.
Web-based administration - Whether working in the office over a LAN, dialing in over RAS, or accessing their network through virtual private networks (VPNs), users can employ most Web browsers to perform common management tasks on BackOffice Server, including user and group management, services management, and viewing event logs.
Also announced at N+I was a new BackOffice feature called Team Productivity Update, a central and structured location for all team information. This new feature will be available as a product update in the third quarter 1999.
For more information on BackOffice Server 4.5, visit Microsoft's BackOffice Server home page at:
http://www.microsoft.com/backofficeserver/
This information was provided by Executive Software, maker of the Diskeeper defragmenter and Undelete for Windows NT. Visit their web site at
@Macarlo, Inc.
@Macarlo's Shareware & Web
OS/2
Java Lobby Member
Java Site Accredited