Essential Business Server server setup and installation process has got two new components. First to setup – a downloadable tool that scans the existing environment looking for the top (91) configuration issues and server health issues that affect successful setup of new server roles.  This was modeled after what our top Customer Service engineers do for Microsoft’s top customers to resolve issues.  Because this will help mid sized business customers (25-300 PC environment) interested in upgrading to EBS as well as small, medium and larger customers considering any upgrade (or just wanting a healthier environment), we have made this tool available for the community to download and run for free.

The EBS Preparation Wizard scans the environment for configuration and health issue in:

• Active Directory
• Windows Server Networking (DNS, Network adapters, ..)
• Exchange
• System Center Essentials
• Windows Server Configuration (current service packs, HD space, …)

Additionally, another tool (in the download package) provides a second step of setup, planning the post installation network configuration.  Many administrators find the deep networking and security concepts and choices exposed only at network upgrades difficult to understand and make.  This tool provides an EBS specific guided wizard with easy to understand diagrams and choices to make informed decisions with confidence.

Download

This review of EBS includes some screen shots from the two wizards (screen shots starting with
“health scan results” through to “plan network settings”).