Kevin,
George is completely correct. I only have my databases on my server (whether it is SBS or a pseudoserver such as XP). I don't even want the application anywhere near the database files. This can be set up the same way as George talks about.
I do not think you are correct in your statement about its being deliberate. Both SBS 2008 Standard and Premium should have the same capacity to run AC 4.0.
I don't think I would worry about loading down the domain with your database system and, in fact, SBS 2003 contains SQL Server 2005 the actual version of SQL Express 2005.
Microsoft is marketing two versions of SBS 2003 (Standard and Premium) with a decoupling of SQL. Premium is simply Standard on one hardware and SQL on the other. You can still run AC4 on SBS 2008 Standard. There is a lot of controversy from what I have read about SBS 2008. I am still researching it and holding onto both of my 2008 DVDs.
As far as to the number of connections, this is limited mainly by the computer's resources and the OS. On XP Home, you can connect five, while with Pro, I believe it is 10. That seems rather low. I believe it goes up exponentially on a server OS.
It is limited in that it can only utilize 1GB of RAM and 1 CPU. It is also limited to 4GB of data, which is only double Access. The actual non-Express editions are unlimited.
I use all the features of SBS 2003. Considering 2008. Definitely use Exchange. If it is available, it is the only way to go. As far as fax, one can definitely use the server to fax if you have a modem and each PC has fax software such as WinFax. My faxing situation is overkill in that I can fax to our MFP, I can scan to fax through Captaris, and I can do regular PC to Fax and Fax to PC using Captaris. Captaris is a standalone fax server which is unbelievable with what it can do. Of course, it costs over $1,000 so it should. But, I am rather obsessed with PC to Fax and Fax to PC.
