It s official SBS 2008 Premium Second Server CAN be downgraded to Windows 2003 R2

I few weeks back I blogged that the SBS team were working on providing downgrade rights for the 2nd server in the SBS 2008 Premium product to Windows Server 2003 R2 well it s official now.

Its official ! They will offer Alternative Version rights see here for details – http://www.microsoft.com/wess/en/us/offers.aspx

Component compatibility for maximum flexibility

When you purchase the premium edition of Windows Small Business Server 2008 or Windows Essential Business Server 2008 you have a choice to deploy these products:

Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard x86 and x64 platforms are available as an alternative version in place of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard, and are being shipped as part of the premium editions of both products until December 31, 2009.

Windows Server 2003 R2

Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard (both x86 and x64 platforms) will be available as an alternative version in place of Windows Server 2008 Standard that is shipped as part of SBS 2008 Premium and EBS 2008 Premium until December 31, 2009. Beginning on January 2, 2009, this downgrade option will be offered through Solutions Pathway.

Thanks to the SBS team for listening.