Internet Connectivity Wizard in Small Business Server

As Microsoft began to ready its next generation Small Business Server product suite, the need for an updated, enhanced Internet Connectivity Wizard became critical.

For example, the Internet Connectivity Wizard in the current Small Business Server 4.0 suite needed enhanced support for ISDN, ADSL, and cable modems.

Small Business Server 4.0 was originally designed for small business end users, as opposed to computer resellers. Because of that, Microsoft made certain assumptions about levels of expertise.

First-Generation Internet Connectivity Wizard Catered to Wrong Audience

The Internet Connectivity Wizard was intended to help businesses get from start to finish in creating an online presence in a matter of minutes. However, to reach this level of simplicity, Microsoft had to sacrifice some of the power and flexibility with the Internet Connectivity Wizard.

Without computer reseller involvement in the development Small Business Server 4.0, full-time and higher-speed connectivity options were an Internet Connectivity Wizard afterthought. After all, how many small business owners would know enough around 1996 to order a T1 line, could afford the overwhelming price tag, and could configure a router and CSU/DSU?!?

However, by 1998 computer resellers were becoming frustrated by Microsoft's decision to build the Small Business Server 4.0 Internet Connectivity Wizard around the premise of dial-up analog modems. 

Small business clients were demanding higher speed, broadband Internet connections and the Internet Connectivity Wizard in Small Business Server 4.0 seemed obsolete. To remedy this shortcoming with Small Business Server 4.5, Microsoft completely redesigned the Internet Connectivity Wizard to fully support routers delivering ISDN, ADSL, and cable modem Internet access connections.

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