Definition of Microsoft BackOffice in Network Encyclopedia.
What is Microsoft BackOffice?
Microsoft BackOffice is a comprehensive and integrated family of server products for intranets, corporate networks, and the Internet. Microsoft BackOffice is available in two different integrated product suites – BackOffice Server and BackOffice Small Business Server – and also as a series of separately available products, which are listed in the following table.
Other Microsoft BackOffice Products
| Application | Description |
| Microsoft SNA Server 4 | Used to integrate mainframe and AS/400 applications, data, and security with PC local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet/intranet environments |
| Microsoft Host Data Replicator | Provides bidirectional snapshot replication of data between Microsoft SQL Server and multiplatform DB2 databases by means of SNA Server |
| Microsoft Proxy Server 2 | Offers firewall security functions and high-performance Web caching in one product |
| Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 1.2 | A multisite management system that provides integrated desktop management for customers with medium to large Microsoft Windows–based environments |
| Microsoft SQL Server 7 | A scalable, high-performance database-management system designed for distributed client/server computing that includes built-in data replication, management tools, integration with the Internet and intranets, and an open system architecture |
| SQL Server 7, Enterprise Edition | A high-performance database-management system designed for large, high-availability database applications and distributed, mission-critical database applications |
| Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 | A messaging and collaboration server for businesses of all sizes that fully supports Internet protocols |
| Exchange Server 5.5, Enterprise Edition | Adds unlimited message storage and other enhancements to Exchange Server |
| Microsoft Site Server 2 | A comprehensive Web site environment for creating, deploying, and managing intranet sites using Windows NT and Internet Information Services (IIS) |
| Site Server 2, Enterprise Edition | Adds features for the advanced management of commerce-enabled Web sites to Site Server |
Microsoft BackOffice Server?
BackOffice Server is an integrated suite of server applications that are optimized for the Microsoft Windows NT operating system. Microsoft BackOffice Server lets organizations easily develop, deploy, and administer powerful intranet and line-of-business applications.
It provides integration, cohesion, and ease of use along with scalability, interoperability, availability, and manageability. BackOffice Server is also the easiest and most cost-effective way to license and use the BackOffice family of products through client access licenses (CALs).
The advanced features of BackOffice Server version 4.5 include the following:
- Support for all major Internet protocols
- Messaging and collaboration services
- Database services
- Systems management services
- Proxy and firewall services
- Web site content publishing, management, and analysis services
- Mainframe host integration services
- Microsoft Management Console (MMC)
- Cross-suite reporting with Seagate Crystal Info version 5
- Intranet starter site with sample applications
- Integrated, scenario-based setup
- Web-based administration tools
- Development tools
BackOffice Server version 4.5 includes the following applications to provide core networking, file and print, communication, Web, and application services:
- Windows NT 4
- Internet Information Server 4
- Microsoft Index Server 2
- Microsoft Certificate Server
- Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS) 2
- Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) Server
- Microsoft Internet Connection Services for Remote Access Service (RAS)
- Microsoft FrontPage
- Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 and Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Proxy Server 2
- Microsoft SNA Server 4
- Microsoft SQL Server 7
- Microsoft Site Server 3 (free coupon included)
- Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) 1.2
- Seagate Software Crystal Info 5 (five-user)
Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server?
BackOffice Small Business Server is a complete, integrated solution for businesses with 25 or fewer PCs. Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server includes file, print, and application services; communication services; and Internet connection services.
Small Business Server integrates these applications from the BackOffice family of products:
- Microsoft Windows NT
- Microsoft Exchange Server
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Internet Information Services
- Microsoft Proxy Server
Small Business Server also extends this BackOffice functionality by including the following:
- Microsoft Fax Service
- Microsoft Modem Sharing Server
- Internet connectivity for small businesses
Small Business Server is easy to set up and manage, and it can grow with a business’s needs. It includes the following features:
- Unified, integrated administration through the Small Business Server Console
- Simple, wizard-based installation and configuration (from creating users to installing printers and establishing Internet connectivity)
- Easy setup and configuration of client computers using the Set Up Computer Wizard
- Extensive online help and troubleshooting tips for the administrator and users
- An easy upgrade path to BackOffice Server when a business grows beyond 25 computers
- Support for e-mail, the Internet, and fax
- Scheduling and collaboration features through the Microsoft Outlook desktop information manager and Exchange Server