I downloaded the 32-bit SME9 smeserver-9.0-i386.iso, burnt it to disc and loaded it up onto a spare test-server.
It pinged contribs.org successfully.
Horde looked as expected
I then loaded SOGo and Roundcube contribs successfully - no emails in/out, but functionality looked fine and functioned as expected.
I loaded phpmyadmin contrib successfully and set up 3x databases and users etc.
I created a number of ibays and loaded PhreeBooks into one successfully.
There are two comments:
1. This is probably completely normal for an experienced IT, however, I very nearly loaded SME9 a second time, overwriting the first install. Is there supposed to be some sort of FINISH (it did say it, but I was half asleep). Not a big deal this.
2. I was expecting to find some extra functionality in iBay setting relating to open_baseDir and PHP URL File Open . I couldn't see it.
No unexpected behaviour so far.