Today Microsoft is announcing the Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products. The family includes Windows Small Business Server 2008, formerly known as code name "Cougar" and Windows Essential Business Server 2008, formerly known as code name "Centro".
Windows Small Business Server 2008 is built upon Windows Server 2008 and includes:
- Windows Exchange Server 2007
- Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
- Enhanced Remote Web Workplace
- One-year trial subscription to Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server Small Business Edition
- One-year trial subscription to the new Windows Live OneCare for Server
SBS 2008 Premium also includes SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 to run on a second server.
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is built upon Windows Server 2008 and includes:
- Exchange Server 2007
- Forefront Security for Exchange Server
- System Center Essentials 2007
- Next version of Internet Security and Acceleration Server
Windows Essential Business Server 2008 Premium Edition includes SQL Server 2008 technology.
Of interest, is the trial subscriptions to Forefront Security for Exchange and OneCare for Server. I hadn’t seen those mentioned in any of the talk covering what SBS 2008 would include, so it comes as quite a surprise to me. What better way to get people to make the swap than to include a free year with each purchase. I imagine most consultants already have their preferred vendors in place (ExchangeDefender, Symantec/Trend, etc.) so it will be interesting to see the uptake on ForeFront and OneCare.
I do like the addition of Server 2008 into the SBS 2008 Premium product as more and more clients are hopping on the Terminal Services wagon with great enthusiasm. I know the majority of the small business owners I’ve pitched to, have had the "yes" look when I cover the fact that they would be able to work from home. When I see that look, even though they may not say yes then, I can pretty much guarantee a call back within a few days with the go-ahead. Inclusion of Server 2008 is a great move imho as long as the price point is within tolerance.
Of course, both products are 64-bit only, which for me, comes at a great time for the clients I have are due for a new server this year anyway. This will make the new hardware sell easier since they need new hardware for the new OS.
Tags: Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 Essential Business Server 2008 Server 2008 ForeFront OneCare
