Today is the start of the Server 2008 PR ramp up. I can today tell you a bit more about Cougar, as was, or SBS 2008 as it will be, the new "family" that SBS is part of and a bit more on Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (aka Centro). Hopefully there will be a couple of surprises and also confirmation of some of the rumours around there. I've sliced the press release made today into 3 sections. This blog entry is based on the SBS 2008 section of which there is an extract below of some key points. The whole press release can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-20EBFamilyPR.mspx.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 Multiplies Business Growth
Windows Small Business Server 2008,previously known by the code name “Cougar,” is ideal for organizations with up to 50 PCs, helping them protect business data, expand business productivity and present a professional image to customers. The new version adds a range of features and capabilities to the current, award-winning Small Business Server 2003 R2 product, and is also an example of Microsoft’s “software plus services” vision.
For small-business owners and employees, Small Business Server 2008 provides increased security and protection with one-year trial subscriptions to Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server Small Business Edition and the new Windows Live OneCare for Server, and with dramatically simplified server and PC backup technologies. Small Business Server 2008 also integrates with Microsoft Office Live Small Business to simplify setup and management of professional Web sites and private online work spaces. Enhancements to Remote Web Workplace, integration of Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, and support for the latest Windows Mobile devices will help employees work remotely and collaborate effectively.
For IT managers and technology consultants, Small Business Server 2008 deployment, setup and administration is greatly simplified and improved. A powerful administration console, new monitoring across servers and client PCs, Windows Server Update Services, and customizable reports — accessible from virtually anywhere — make management easier and more effective. Exchange Server 2007 delivers additional built-in protection, virtually anywhere access and management efficiencies. And Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition provides an ideal platform for critical business applications, because SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 technologies now run on a second hardware server.
Windows Small Business Server 2008 will be demonstrated on Dell systems at the Microsoft “Heroes Happen Here” launch event on Feb. 27 in Los Angeles, and is slated for availability in the second half of 2008.
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More information about Windows Essential Server Solutions is available at http://www.microsoft.com/essential and http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/serversolutions.
So lets recap. Information on the family that SBS is now part of can be found in the post entitled "Windows Essential Server Solutions family of products" announcement. So lets recap what this all means:
- SBS 2008 ships on a x64 Server.
- There are still two editions - Standard and Premium, with Premium offering an additional Windows Server 2008 standard system and SQL Server 2008.
- It is designed (as SBS 2003 was) for 5-50 users although it can go to 75 users. If the customer solution needs 3-4 servers then use Windows Essential Business Server 2008.
- It has the following components as standard
- Windows Server 2008 x64
- Exchange 2007
- Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
- Windows Live OneCare for Server
- Subscription to Forefront Security for Exchange Server Small Business Edition
- Integration with Office Live Small Business
- Enhancements to mobile and remote working tools and management
- Premium has the following additional components
- 2nd Windows Server 2008
- SQL Server 2008
- Areas of focus have been:
- Small Business Server 2008 deployment, setup and administration has been changed to the console shown in WHS and Essentials
- The ability to monitor across servers and client PCs
- Manage system updates using Windows Server Update Services
- New customisable reports
- The benefits of Exchange Server 2007 including
- additional built-in protection
- virtually anywhere access
- management efficiencies
That is it for now, but as always, post questions and I will attempt to get them answered. For more information on the Essentials server announcements, look here.
My advice is to read the web sites linked in the press release and let me know your questions. You will also find information on the official SBS blog
ttfn
David
Posted
Wed, Feb 20 2008 1:59 PM
by
David Overton
Filed under: Windows SharePoint Services, Security, SQL Server, Community, Exchange, SBSC, Microsoft, Marketing, Small business, x64, System Center Essentials, Software plus Service, If you only read one post today, SBS Cougar, Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, Windows Essential Server Solution Family, SBS 2008