Today Microsoft and the Windows Server Solutions Team are proud to unveil our new integrated server solution designed for midsize businesses – Windows Essential Business Server - previously known as Windows Server code name “Centro”.  This is a significant announcement for Microsoft, our customers and our partners as we prepare to deliver a brand new server solution that will transform midsize businesses by helping them to save time, money and significantly increase productivity! 

Powered by the new Windows Server® 2008 technology, Windows Essential Business Server combines software for management, messaging, and security features into one integrated server solution that dramatically reduces IT complexity and improves efficiency across the business, putting IT in control. 

So what is included in Windows Essential Business Server? 

(Click picture to see full-size image)  Windows Essential Business Server is an integrated server infrastructure solution designed for the unique needs of mid-sized organizations, combining the technologies of Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange, System Center Essentials, the next version of ISA Server and SQL Server 2008 into an “all-in-one” solution.  It will include a Standard and Premium Edition.  Windows Essential Business Server will provide a single Client Access License for all included products and offers new technologies which simplify license management.  Within the administration console, IT professionals can easily ascertain how many licenses they have, who the licenses are assigned to and - when an employee leaves the company - easily re-assign licenses.

Some of the key benefits of Windows Essential Business Server include:

(Click image for full-size)	Integrated Security Defense in-depth multi-level security features with integrated security workloads Pre-configured and optimized protection from common threats Integrated and automated setup limiting vulnerabilities during and arising from installation Centralized security feature management with a consolidated view of your security state across your systems – integrating both Microsoft and third-party applications More automated patching and update processes make it easier for you to keep systems up and running
(Click image for full-size)	Less Complexity, More Control Centralized administration console enables you to proactively manage your customers’ IT environment from a single location Simplified and integrated setup reduces installation steps from days to hours A single server license and Client Access License for all included products simplifies licensing for you and your customers
(Click image for full-size)	Predictable Platform, Designed for Midsize Businesses Architected for extensibility to easily “plug in” other applications Remote Web Workplace, an out-of-the-box feature, enables IT to easily set up secure remote access More efficient to manage, maintain, and control, and more affordable to own than stand-alone products

So when will Windows Essential Business Server be available you ask?  Windows Essential Business Server is slated for availability in the second half of 2008, as part of the Windows Server 2008 “wave” of products. The product is currently in private beta. Information about participating is here. We anticipate making a public beta available in the first half of 2008.

You can read more about this announcement in today's Microsoft PressPass as well as on the Microsoft Partner Portal (MSPP).  For any system builders out there who build server solutions, you can also check out the OEM Partner Center (OPC).

As we get closer to launch of this exciting new offering in the Windows Server family, be sure to watch for additional information and updates as well as pricing and SKU announcements.

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman
Microsoft US Senior Manager
Small Business Community Engagement
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights