We are very excited to announce the much anticipated and highly awaited official launch date of not only Microsoft Small Business Server 2008 but also Windows Essential Business Server 2008. The official launch date is November 12^th, 2008.

In addition to the announcement of the official launch date for these solutions, we are also announcing that both Solutions are reaching the Release Candidate 1 milestone, another step toward final release. Pre-release versions of Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008 are available for download and evaluation now through www.multiplyyourpower.com.

For those not familiar with Windows Essential Server Solutions, Windows Essential Server Solutions, which include Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008, is our family of integrated, all-in-one IT solutions designed and priced for small and midsized businesses. By combining Microsoft technologies such as Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, SQL Server 2008 and other Microsoft products and services, these Solutions make the benefits of enterprise-class IT accessible, affordable and simpler for smaller organizations.

Getting ready for these new solutions is a very important step, so we are making a big investment in training and programs to help partners take advantage of the solutions. We are planning to train more than 25,000 partners through events and online tools in the next year and at WPC we expect to educate more than 2,000 partners. As should not be any surprise, Small Business Server 2008 and Essential Business Server 2008 are an important part of the current and future Microsoft Partner Program offerings.

If you have not seen these yet, the editions, pricing, beta, and more information on SBS 2008 & EBS 2008 were released previously.  Prior to the launch date, those customers purchasing SBS 2003 R2 with Software Assurance will receive the 2008 version of SBS included in their Software Assurance coverage.  When acquiring your SBS Software Assurance, be sure to use the Open Value or Open Value Subscription programs.

Thank you and have a wonderful day,

Eric Ligman
Microsoft Senior Manager, Community Engagement
US Partner Strategy, Marketing and Programs
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights