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Microsoft Unveils New SMB Server Branding

Today, Microsoft announced a new Windows Essential Server Solutions marketing effort. It combines the company's upcoming Windows Small Business Server 2008 (formerly code-named Cougar) and Windows Essential Business Sever 2008 for midsize businesses.

"Windows Essential Server Solutions make the benefits of enterprise-class IT accessible, affordable and simpler for smaller organizations and their technology advisors," commented Bob Kelly, Microsoft corporate vice president, in a prepared statement.

Windows Small Business Server 2008, designed for organizations with no more than 50 personal computers, will offer special integration features for Microsoft's Office Live OneCare and improved administration tools, among other features.

Windows Essential Business Server is aimed at companies with up to 250 PCs and will come in two versions: standard and premium. Each "combines the technologies of Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, System Center Essentials 2007, the next version of Internet Security and Acceleration Server and, in the Premium Edition, SQL Server 2008 technology," the company's announcement stated.

Both are scheduled to debut in the "second half of 2008." Microsoft is planning to preview the servers at its "Heroes Happen Here" launch events.

More information about the Windows Essential Server Solutions line can be found here.

About the Author

Becky Nagel is a contributor to Application Development Trends. She is the editor of ADT's sister sites CertCities.com, TCPmag.com and Redmondmag.com, and is co-editor of RCPmag.com. You can contact her at [email protected].