Microsoft woos SMBs with new server solutions

Microsoft has unveiled Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008

Microsoft has launched a new range of enterprise-class server technologies for small and medium sized firms with limited resources, which the company claims will enable them to reduce costs and become more competitive.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 is designed for companies with up to 75 users or PCs. The suite includes Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, SQL Server 2008 and support for Windows Mobile, all integrated in an easy-to-configure package, according to Steven Van Roekel, senior director of the Windows Server Solutions group.

Windows Essential Business Server 2008, meanwhile, is designed for up to 300 users and can help IT managers "bring together a number of disparate servers in a neat and streamlined configuration", said Van Roekel.

Bill Lee, chief executive of mechanical services firm Lee Company, said, " Essential Business Server 2008 gives us the mobility we did not have before. It has helped us become more efficient, move faster and be more cost effective, and improved our total cost of ownership."