Microsoft posts preview versions of server bundles

Essential Server options targeted at small and midsize businesses that need Windows Server, SQL Server and Exchange

Microsoft Tuesday released a preview version of its Essential Business Server bundle aimed at small and midsize businesses and said a preview of its revamped Small Business Server 2008 would come in the next few weeks.

The company also announced pricing for Windows Essential Business Server (EBS) 2008 and Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008, two bundles that make up its Windows Essential Server Solutions family launched in March.

Both long-awaited servers, based on Windows Server 2008, are slated to ship by year-end.

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Microsoft Tuesday released a preview version of its Essential Business Server bundle aimed at small and midsize businesses and said a preview of its revamped Small Business Server 2008 would come in the next few weeks.

The company also announced pricing for Windows Essential Business Server (EBS) 2008 and Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008, two bundles that make up its Windows Essential Server Solutions family launched in March.

Both long-awaited servers, based on Windows Server 2008, are slated to ship by year-end.

Microsoft also said it was introducing the option to purchase single Client Access Licenses (CALs). Previously, users had to purchase CALs in blocks of five. In addition, the CALs will apply to copies of Windows Server, SQL Server and Exchange Server running outside the Essential Server environment.

The Essential Server offerings bundle Microsoft's most popular IT software to ease rollout and management burdens for SMBs.

SBS 2008 is designed for companies with as many as 50 PCs. Microsoft is eliminating Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA) from the premium version of Small Business Server, which includes Exchange Server 2007, SharePoint Services 3.0, and SQL Server.

The premium addition of SBS 2008 for the first time lets users run the software on two servers. The second server runs Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2005 or 2008 to support business applications.

To replace ISA, Microsoft is adding a one-year trial subscription to Forefront Security for Exchange Server Small Business Edition and Windows Live OneCare for Server.

The bundle also adds integration with Office Live Small Business to support the creation of basic Web sites, online document sharing via SharePoint and an introduction to Microsoft's online advertising platform.

EBS 2008, which is designed for companies with as many as 250 desktops, includes Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, System Center Essentials 2007, and the forthcoming version of Internet Security and Acceleration Server. The premium addition will add SQL Server 2008.

The standard version runs across three servers, one each for management, messaging and security. The premium version adds a database server option for business applications.

The pricing for SBS 2008 Standard is $1,089, which includes five CALs. Additional CALs are $77 each. The premium version is priced at $1,899 and additional CALs are $189.

The standard version of ESB 2008 is priced at $5,472, including five CALs. Additional CALs are $81 each. The premium version is priced at $7,163 with additional CALs priced at $195.

Microsoft also said it would offer rebates of $200 for integrators setting up Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 for customers. Those users will have to purchase a Software Assurance maintenance contract.

Read more about small business networking in Network World's Small Business Networking section.