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Microsoft Unveils New SMB Server Branding

Company's upcoming Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 now under Windows Essential Server Solutions umbrella.

Today, Microsoft announced that it is joining the company's upcoming Windows Small Business Server 2008 (formerly code-named Cougar) and Windows Essential Business Sever 2008 for midsize businesses under a new Windows Essential Server Solutions umbrella.

"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 said.

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 serves as vice president of AI for 1105 Media specializing in developing media, events and training for companies around AI and generative AI technology. She also regularly writes and reports on AI news, and is the founding editor of PureAI.com. She's the author of "ChatGPT Prompt 101 Guide for Business Users" and other popular AI resources with a real-world business perspective. She regularly speaks, writes and develops content around AI, generative AI and other business tech. She has a background in Web technology and B2B enterprise technology journalism.

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