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Small Business Server 2008 Preview Released

Microsoft yesterday issued a public preview of Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 RC0.

Microsoft yesterday issued a public preview of Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 RC0. Those signing up for this release can use it to evaluate the product (formerly code-named "Cougar"), although SBS is not designed for live deployment yet. The product is scheduled for public release sometime in the latter half of this year.

SBS is part of Microsoft's Windows Essential Server family of solutions designed for small and medium-size organizations. SBS supports companies with "up to 75 users or devices," according to Microsoft's literature.

Microsoft offers SBS in Standard and Premium editions. One new addition announced with the RC0 release for Premium SBS users is that Microsoft plans to include a second copy of Windows Server 2008 in the mix, along with SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition. Microsoft increased the price of SBS by 80 percent over its predecessor (SBS 2003 R2) and perhaps is trying to sweeten the deal.

Microsoft also added some new features with RC0, including reporting and management tools, a backup wizard and a setup program designed to ease initial SBS deployment. A list of the new features can be found at Microsoft's SBS blog.

Those wanting to preview the Standard or Premium editions of SBS RC0 can find a download link at Microsoft's TechNet portal here.

A public SBS newsgroup has been set up for Microsoft Connect subscribers, which can be accessed here.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

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