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Microsoft Announces Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials

Microsoft has scheduled the release of Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials for the first half of 2011, the company announced on Monday.

The new network attached server software, p reviously known by its code name , "Breckenridge," provides centralized file storage and backup capabilities on an appliance for small businesses. Joel Garcia, Microsoft's senior product manager for Windows Servers, gave some more details, including its official name, in a blog posted from Tech-Ed Berlin yesterday.  

"Windows Storage Server Essentials is specifically developed to address the storage needs for small businesses up to 25 users without the need for specialized IT skills," wrote Garcia. "Configuring Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials is easy: remove from box, connect to network, power up and access the device from a browser to configure it."

The Storage Server Essentials is designed to handle server and PC backups, as well as centralized storage for data sharing, including remote Web access. The company is also positioning Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials as complementary to Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Small Business Server 2011.

As with all Microsoft servers, availability will be through Microsoft's hardware partners. For more information, click here.

About the Author

Chris Paoli is the site producer for Redmondmag.com and MCPmag.com.