Microsoft unveils new server tech for SMBs

Microsoft unleashed its latest range of enterprise-class server technologies for medium and small businesses yesterday, claiming it would give firms a competitive boost and help cut costs.

Aimed at the small business market, Microsoft showed off its Windows Small Business Server 2008, for firms with 75 PCs or less.

Coming complete with Sharepoint and Exchange Server, SBS also boasts remote access to desktops, file and printer sharing and backup/restoration. The server also lets employees use Windows Mobile-based smartphones to update their email and calendars remotely.

Microsoft seems to be making a big deal about the security features it’s offering this time around, especially the fact it’s giving punters an evaluation copy of Windows Live OneCare (for 120 days) and Forefront Security for Exchange Server, which scans messages for viruses, spam and spyware.

For the bigger businesses, counting 300 or more employees, Microsoft is offering what it calls Essential Business Server.

As well as helping to bring together different servers into “neat and streamlined configuration”, Essential Business Server customers will apparently be eligible to get SQL Server 2008 database management software and a one-year subscription to Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway.