Yesterday was a big day for announcements

I thought I'd do a bit of a recap of yesterday's announcements.  Check out the press release here.

So what did we announce?

First up, we announced the next version of Small Business Server, up until now called Windows Server Code Name 'Cougar', and as of yesterday - Windows Small Business Server 2008 - woot!

I'm planning on going into more detail on SBS 2008 in future blog posts, but I want to highlight some of the core new new things now.

  • Focus on better security and data protection
    • Including Windows Live OneCare for Server
    • Forefront Security for Exchange
    • Server and PC Backup
  • Online marketing, collaboration and productivity
    • Integration with Office Live for Small Business
    • Remote Web Workplace and SharePoint Services V3
    • Windows Mobile device support
  • Improved manageability and flexibility
    • Dramatically improved setup and administration
    • Monitoring across server and client PCs
    • Customizable reports
    • A second copy of Windows Server 2008 in premium edition

Next up the introduction of a family of products (of which SBS is a part of) specifically designed to bring Enterprise-class server solutions into small and medium business.  Some of you may remember our announcement in November.  Now with the introduction of the Windows Essential Server Solutions family, SMB's are able to take solutions infrastructure that is specifically designed for them up to the 250 user/device mark.