Which Server is Right for SOHO or Micro-biz customers?

Technorati Tags: Windows Foundation Server,SBS

As most of you know, I seldom do the standard “cut-paste” thing for this blog and like to at least put my own spin around things, but this is something I ran across (the Q&A section below) that I think may be valuable, or at least interesting, to you even without my inimitable input or masterful massaging (a little alliterative humor there)…and I apologize for losing the source of this info, I would be more than happy to give credit for the Q&A if only I hadn’t lost the link to the source where I found it.  I ran across this Q&A while I was preparing a recent SMB (small and medium business) server platform and products presentation.

Here’s a great link for info on WHICH WINDOWS SERVER SOLUTION WORKS FOR YOU?

Also, I’d like to give a shout out to David Overton’s great blog around this same topic: https://davidoverton.com/blogs/doverton/archive/2009/08/20/server-line-up-for-small-businesses-and-home-is-increasing-in-options-or-complexity-for-some.aspx

Now for the Q&A…

Q: What about Windows Server Foundation, does that replace SBS?

A: No. Windows Server Foundation is fulfilling the need for a cost-effective, general purpose server designed for organizations with less than 15 users. Windows SBS provides small businesses with an end to end solution beyond the server OS for small businesses with up to 75 users. The availability of both products is another great example of Microsoft’s commitment to the SMB segments offering greater choice and value over any other company.

Here’s a link to the Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation home page

Q: How is Windows Home Server different from Foundation Server?

A: Windows Server Foundation 2008 R2 is an entry level general purpose operating system designed specifically for business use (running business applications and securely sharing information and resources) and usually requires an experienced IT professional to set up and manage. Windows Home Server is designed for general consumer use and therefore does not require an experienced IT professional to install or support. Because of its simplicity, price point and key features, Windows Home Server is a great alternative for both home based businesses or small offices with up to 10 users who need an easy way to back up their PCs, centralize files, and access their files remotely.

Q: What is the recommended first server for small businesses?

A: Not all small businesses are the same; therefore Microsoft offers a portfolio of servers to choose from. As an example: Windows Home Server, while a great server for the home is also a great option for home-based businesses or small offices because of its ease of use and simple client back-up. Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation is a great cost-effective entry level server operating system for businesses that need to run line of business applications, centralize their information and protect their data. Windows Small Business Server is a great first server for businesses who want an end to end solution that gives them secure remote access to support remote working, more control of employee access to business information, as well as a more effective and professional way to communicate internally and with their customers. SBS 2008 is also an ideal platform to run line of business applications because the premium edition includes a database.

Q: What is the portfolio of servers for SMB?

A: Whether your business technology needs are on-premise, virtualized, in the cloud or hosted, there is a ‘just right’ Windows Server offering for every customer need, size and geography.

Q: How does Windows Server 2008 Foundation compare to Window Server 2008 Standard.

A: Both Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation and Windows Server Standard 2008 R2 are general purpose operating systems. Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation is targeted at small businesses with less than 15 users, who buy low end hardware and want basic capabilities such as file/print share, offered by a product such as Windows Server Foundation. Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard provides businesses with more advanced capabilities such as built-in virtualization (compared to Foundation) and has no user restrictions. Windows Server Standard supports server hardware with up to 4 Physical processors.

Technorati Tags: Windows Server 2008 R2 foundation,Windows Small Business Server 2008,Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard