Windows Essential Business Server is the official label of the product formerly code-named Centro. Microsoft has positioned Windows Essential Business Server along with the additional resources designed to deliver a comprehensive suite of offerings orbiting around Windows Server 2008. According to the Redmond company, a private beta is currently well under way for its integrated server infrastructure solution aimed at midsized businesses. Steven VanRoekel, Director, Windows Server Solution Group, estimates that a public beta will be released in the first half of the coming year, with the final version of the product planned for the second half of 2008.

"Windows Essential Business Server is an integrated server infrastructure solution designed for the unique needs of midsized organizations. With Windows Essential Business Server, IT professionals will find that the acquisition, setup, and ongoing management of IT is vastly simplified. It provides a unified console for management of key IT workloads, it is pre-configured with a tremendous amount of built-in best practices, and it will be licensed - with a Standard and Premium Edition - in a way that makes IT budgeting and purchase simpler and more predictable", VanRoekel revealed.

Windows Essential Business Server is basically an exhaustive combination of technologies. Via this product, midsized businesses will be able to leverage the benefits associated with a wide range of Microsoft products including: Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange, System Center Essentials, the next version of ISA Server and SQL Server 2008.

"The next version of Windows Small Business Server is currently in its first, private beta release. We couldn't be happier with how the beta program is progressing. The passion for this product within the small business customer and partner community is incredible. We are looking forward to providing additional details on this product in the coming months", VanRoekel added.