New Windows OS: Windows Server 2008 Foundation

Over a year since the RTM and launch of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft introduced a new server-side Windows OS: Windows Server 2008 Foundation. The new flavor of Windows Server is designed as a low-end server operating system that will be made available exclusively to original equipment manufactures, with companies such as Dell and HP already indicating support for the new low-price offering. Responding to the challenges confronted by small businesses in the context of the global economic downturn, Windows Server 2008 Foundation offers the basic functionality and capabilities associated with the higher-grade Windows Server SKUs, with an emphasis on the affordable price, the Redmond company underlines.

“Today we are launching a new server-based solution with the right technologies at the right price to give small businesses access to the power of server-based business software,” reveals Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “Small businesses around the world have big business dreams and needs. To support their success I am also pleased to announce that we will donate a portion of the revenues of Windows Server 2008 Foundation to TechSoup.org and Telecentre.org, two organizations that focus on bringing the power of technology to nonprofits around the world. We see this as an opportunity not only to deliver a technical foundation for business growth but also to create a financial foundation for community.”

Windows Server 2008 Foundation will be made available in no less than 40 countries worldwide. However, initially, the new server operating system will come in the following localized versions: English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish. Microsoft indicated that it would release the additional language versions of the server OS throughout 2009. The software giant revealed that Windows Server 2008 Foundation was limited to companies with no more than 15 users.

“By offering Windows Server 2008 Foundation preinstalled on Dell PowerEdge servers, customers will have access to cost-effective IT resources, free training and ongoing updates to help them run their businesses more efficiently,” said Sally Stevens, director, PowerEdge Platform Marketing Dell, with Paul Gottsegen, vice president, Marketing Industry Standard Servers HP adding, “Small businesses need to grow, innovate and stay competitive in a globally diverse marketplace. With the availability of Microsoft Foundation Server on HP ProLiant servers, we provide these customers with new opportunities to grow – even in a challenging economic climate.”