Entry-level server platform for SMEs released by Microsoft

Peter Dinham
Thursday, 02 April 2009 18:15

Business IT - Technology

IDC program VP, Al Gillen, said Microsoft was filling a crucial hole at the low end of its Windows Server portfolio by delivering a simple, low-cost solution geared for small businesses and first-time server users.

“Windows Server 2008 Foundation really rounds out Microsoft’s server platform and provides a solution for a key market segment.”

Microsoft has said it expects the new server platform to be especially popular in small businesses across all markets and that the modest cost will “make it possible for businesses to grow, innovate and stay competitive in a globally diverse marketplace which in turn can ignite growth for their local economies.”

The operating system will be made available initially across 40 countries and in several languages, beginning with English, traditional and simplified Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish and Turkish, with more localised versions coming throughout the year.

Rebecca Masisak, co-CEO of TechSoup Global, said Windows Server 2008 Foundation was great addition to the products offered by Microsoft to meet the needs of smaller organisations, including nonprofits, and “this grant will allows us to expand the information available to help nonprofits learn how to best make use of new technology products to achieve their respective missions as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Microsoft has partnered with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server hardware makers to bring Windows Server 2008 Foundation to market and to provide, what Microsoft calls, a simplified and convenient buying experience.

Windows Server 2008 Foundation will be sold preinstalled on servers from manufacturers, including Dell, HP and IBM, with each OEM setting its own prices, which may vary by country.

Microsoft says the first such machines will be available for purchase in the coming months, and if you’re a small business and want more information and details on how to purchase Windows Server 2008 Foundation follow the link to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsfoundationserver.