Windows SBS 2011 Essentials Released

Small businesses needing a first server can now choose a new Windows Server edition based on Windows Server 2008 R2. Previously, some small businesses deployed Windows Home Server even though it was designed for consumers to manage PCs and media. The new Small Business Server (SBS) 2011 Essentials provides network infrastructure, including Active Directory; makes PC backup and restoration easier; and adds the ability to run hosted or on-premise business applications such as e-mail or collaboration software. SBS 2011 Essentials was released in Apr. 2011 and is expected to be available preinstalled on hardware from OEMs in the second quarter of 2011.

Basic Infrastructure Features

SBS 2011 Essentials (previously code-named Aurora) is based on Windows Server 2008 R2 and is specifically designed to be the first server for a business. In addition to being an Active Directory domain controller, SBS 2011 Essentials provides a core set of preinstalled services to make deployment easier, such as file and print services, and can access other common infrastructure services, including Domain Name Services (DNS) and Distributed Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) as needed.