Microsoft says no to SBS 2012

Microsoft recently announced that the Windows Server 2012 editions will not be seeing a “Small Business Server Edition” –  they have simplified the licensing.  Basically, there will only be four editions – Datacenter, Standard, Essentials and Foundation. For more details, see Microsoft’s post on the official site and also check out the licensing datasheet.

There is also an FAQ available with most of the common questions answered. Specifically, I would point to Q33 because this will sign the end of an era with Windows Small Business Server.

Q33: Will there be a next version of Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard?

No. Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, which includes Exchange Server and Windows server component products, will be the final such Windows Server offering. This change is in response to small business market trends and behavior. The small business computing trends are moving in the direction of cloud computing for applications and services such as email, online back-up and line-of-business tools.

The Small Business Server Essentials product introduced with version 2011 with a connection to Office 365 will be kept but renamed to Windows Server 2012 Essentials, so it also will lose the product name SBS. Check out the official announcement on the SBS Blog.

So as expected, Microsoft is changing their complete focus with Windows Server 2012 to be more cloud efficient  and because of that, Windows Small Business Server doesn’t fit in their plans anymore.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your businesses servers software to Microsoft Windows Server 2012 – why not give Planit Computing a call to discuss the options available to your business.  Call us now on 01 485 2222.

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