Preview: New Microsoft Small Business Essentials Server Software

SBS Essentials is the edition of Small Business Server for smaller firms with 25 users or less. But Paul Mah questions whether companies at the low end of that range need a product like this.

"Microsoft has announced the availability of the Release Candidate (RC) for Windows Small Business (SBS) 2011 Essentials. This release puts Windows SBS 2011 Essentials just one step away from an RTM, or release to manufacturing, and represents a major step towards the release of the software.

Microsoft has recognized the wide remit of the 'small business' term, which can range from a mere 10 computers to more than 50 nodes. To better address the needs of the small business community, the software giant has moved to more precisely target the segment by designing a "Standard' version of Windows SBS 2011 to serve companies with up to 75 accounts, as well as a lower-tier "Essentials" version for smaller businesses with 25 users or less."