(Stephen Parker, Head of Cloud Strategy)
Microsoft have been working on the new versions their Small Business Server line up for some time and have finally announced the official names, pricing and estimated availability.
In summary:
Aurora becomes Windows Small Business Server 2010 Essentials, release is expected to be in 1H2011 and estimated retail pricing USD545. This is the entry offer for up to 25 seats. The key point for this version is that it is designed to connect to online services such as Office365 or hosted e-mail, rather than deploying them locally. Licensing wise there will be no requirement for additional CALs on top of the purchase price.
Windows Small Business Server 7 becomes Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, release is expected to be December 2010 through restricted channels and more widely in February 2011. Estimated retail pricing is USD1,096 for the server and USD72 per CAL. This is the edition that is closest to the current SBS2008 with up to 75 seats and including the server products e.g. Exchange.
There is also going to be a Windows Small Business Server 2011 Premium Add-on that will allow an additional server to be added that supports SQLServer based Line of Business applications.
Further details are available on the Official SBS Blog.
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