Microsoft announces server support for SMBs

Microsoft has announced new smaller business versions of its Windows Server 2008 operating system.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 is designed for companies with up to 75 users or PCs, and was said to use many of the technologies used by larger companies using Microsoft products.

On the other hand, Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is designed for up to 300 users or PCs, and allowed IT managers to have more control over the environment.

Both had support for Windows Mobile phones, and would allow access to business e-mail, calendar, contacts and files away from the office.

Statistics were quoted from AMI Partners which said that small to medium sized businesses employed 90 per cent of the global work force and accounted for more than 50 per cent of worldwide domestic product.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said that SMBs were the engine that drove economic growth.

He said: "To help these businesses succeed, Microsoft has focused on creating integrated, affordable sever solutions that are optimised to meet the needs of customers with limited IT resources."