At Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington DC today, the company took the wraps off a new “hybrid” on premise/cloud-based server platform for small business. Windows Server Code Name “Aurora” combines a tailored version of Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008 R2 with connection to cloud-hosted enterprise software (for example Exchange and SharePoint) subscriptions for a monthly fee.
Developed alongside Windows Home Server “Vail” over the past two years, “Aurora” includes many of the features implemented in the forthcoming release of the consumer-positioned product, including image-based client backup and restore, server backup and restore, easy shared folder configuration and file sharing, as well as remote access. Aurora builds on Windows Home Server Vail’s feature set with support for a far greater number of clients (up to 25) support for Active Directory (like Windows Small Business Server, Aurora must sit at the root of the domain) as well as support for cloud-based applications.
Over at Microsoft.com, the company provides more details on Aurora, outlining its ease of setup.
Windows Small Business Server Code Name “Aurora” – The Ideal First Server for Small Businesses
“Aurora” is easy to set up right out of the box. It’s easy to run and easy to maintain. It’s a full server…everything a small business needs in a server and nothing it doesn’t. “Aurora” comes with computer and server back-up, file sharing, remote access, and support for running business software. And, the box is just the starting point. Many small businesses run services and applications that power their business directly from the internet. “Aurora” will connect to many of these applications, providing a single hub to manage all these pieces. That means fewer passwords to remember, fewer website URLs to track, and more time to run the business.
Designed for people who never thought they could use a server.
Easy to set up and use.
Supports up to 25 user accounts.
Automatically back-up your computers and Server.
Organize and access files from virtually anywhere.
Manage internet applications from your “Aurora” console with a simplified, easy to set up connection.
It is anticipated that Aurora servers may well be available to buy off the shelf online and at big box retailers at release, in self-install “appliance” configurations similar to Windows Home Server models – although it is likely that a significant proportion are likely to be sold through Microsoft’s army of small business specialists around the world.
In a blog post, Kevin Kean from the Small Business Server Team at Microsoft invited interested users to sign up for the public preview:
Windows Small Business Server (SBS) Code Name “Aurora” Preview: A new edition of Windows Small Business Server, Aurora is an affordable, easy to use “first server” option for small businesses that will be the company’s first to deliver both traditional and cloud capabilities. With SBS Aurora, customers will be able to better protect their business data through automated backup and restore capabilities, easily organize and access business information from almost anywhere and run a variety of business tools and software. SBS Aurora will support up to 25 users.
I know that we are going to create a lot of industry buzz with these offerings, in large part because we’re updating the standard edition with SBS 7 and delivering an easy to use and affordable way through SBS Aurora for small businesses to enjoy important server functionalities like backup of client and server, file and print sharing, run critical applications on-site while at the same time taking advantage of the emerging number of online applications and services on a pay-as-you-go basis to extend the functionality of your server.
We’re also getting a lot of partner interest, particularly around SBS Aurora. In fact, Symantec, Level Platforms and Disk Keeper are all making statements this week around plans to integrate products with SBS Aurora. HP is not only showing SBS Aurora in their booth at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, but has a sneak peek athttp://www.facebook.com/CoffeeCoaching. And you’re sure to hear more as we get closer to releasing the preview.
See what all of the buzz is about. Sign up for the previews today!
Like previous releases of Windows Small Business Server, the new platform is managed through a Dashboard, which in pre-release form very closely resembles the Windows Home Server Vail Dashboard. Screenshots posted over at WinSuperSite show an updated Dashboard from what we’ve seen in the publically released Windows Home Server Vail Preview, with new Shared Folders and storage graphics that will surely pop up in the next preview release.
Images: WinSuperSite
At this point, no announcements have been made on OEM support for the new server platform, although HP will be showing Aurora at their booth an WWPC, so they may well support the platform at release.
You can sign up for the public beta of Aurora over at Microsoft.com – according to The Register, the beta is likely to land before the end of August.
