Server Bundles Almost Ready

That's the news coming out of the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference. Microsoft says it will ship the first release of its server bundle for mid-sized businesses as well as the next version of its small business server bundle on November 12.

Small Business Server has been around for a decade, but this is the first time Microsoft has developed a server specifically for mid-size business.

Stuart Johnston has all the details from InternetNews.com:

SBS 2008 will provide simplified server and PC backup capabilities, and also adds upgrades to Remote Web Workplace and integration with Windows SharePoint Services 3.0. It also includes Exchange Server 2007 and trial copies of Microsoft security products.

Meanwhile, a Premium Edition will include a second copy of Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 to run on a separate server. SBS is designed for businesses with as many as 50 PCs.

EBS 2008 will feature Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, System Center Essentials 2007, and Internet Security and Acceleration Server. The Premium Edition will also feature SQL Server 2008. Its target audience has up to 250 PCs.

As for pricing, the Standard Edition of SBS 2008, with five client access licenses (CAL) included will cost $1,089, while the Standard Edition of EBS 2008, with five CALs, will cost $5,472.

Public previews, evaluation copies, more information, and other goodies are available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver/essential/default.mspx