SparX - Solutions par eXcellence

Microsoft seems to be aggressively targeting SMBs for business, last week they announced free software offerings to technology startup companies, and now they have announced the general availability of Windows Small Business Server 2008 (SBS 2008) and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (EBS 2008). Labeled as "Dream Server" these two Business Server solutions include Microsoft's enterprise-class server technologies. These solutions are optimized for SMBs who have limited IT resources to save costs, and to enable them to compete globally.

The SBS 2008 is an integrated server solution designed for companies with up to 75 PCs. It helps businesses keep their data more secure and enhances their productivity. SBS offers many of the Microsoft's technologies used by MNCs, these include Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 etc. On the other hand EBS 2008 is meant for companies with up to 300 PCs. It enables IT managers to have better control over their IT environment, and it reduces complexity by automating common tasks. Both SBS 2008 and EBS 2008 supports Windows Mobile phones, which allows employees to access their business e-mail, calendar, contacts and files even when away from office.

According to AMI-Partners Inc., SMBs employ 90 percent of the global work force and account for more than 50 percent of GDP worldwide. Thus SMBs around the world are responsible driving the economic growth of any country. Large enterprises have experienced and expert IT administrators to take care of their IT infrastructure, but an SMB cannot afford such expenses.

To help SMBs benefit from this initiative, Microsoft has developed licensing and financing options that allow flexible payment terms from 24 months to 60 months. Also SMBs who qualify for this initiative will be offered the SBS 2008 and EBS 2008 at a reduced price. Additionally Microsoft will also offer financing for the hardware, software and partner professional services.

Microsoft has partnered with hardware vendors such as Dell, HP and IBM, who have optimized their hardware configurations to enhance the user experience when installing, running and maintaining SBS 2008. Also many third-party software vendors provide a wide range of applications for SBS 2008 and EBS 2008.