Microsoft announces Windows Essential Business Server Previously known as Windows Server Code Name “Centro”
This is the one many of you have been waiting for, all the cool integration and automation of SBS but with the ability to spread the components out over multiple servers.
Windows Essential Business Server (EBS) is an integrated multi-server infrastructure solution designed especially for midsized organizations, which I believe is up to around 250 clients. Like the SBS product integration, EBS will combine the technologies of Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange, System Center Essentials, the next version of ISA Server and SQL Server 2008 into an “all-in-one” solution, but one that will not need to be installed on a single box. In addition to the integration, it will provide a unified console for management of key IT workloads, and will come pre-configured out-of-the-box (OOB) with a tremendous amount of built-in best practices. Also, like SBS, it will come in 2 Editions, Standard or Premium.
Some of the initial announcements indicate that this should be a popular offering to leverage blade (or modular) servers. There will also be hardware management "add-ins" as well as other 3rd- party software available to enhance the system.
View partner facing content on Microsoft Partner Portal (MSPP) and OEM Partner Center (OPC).
And here's some additional sources for information on EBS as well:
The SBS, Centro, and Home Server Community Lead Blog
The SBS, Centro and Windows Home Server Community Lead Blog
Windows Essential Business Server Overview (great read and incl screen shots) http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/ServerSolutions/businessserver.mspx
The Midsize Business Center on Microsoft.com
http://www.microsoft.com/midsizebusiness/default.mspx?Wt_svl=msbclnav