Having just returned from WPC in Washington DC, I was blown away by how many of the announcements were focussed on the Small Business space. Not only did Microsoft deliver a new version of Small Business Server, but we also got a brand new hybrid addition to the SBS family: Windows Server code name “Aurora”.
Given the uncertainties at the beginning of the year around EBS and the future of the SBSC blue badge, it’s amazing to see how Microsoft have turned it around with such a solid line-up for Small Business. Whether customers are looking for a fully on-premise, fully cloud, or hybrid solution, there really is something for everyone.
I’ve summarised the ‘big-ticket’ items for SBSC partners and have included further reading for those wanting to find out more. Before I begin, just a quick shout-out to all the wonderful SBSC folks I met during the week, many for the first time – you know who you are!
Without further ado – Here are my top 7 SBSC takeaways from WPC 2010:
1. Windows Server code name “Aurora”
- Based on forthcoming Windows Home Server ‘Vail’.
- Includes image-based, client-backup technology from Windows Home Server.
- Adds Active Directory, no Client Access Licenses required.
- Support for Add-ons (examples from Level Platforms, Symantec, Disk Keeper demonstrated).
- Supports up to 25 Users.
FURTHER READING:
Windows Small Business Server “7″ and “Aurora” Preview – SuperSite for Windows
http://www.winsupersite.com/server/sbs7_preview.asp
2. Windows Small Business Server 7
- Update to SBS 2008.
- Includes: Windows Server 2008 R2, Exchange Server 2010 SP1, SharePoint 2010 Foundation, Windows Server Update Services 3.0 and SQL Server 2008 R2.
- No direct upgrade from SBS 2008 (due to limitations upgrading from Exchange 2007 to 2010).
- Supports up to 75 Users.
FURTHER READING:
Introducing the next version of Windows Small Business Server – SBS 7 & Aurora Beta Program
http://www.microsoft.com/sbs/en/us/beta.aspx
3. Windows Intune
- Cloud-based system-management tool for smaller ‘spaghetti’ networks.
- Second public beta now underway.
- Subscription-based, $11(£7.20)/month.
- Intune subscription includes license for Windows 7 Enterprise.
FURTHER READING:
Windows Intune Beta Program
http://www.microsoft.com/online/windowsintune-beta.mspx
4. BPOS Roadmap for FY11 unveiled
- Wave 14 products will be ‘previewed’ in BPOS at the end of 2010.
- Further Exchange/SharePoint 2010 features to arrive by the end of FY11.
- No news on ‘BPOS Lite’.
- Partner ‘Bill on behalf’ for BPOS on the distant horizon, with no immediate plans.
- Great third-party migration tools BPOS Commander and MigrationWiz showcased in the Expo Hall.
FURTHER READING:
Microsoft shares (officially) its future BPOS plans – All About Microsoft (ZDNet)
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-shares-officially-its-future-bpos-plans/6857
5. Cloud Essentials Pack & Cloud Accelerate Partner
- ‘Microsoft Cloud Essentials Pack’ for smaller partners beginning to sell and support BPOS.
- Logoed ‘Cloud Accelerate Partner’ Competency for larger, more cloud-committed partners.
- Benefits include 250 free Partner BPOS seats, CRM Online Seats, and Intune (coming soon)
- Cloud Accelerate Partners gain Delegated Admin Privileges and access to NDA Cloud Roadmap.
FURTHER READING:
Microsoft Cloud Essentials
http://www.microsoftcloudpartner.com/
6. Microsoft Partner Network Updates
- MPN ‘Competency’ and ’Advanced Competency’ become ‘Silver’ and ‘Gold’.
- All competencies will require up-to-date Microsoft certifications, such as MCITP and MCTS.
- Future of the SBSC ‘Blue Badge’ reaffirmed, also requires ‘re-upped’ credentials.
- Larger firms can differentiate themselves from SBSC with the Midmarket Competency.
FURTHER READING:
‘Gold’ Gets New Life in the Microsoft Partner Network – RCP Mag
http://rcpmag.com/articles/2010/07/11/gold-and-silver-coming-back-for-microsoft-partners.aspx
7. Facebook Integration with Outlook 2010
- Outlook Social Connector (OSC) for Facebook released.
- Also new: OSC for Windows Live Messenger (thanks to @tubblog for the spot)
- Windows Live Spaces Social Connector expected to arrive with Windows Live Wave 4.
- LinkedIn and MySpace(!) Outlook Social Connectors already available.
FURTHER READING:
Microsoft Outlook Social Connector Provider for Facebook
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ce8b7517-234c-48a1-a655-324a88893b02&displaylang=en
