Announcing Windows Server 2008 Foundation

timbarrett — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:58:59 +0000

If you read this blog, you should be familiar with the Windows Essential Server Solutions (WESS) family that includes:

Windows Home Server (WHS) – 1-10 home users
Windows Small Business Server (SBS) – 1-75 business users
Windows Essential Business Server (EBS) – 50-300 business users

On April 1, 2009, Microsoft announced the NEW
“Windows Server 2008 Foundation” (WSF).

Here is the official blurb:

Windows Server Foundation provides organizations with a foundation to run most business applications. It’s an affordable platform for the core portfolio of IT capabilities, including file and print sharing, remote access and security features. A familiar Windows experience makes it easy for organizations to get up and running. As the heart of a true local area network, Windows Server Foundation lets employees exchange data very securely, without requiring email or the Internet. An easy upgrade path to higher-end versions of Windows Server allows your IT solution to grow as your business grows.

Design structure of this product:

Designed for small businesses
Limited to 1-15 users (total company users)
There are no CALs to install
Only available through OEMs: Acer, Dell, HP & IBM (right now)
Single processor limit (can be multi-core though)
Maximum RAM 8 GB
Does NOT come with Exchange
Cannot be virtualized (must be installed on the physical hardware)
Ideal for a first-server in an organization moving from a workgroup
Can be used as a file or print server
Can be used as an Active Directory server or domain controller
You can run Line of Business Applications (LOBs) on it
Supports Terminal Services (but you need to buy TS CALs)
Can join a domain in an SBS network (<=15 users total)
Can be a branch office server in an SBS network (<=15 users total)
You can install Windows SharePoint Services or WSUS on it.
Languages – English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, and Turkish.
Distribution – will be available in 40 countries to start
Pricing has not been set, and will be determined by the OEMs.

“CAN I INSTALL ‘XYZ’ ON WSF?”

If an application runs on Windows Server 2008 Standard, it will work on Foundation. Just remember that virtualization is not supported and there is a 15-user limit company wide.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T LIKE TO READ:

Here’s a short video about WSF and the partner perspective:
(1 minute 25 seconds)

And here’s a video from Iain McDonald, the GM of Windows Server:
(2 minutes 38 seconds)

For more info, visit the Windows Server 2008 Foundation home page:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/foundation.aspx

UPDATE: If you need some more technical information on WSF, check out the “Windows Server 2008 Foundation Network Guide.doc” (51 pages – 0.5 MB)

NoGeekLeftBehind.com » WESS

Announcing Windows Server 2008 Foundation