Announcing Windows Server 2008 Foundation

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

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

Dude, where's WHS?

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)

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-US&amp;playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:8423bc3b-c3de-4b99-9557-3c46cca91027&amp;showPlaylist=true&amp;from=msnvideo" target="_new" title="Windows Server Foundation">Video: Windows Server Foundation</a>

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

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-US&amp;playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:06833065-c7a5-451c-a3ed-844ba0994b79&amp;showPlaylist=true&amp;from=msnvideo" target="_new" title="Ask Iain World Premiere">Video: Ask Iain World Premiere</a>

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)

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