Microsoft today announced the discontinuation of Windows Essential Business Server. Catch the full story at the EBS Official Blog. Thank you to all who have made EBS a great adventure over the past four years.
Steve
The other steveb – Steve Banks on SBS, EBS, WMS, and other Small Business Technology Topics
Windows Server MVP since 2004
Additional info for those who are planning to transition off of EBS (Thank you to Microsoft for making this an option).
Watch http://www.microsoft.com/ebs/en/us/default.aspx and http://www.microsoft.com/ebs/en/us/offers.aspx for more information. – Steve
Coming June 30, 2010 – Limited Time Upgrade Offer for EBS 2008 Customers
Thank you for your interest in Windows Essential Business Server 2008 (EBS). We are streamlining our portfolio and will discontinue future development of EBS. Beginning June 30, 2010 until December 31, 2010, current EBS 2008 customers can get the individual component software from the suite for free (local taxes, shipping and handling charges may apply). This means EBS 2008 customers can get copies of Windows Server 2008 Standard, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 Standard and Microsoft System Center Essentials 2007. If this promotion is of interest to you we encourage you to mark a reminder in your calendar to visit the EBS 2008 site between June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2010 to claim this offer.
Component Compatibility for Maximum Flexibility
When you purchase the premium edition of Windows Essential Business Server 2008, you have a choice to deploy these products:
Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Standard x86 and x64 platforms are available as an alternative version in place of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard, and are being shipped as part of the premium edition of Windows Essential Business Server 2008 until June 30, 2010.
Windows Server 2003 R2
Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard (both x86 and x64 platforms) will be available as an alternative version in place of Windows Server 2008 Standard that is shipped as part of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium. Look for this downgrade option.