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As of May 13, 2008, Microsoft is debuting the test drive process of the products reunited under the Windows Essential Server Solutions umbrella, namely Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008. According to the Redmond company, pre-release builds of both products are available for evaluation.

"Small and midsize companies are looking for many of the same IT capabilities and benefits as those sought by large enterprises", explained Ray Boggs, vice president Small/Medium Business Research at IDC. "But the technology has to be delivered as part of simpler, integrated and more affordable solutions for organizations with minimal IT staffs and resources. And of course it helps if solutions are also tailored to meet the needs of technology consultants that often work with those small and midsize firms."

Concomitantly with the pre-release testing versions of Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Microsoft also made available the pricing details for Windows Essential Server Solutions. Small and midsize businesses will be able to acquire Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition which comes with five client access licenses for $1,089. Each additional CAL will come with a price tag of $77. Windows Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition will run customers back a good $1,899 (while also offering just five CALs, with Microsoft charging $189 for each additional CAL. But Windows Essential Business Server 2008 is even more expensive with the Standard Edition going for $5,472 for five CALs, with each extra CAL costing $81. For the Premium Edition customers will have to cough up no less than $7,163, also for a standard five CALs, and $195 for all the individual CALs that need to be added.

"Slated for general availability later this year, Windows Essential Server Solutions are much easier for small and midsize companies to implement and manage than separate products. In response to customer and partner feedback, Windows Essential Server Solutions provide flexible pricing and licensing that offer substantial cost savings over purchasing individual products like those included in the solutions", Microsoft added.