Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Essentials: Easy SMB Growth

In mid-December, Dell launched the OEM version of Windows Server 2012 Essentials, which is the simplest way for small-business customers to unleash the power of Windows Server 2012. For customers looking to cloud-enable their IT infrastructure, Server 2012 Essentials is the first step and can be an essential offering for customers. It’s an affordable and easy-to-use server solution, designed and priced specifically for small businesses.

As an IT consultant, you play a critical role in helping customers build a nimble IT infrastructure, one that addresses current obstacles and adapts to future demands. Because Windows Server 2012 Essentials supports up to 25 users and 50 devices, it is ideal for your customers who are looking for a  first server, but it can also provide them enough growth potential to be used as the primary server in a multi-server environment.

I also recommend running Windows Server 2012 Essentials to help small businesses protect valuable business information and to keep all the computers in the company healthy. So, if a computer crashes or is lost or stolen, business won’t come to a halt. Your customers are also able to get more done by connecting to the information they need, when they need it, no matter where they are and what device they are working on.

What do your customers need to know?

Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Essentials allows your customers to:

• Protect data with automatic daily backups for customer systems
• Access files and documents from virtually any device anywhere, using centralized storage
• Run applications on premises or take advantage of the cloud with online services such as email, collaboration, online backup and more
• Extend functionality through a new set of web services APIs
• Manage common tasks and address IT issues before they occur through a single administrative console, making sure software, backups, and anti-virus signatures are active and up to date.

How can Dell help?

To serve IT consultants, Dell developed the Dell Consultant Network (DCN) to help you support customers and grow your professional knowledge and skills. This unique program provides you with the tools and resources needed to build a better business for you and your customers. From a dedicated sales team to discounted technical training, membership in the DCN grants you access to exclusive resources. Plus, you can earn rewards for your dedicated commitment and active participation.

In addition, Dell has done a number of things to provide your customers with an even better Windows Server 2012 Essentials experience with OEM licensing:

• Simplified deployment with factory pre-installation on Dell PowerEdge servers optimized for the workloads supported by Windows Server 2012 Essentials
• Provided an end-to-end solution, including servers, storage, networking, software, services and support from a single point of contact at a competitive price.
• Tested and validated Server 2012 Essentials on servers and solutions from Dell engineering with sizing tools to help speed deployment, ensure reliability and improve efficiency

Dell has also incorporated valuable add-ins in the OEM pre-installed OS:

• Intel vPro Add-in for hardware-based management of vPro-enabled clients
• Windows 7 Mobile Administration
• Windows 7 Professional Pack and Mobility

As your customers’ needs grow and change, Windows Server 2012 Essentials is able to grow as well–it has the ability to perform an in-place upgrade to Windows Server 2012 Standard, so the transition to the next level of computing for a business is smooth and painless.

For more information on Windows Server 2012 Essentials, contact your Dell Consultant Network rep at 800-953-4012 Extension 5133924 or visit the DCN Website at www.dell.com/consultantnetwork.

David Troeger is Product Marketing Manager for Microsoft Server OS products at Dell. Monthly guest blogs such as this one are part of The VAR Guy’s annual platinum sponsorship program. Read all of Dell’s guest blogs here.