Microsoft continues to bang the drum for the next Windows Small Business Server release, code-named Aurora. Sure, numerous VARs know SBS Aurora will offer integrations to various cloud services. But how exactly is SBS Aurora shaping up? Microsoft is providing more clues that caught The VAR Guy's attention. Here's why.

The VAR Guy

August 24, 2010

2 Min Read
Windows Small Business Server Aurora: A Closer Look

Small Business Server Aurora

Microsoft continues to bang the drum for the next Windows Small Business Server release, code-named Aurora. Sure, numerous VARs know SBS Aurora will offer integrations to various cloud services. But how exactly is SBS Aurora shaping up? Microsoft is providing more clues that caught The VAR Guy’s attention. Here’s why.

In an Aug. 23 blog post, the Official SBS Blog offers up:

  • A product overview guide

  • An Aurora click-through demo

  • And an Aurora demo video

  • An [download id=”10″] to help channel partners educate customers about SBS Aurora.

Of course, Aurora isn’t shipping quite yet. So what’s missing. Several Microsoft partners say they expect Aurora to integrate with a range of third-party online backup and cloud security security services. Moreover, remote monitoring and management (RMM) vendors such as LPI Level Platforms have vowed to support SBS Aurora.

Inflection Point

The VAR Guy is watching SBS Aurora’s development and future roll out very closely. The reason: Some VARs say SBS 2008 was a slow seller because of (A) the recession (B) it required new customer hardware and (C) growing interest in cloud alternatives. Assuming SBS Aurora plugs into a range of third-party cloud services, it could help Microsoft’s SMB channel partners to refresh a massive installed base of small business customers.

Side note: In addition to tracking Microsoft’s Official SBS Blog, The VAR Guy continues to trust SBS Diva, an independent blogger, for timely, reliable Aurora information.

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