Microsoft Tuesday released the new Essential Business Server 2008 RC0 to the public, and the new server has been designed from the ground up. It's aim: to serve mid-sized companies that are not adequately staffed to work with enterprise software.
According to Microsoft, there is a huge need for midmarket network management and productivity software. Companies that are growing rapidly have no choice but to buy some enterprise products or find ways to extend appliances to meet their needs. There has been no middle ground, the folks at Microsoft say.
After taking a look at this offering, we don't agree entirely with the challenge Microsoft is presenting. There are a plethora of technologies, productivity software and dedicated network appliances to choose from nowadays. In fact, Essential may be a bit late finding a niche in a somewhat bloated software market.
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