Microsoft has just announced the general availability of Windows Server 2012 Essentials, meaning licenses can now be purchased through all the usual Microsoft sales channels. This is, of course, good news for companies having up to 75 employees. 

Some of the key product features Microsoft highlights include:

• Enable a dynamic, modern work style with access from your devices by using Remote Web Access (RWA), and take advantage of Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 devices for a superior experience with rich modern “My Server” apps.

• Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your data is well-protected by complementing your on-site backups with Windows Azure Online Backup, as well as utilizing integrated support for the new Windows 8 File History feature.

• Choose the email and collaboration option that’s right for you, whether that’s in the cloud with Office 365 or a hosted service provider, or running on a local server.

• Quickly and easily respond to increasing data capacity needs with support for Storage Spaces, which allows you to create elastic, resilient storage for your files and folder.

• Run the line-of-business applications that you depend on by leveraging greatly improved application compatibility, now with a single logo certification for all Windows Server 2012 editions.

• Purchase with confidence knowing that your technology investment can easily grow to Windows Server 2012 Standard if the needs of your business grow.

• Deploy today with full support for 19 languages, all releasing simultaneously.

Easier to Deploy

Here's what Jon Roskill, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Group, has to say about the product:

“Windows Server 2012 Essentials has new tools for simplifying installation, administration and management, such as a single administration console and improved remote management capabilities.  Simplified installation and deployment can help IT Pros with limited server experience to deploy Essentials in a small business. Essentials has unique capabilities such as client computer backup, health monitoring/management, Remote Web Access, simplified Active Directory setup, and best practices security features turned on by default.”