Microsoft Small Business Community Blog:
There have been a few questions floating around about "Cougar," the next version of Windows Small Business Server, and what it will include and be based on. I thought I would post some of the information that is publicly available to help address some of these questions:
- Based on the Windows Server 2008 platform and technology wave
- Cougar will include these technologies:
- Windows Server 2008
- Exchange Server 2007
- Windows SharePoint Services 3.0
- SQL Server 2005
- System Center Essentials
- Dramatically improved management, protection, and business productivity
- Emphasis on simplicity and integration
- Providing value for new and existing partners
- Embracing Live Services
- 64-bit only
I saw the "Is Cougar 64-bit only?" question come up earlier today, so I wanted to be sure to call that one out. Ever since we announced Exchange Server 2007 would be 64-bit only and that Cougar would include Exchange Server 2007, that was a pretty clear indicator of what the answer to the 64-bit question would be. :-)
This one's been on a serious slow burn. I believe I was first briefed about Cougar over a year ago, but I'll need to look. Along with Centro, Microsoft's got a lot coming for those businesses don't quality for the "enterprise" label. That's most of 'em. I can't wait for more info. Cougar is going to be amazing.