Windows Server 2008 Foundation: An Entry-Level Server Platform

A lot of small organizations are looking into a solution that enables them to run small-business-type applications, while minimizing licensing and IT management costs. Some of these organizations have looked, are looking, and will probably look into Linux-based solutions for these tasks. This is something that Microsoft will need to prevent, and for that, a new version of Windows Server 2008 has been announced.

Windows Server 2008 Foundation is a technology that enables core IT resources, such as file and print sharing, remote access, and security. It provides a network foundation from which you can centrally manage settings on your computers that are based on the Windows operating system, and upon which you can run the most popular business applications. When compared to Linux-based servers, running a Windows-based machine also provides a familiar Windows user experience that helps low-budget IT administrators manage users and safeguard business information without the associated learning curve of a totally new operating system.

The nice (but theoretic) thing about Windows Server 2008 Foundation is that, as your business grows, you can use Windows Server 2008 Foundation to upgrade to more advanced versions of Windows Server. The reason I say “theoretic” is that in most cases, this “basic” and cheap server will probably not be a good candidate for running more advanced versions of Windows Server 2008, mostly because of hardware considerations. For example, a Windows Server 2008 Foundation-based server will probably only have one CPU and less than 8 GB of RAM (which are the limitations built in this version – see table below), so even if you later upgrade it to Windows Server 2008 Enterprise edition, you will probably won’t be able to squeeze more performance out of this initially-limited hardware.

The most compelling feature of  Windows Server 2008 Foundation is the licensing benefits. Because it comes pre-installed with your server hardware, you do not need to separately obtain and then install the hardware and operating system.

So why Windows Server 2008 Foundation?

--> Go and see what Petri says at :

http://www.petri.co.il/introduction-to-windows-server-2008-foundation.htm

Comments

[SithLord]

If you look at what they are really worried about it is a little known IBM linux based product that is getting a ton of traction. IBM Foundations (yes.. they lifted the name) is all that - inexpensive, fast (installs in less than 30 min, and it handles up to 500 users! The best part is that it is a HW/SW appliance. Rumor has it that almost 10% of the US Microsoft SBS Partner base has already moved to this solution. What's your view on this? www.lotusfoundations.com