Windows Server Essentials

Windows Server Essentials (formerly Windows Small Business Server or SBS) is an integrated server suite from Microsoft designed for running network infrastructure (both intranet management and Internet access) of small and midsize businesses having no more than 25 users or 50 devices. Application server technologies are tightly integrated to provide, e.g., the Remote Web Workplace, and offer management benefits such as integrated setup, enhanced monitoring, a unified management console, and remote access.

Since the release of SBS 2003, the same service packs as those for Windows Server or other server products can be used to update the OS.

Windows Server 2016 Essentials, based on Windows Server 2016 is the current version of Server Essentials, released in September 2016 with general availability October 12, 2016.

Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials was the latest version of Windows Server Essentials (formerly Windows Small Business Server Essentials) as of June 2016^[update].

Older versions: Windows Server is available in Essentials, Standard, and Premium editions. Essentials is a scaled down version for 1 to 25 users; both the other editions are based on the Windows Server codebase and include Microsoft Exchange Server mail server, Internet Information Services (IIS) web server, Windows SharePoint Services for collaboration, Microsoft Outlook 2003 email client (not included in 2008), Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS), Windows Server Update Services for update management across the network, and a Fax server. Up to SBS 2003, the Premium edition also included Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server and Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003. SBS 2008 Premium edition will not include ISA Server but will include a Windows Server 2008 license and SQL Server 2008 for running on a second server. Those upgrading to SBS 2008 Premium edition via Software Assurance will be compensated with a free license for the latest version of ISA Server.