Microsoft discontinues development of Windows Essential Business Server

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 bundled versions of Windows Server, Microsoft System Center Essentials, Microsoft Exchange and other programs into one package priced to appeal to small and medium-sized businesses with 300 computers or less

EBS was an effort on the part of Microsoft "to simplify both the technical and licensing complexity for customers looking to use Microsoft's broader product portfolio," said Christopher Voce, a Forrester senior analyst covering infrastructure and operations. He praised the effort but noted selling such a package was a difficult challenge.