You have heard (read) the name “Aurora” (in reference to Microsoft’s Windows Server for Business) hundreds of times now, but take note this will be one of the last times. Microsoft announced that from now on what we have affectionately come to know as Aurora will be known as Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, with an estimated time of released in the two quarters of 2011.
Director for Windows Server Product Management, Manlio Vecchiet, said the following:
Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials (formally Windows Small Business Server Code Name “Aurora”) is ideal as a first server for small businesses, providing a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution to help protect data, organize and access business information from virtually anywhere, support the applications needed to run a business, and quickly connect to online services such as Office 365, hosted e-mail, collaboration and CRM. Windows SBS 2011 Essentials can be used by up to 25 users and requires no CALs for user access. While pricing will be released closer to RTM, we intend to deliver an affordable entry level pricing to meet the needs and budget of small businesses. Windows SBS 2011 Essentials will be available through all current Microsoft server licensing channels and is expected to release in H1 2011.
Not only that but Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, is expected to be released by the end of this year.
Microsoft has yet to publicly name Windows Home Server Code Name “Vail”, we are guessing: “Windows Home Server 2011”.
More: Microsoft SBS Blog