Windows Server 2008 Foundation

According to the official press release issued by Microsoft yesterday, Microsoft has released a Windows platform for small businesses named Windows Server 2008 Foundation. This low-cost server operating system is based on Windows Server 2008 but with some features reduced. For example, its authorized number of users is only 15.

Windows Server 2008 Foundation will not be available for retail but will be provided to OEM partners and pre-installed on servers from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) for joint release. Microsoft stated that HP, Dell, and IBM will launch servers pre-installed with this operating system in the second half of the year, targeting more than 40 countries and regions.

Each license for Windows Server 2008 Foundation is limited to a maximum of 15 user accounts. If 15 users connect simultaneously to a server running Windows Server 2008 Foundation, other users attempting to connect will receive an "Server Busy" error message and will be unable to connect.

The news of Microsoft's release of Windows Server 2008 Foundation was anticipated by many. As early as February at a financial meeting, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer revealed during a discussion about netbook operating systems that the company would add a low-end version to its existing server operating systems.

Windows Server 2008 Foundation removes the expensive parts from the Windows Server series and provides essential functions for office use such as file sharing, printer sharing, and terminal services. However, Windows Server 2008 Foundation can be fully upgraded, allowing enterprise users to upgrade the operating system to a higher version as their own needs and hardware systems evolve.

Windows Server 2008 Foundation is available in the following language editions: English, Spanish, Turkish, Portuguese, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese.