BWI: Microsoft Launches Entry-Level Server Platform for Small Businesses

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Microsoft Corporation India Private Ltd
Thursday, April 16, 2009 12:00 PM IST (06:30 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Information technology; Technology
Release no: 19704
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Microsoft Launches Entry-Level Server Platform for Small Businesses
Windows Server 2008 Foundation to Provide Small Businesses with Access to Big-Business Solutions at Affordable Prices

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Thursday, April 16, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Microsoft India today announced that it has expanded its industry-leading Windows Server family of operating systems with the launch of Windows Server 2008 Foundation. Built for businesses with 15 or fewer users - Windows Server 2008 Foundation delivers the reliability, security and manageability of the Windows Server platform - at a price affordable and within reach of small businesses. Now available in 40 countries including India, it will empower small businesses with the ability to run business applications and databases, host websites and will also offers basic server functionality such as file and print sharing and remote access.

In India, Microsoft has already partnered with HP and Dell in the first rollout phaze to provide Windows Server 2008 Foundation preinstalled on servers for customers. In the coming months - the company will establish similar partnerships with multiple Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to further strengthen its distribution channel for Windows Server 2008 Foundation.

Commenting on the launch, Bob Muglia (President, Server and Tools Business, Microsoft Worldwide) said, "Microsoft's goal is to provide a Windows Server-based solution for every customer need, size and budget. We are proud to announce the India launch of Windows Server 2008 Foundation, our new low-cost server platform. This platform will empower small businesses with access to the power of server based business software at an affordable price - in the all familiar Windows environment. As businesses grow, customers can upgrade to other members of the Windows Server family - which provide additional functionality such as integrated e-mail, simplified management, virtualization and other advanced features".

According to leading analyst firm AMI Partners - small and midsize businesses (SMBs) employ 90 percent of the world's workforce and account for more than 50 percent of GDP worldwide. "Over the last few years, technology has emerged as a key business enabler for the rapidly expanding SMB segment in India. Keeping the market potential in mind, Microsoft expects the new Windows Server 2008 Foundation platform to be especially popular in small businesses across the country. With a promising proposition that delivers extraordinary value without breaking the bank - we are confident that Windows Server 2008 Foundation will make it possible for the SMB segment to grow, innovate and stay competitive in the Indian and global marketplace", added Pallavi Kathuria (Director, Server Business Group, Microsoft India).

As a part of Microsoft's strategy for this launch, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) server hardware makers will be instrumental in bringing Windows Server 2008 Foundation to market. Microsoft has currently partnered with HP and Dell to offer the platform in the Indian market landscape. "Microsoft's portfolio for growing businesses has been significantly augmented by Windows Server 2008 Foundation. HP ProLiant is the undisputed leader in the x86 server space, and has a wide range of products customized for the unique requirements of midsize and growing businesses. The partnership between HP and Microsoft on the Windows Server 2008 Foundation brings a compelling new choice to our customers", said Rajesh Dhar, Director, Industry Standard Servers, HP India Sales. In the second phase of distribution - Windows Server 2008 Foundation will be sold preinstalled on servers from other OEMs in the coming months.

More information on Windows Server 2008 Foundation available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsfoundationserver.

About Microsoft India

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Microsoft Corporation India Private Ltd is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation USA. It has had a presence in India since 1990 and currently has offices in thirteen cities - Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Indore, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, and Pune.


CONTACT DETAILS
Tushar Makkar, Microsoft India, +91 9810437303, tmakkar@microsoft.com
Divya B Chug, Text 100 India, +91 9810774745, divyab@text100.co.in

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, MARKETING, BUSINESS SERVICES, IT, TECHNOLOGY

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