Windows Server Essentials

Windows Server Essentials

Windows Server Essentials is a simplified server operating system from Microsoft aimed at small businesses. It provides core server features like file and printer sharing, backup, remote access, and centralized management.
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Windows Server Essentials: Simplified Server Management for Small Businesses

Windows Server Essentials is a simplified server operating system from Microsoft aimed at small businesses. It provides core server features like file and printer sharing, backup, remote access, and centralized management.

What is Windows Server Essentials?

Windows Server Essentials is a server operating system from Microsoft designed for small businesses. It provides basic server functionality like file and printer sharing, backup, remote desktop access, VPN, and centralized device management, without the complexity and cost of full Windows Server editions.

Key features include:

  • File and printer sharing - Allow network users to access files and printers located on the server
  • Backup - Automated backup for client PCs and server files to external drives or the cloud
  • Remote web access - Access files and server apps remotely via a web browser
  • VPN - Establish secure remote network access for employees
  • Device management - Manage client settings and policies from a central dashboard

Windows Server Essentials is designed to be easy to use for non-technical staff. The dashboard provides simplified administration and monitoring of client PCs, user accounts, server health, and backups. It can support up to 25 users and 50 devices.

It's a cost-effective solution for basic server needs of small businesses without dedicated IT staff. More advanced Windows Server editions are available for larger organizations that need scalability, advanced features like hyperconverged infrastructure, and support for multiple servers.

Windows Server Essentials Features

Features

  1. File and printer sharing
  2. Remote desktop access
  3. PC backup
  4. Shared folders
  5. Email server
  6. VPN access
  7. Centralized device management

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Easy to set up and manage

Good for small businesses

Integrates with Office 365

Remote access capabilities

Automatic PC backup

Cons

Limited to 25 users and 50 devices

Less features than full Windows Server

Requires separate CALs for remote access

No hypervisors included

Limited expandability


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