Can Microsoft blur the lines between Windows Small Business Server and cloud computing? The answer is beginning to emerge as the software giant launches a Windows Small Business Server (SBS) Aurora beta test. In somewhat related news Microsoft also is testing a new Windows Home Server, code-named Vail. Here’s a closer look at both efforts, and the potential implications for VARs and MSPs.
As you may recall, Microsoft offered some clues about SBS Aurora during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC10), held July 2010 in Washington, D.C. The Aurora strategy calls for SBS to integrate with third-party cloud services, such as online storage and SaaS security, The VAR Guy believes. Plus, third-party managed services tools — including remote monitoring and management (RMM) software) are expected to integrate with Aurora. Early SBS Aurora advocates include RMM specialist Level Platforms.
Still, Microsoft didn’t say too much about Aurora during WPC. The reason: The software giant wasn’t quite ready to beta test the Aurora SBS code. Channel partners can find SBS Aurora beta test information here. On a related note, the SBS Diva blog explores potential integration between SBS Aurora and Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS). Meanwhile, Microsoft also is beta testing Windows Home Server Vail; you can find deeper details here.
Talent vs. Technology
The SBS Aurora beta test arrives at an intriguing time. Loyal readers may recall that one of Microsoft’s top small business executives, Birger Steen, is leaving the software giant to join Parallels, which helps hosting providers to rapidly launch SaaS and cloud services.
During the recent CompTIA Breakaway 2010 conference in San Antonio, Microsoft Worldwide Partner Sales VP Ross Brown conceded that the software giant needed to engage small business VARs more aggressively, especially as end-customers weigh on-premises vs. cloud and SaaS solutions.
Rise of Hybrid Clouds?
The VAR Guy is paying particularly close attention to SBS Aurora. During recent meetings with a range of VARs, channel partners indicated that SBS 2008 sales were a bit slower than expected because customers weren’t ready to open their wallets for new hardware.
But SBS Aurora potentially changes the rules of the game. By integrating with a range of cloud and managed services, some MSPs may wind up promoting SBS Aurora as the foundation for customers’ hybrid cloud systems. Key observers include Dave Sobel, CEO of Evolve Technologies, a solutions provider that is providing SBS Aurora feedback to Microsoft.
Also of note: The SMB Nation Fall 2010 conference (Oct. 22-24, Las Vegas) theme involves hybrid clouds, so it’s safe to expect more SBS Aurora updates at that event.
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I think there is something compelling about the way Aurora can be delivered. There is always the “sell it” model, where Aurora can be purchased and installed.
However, I think it’s much more interesting to use Aurora as a platform for a service. If you’re already looking to deliver a cloud based monthly service, where mailboxes or storage or such is delivered from the cloud (such as Hosted Exchange), you can couple that with a service to deliver a “on premise” cloud or private cloud where you, the service provider, deliver the server as a service, and a micro server and Aurora deliver that for you.
If the idea is “never buy a server again” with cloud, why make a customer by a server? Just create a hybrid solution with your cloud offering + Aurora. It’s just too logical to ignore.
I know for a fact HP is doing interesting things with micro servers.
Dave: Regarding HP, The VAR Guy will poke around a bit on that. Sounds like you’re ahead of the story (as usual…). Our resident blogger has a Sept. 2010 meeting with HP on the calendar.
-TVG