Microsoft Previews Small Business Server Aurora

Microsoft Corp. this week said that the preview of its next generation Windows Small Business Server (SBS) code named Aurora, is available for download, calling it a “great platform for small businesses wanting to combine traditional and cloud computing” and a “significant departure from our traditional fully on premise model.”

Aurora is aimed at small- to medium-sized businesses (SMB) with fewer than 25 users that either lack a network or use peer-to-peer networking, offering on-premise functionality and cloud services, the company said, in a blog post.

“For these businesses, Windows Small Business Server Codename Aurora provides a cost-effective and easy-to-use way to simplify computing infrastructure, reduce cost and spend more time focusing on core business’ needs,” wrote Kevin Kean, general manager, Windows home and small business servers.

Kean said that Aurora’s advanced backup and file restoration functions ensure data safety for SMBs, and that “users can quickly set automatic, daily backups of every personal computer on the network.”

Should problems occur, “small businesses can restore individual files, folders, or an entire PC or server with simple recovery tools,” he said.

Users will be able to access their computer and documents remotely from any common browser using a personalized web address to connect to the server, Kean wrote.

Microsoft is positioning Aurora as a “bridge to the cloud” that integrates on-premise and pay-as-you-go online services that “extend the server functionality without increasing workload and maintenance needs,” Kean said.

Microsoft has posted a version of its Windows Server Solutions software development kit, which provides a toolset to extend the platform, including Application Programming Interface (API) references, how-to documents to help build add-ins, templates and samples.