Previously code-named "Centro", Windows Essential Business Server is a new integrated multiserver solution designed for midsize businesses. The product is based on Windows Server 2008 and it combines software for management, messaging and security.

The products that are in the solution are Windows Server 2008 with Active Directory Domain Services, Microsoft System Center Essentials, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA). Those are just for the Standard edition. The Premium edition also includes Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition.

Like Small Business Server, the product should be cheaper than buying the separate licenses and administration should be a lot simpler from one unified console. Especially the addition of System Center Essentials is interesting because it allows the administrator to more effectively manage the infrastructure. For more info about System Center Essentials go here. Also check out this intro video here.

You can find the Microsoft PressPass announcement here. You can also see the product in action at IT-Forum in Barcelona next week. I am going to IT Forum so I definitely will have a look.