Windows Server Essentials is an edition of the Windows Server operating system designed for small organisations with up to 25 users and 50 devices. When installed on a server computer, it automatically configures network roles such as print server, domain controller, web server, and file server.

This offer provides one server license for running the software on a server with up to two physical processors. Up to 25 users and up to 50 devices can connect to the licensed server. No client access licenses (CALs) are needed. For additional information about the available editions of Windows Server and the server and client licensing requirements, see Understanding the Microsoft Server Solutions Available to Your Nonprofit.

Which Versions of This Software Are Available?

You can choose to download the current version or the previous version of this software. You can find out which version is the current one on the Current Versions of Microsoft Products page. In addition, you can download the software in any language that's available.

Benefits for Organisations

If you have some system administration experience, you can use Windows Server Essentials to

• Set up your organisation's first server, which can be used on its own or act as the primary server in a multiserver environment
• Support common IT scenarios like folder and printer sharing, remote access, support for mobile devices, and backup/restore tools
• Provide access to cloud services such as Office 365

Major Capabilities

• Windows Server product technologies: Essentials provides the core technologies of Windows Server. It does not include those appropriate only to medium-to-large enterprises, such as Hyper-V virtualisation or the Server Core or Nano Core installation options.
• Simplified management console: Administrators can manage common IT tasks and view the health and security of client computers and servers in the network through the Dashboard. Alerts warn you of items that need attention.
• Remote access: DirectAccess allows secure access to the network from any computer or device without a VPN connection. Remote Web Access gives any user with a web browser secure access to email, internal websites, shared folders, organisation and administration links, and networked computers.
• Data protection: You can perform complete system backups and restores of the server as well as client devices. Storage Spaces allows you to create virtual disks from disparate hard drives with specified levels of resilience.
• Cloud integration: The software is designed for simple integration with cloud services like Azure Backup and Office 365.

Software Assurance

Under the Software Assurance programme, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.

Obtaining This Product

To receive discounted Microsoft products with Software Assurance, you'll need to accept and electronically sign a Volume Licensing Agreement. After you place your request, you'll receive an email from Microsoft eAgreements with a link to the Volume Licensing Agreement. Your request won't be approved until you've signed the agreement.

When your request has been approved, Connecting Up and TechSoup New Zealand will send a message to your organisation email address with further instructions.

If you need help obtaining this product, find out how to download it.