Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has confirmed that its Aurora server OS will be called Windows Small Business Server (SBS) 2011 Essentials. With a U.S. retail price of $545, SBS 2011 Essentials is targeted at small businesses deploying their first server. The product supports up to 25 users and does not require CALs (Client Access Licenses) for user access. SBS 2011 Essentials connects to online services such as the Office 365 product and will be sold through server licensing channels. It is currently slated for availability in the first half of next year.

Positioned for slightly larger businesses, Windows SBS 7 will support businesses of up to 75 users, and will cost $1,096. Microsoft says the product is "consistent with previous versions of Windows SBS 2008 Standard" and that it requires a server license with relevant CALs per user. CALs cost $72 per user, and Windows SBS 7 will be available through Microsoft's licensing channels in December. (OEMs and System Builders will get them in February 2011.)

Two other Windows Server products will also be coming, though release details are not yet finalized.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at Ars Technica
- check out this article at Small Business Computing
- check out this article at The Register

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