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Beta 2 of Windows Essential Business Server (codename "Centro") was released today and is now available on Connect - you must first fill out a short survey confirming that you wish to continue to participate in the beta and the downloads should become available soon after completion (I've only just done it and they haven't appeared yet). They also say they will send out DVDs to all beta participants as with the previous releases of Centro.
Windows Essential Business Server (Centro) is built on Windows Server 2008 and provides an integrated server and management system for midsize businesses. The upcoming Beta 2 release includes many new Windows Server 2008 based components, as well as updates to the server applications that shipped in the Windows Essential Business Server (Centro) CTP release as well as System Center Essentials 2007, Exchange Server 2007 and ISA, as well as a host of other improvements. The team has done a tremendous amount of work to ensure a smooth experience for you. How are we doing and what do you think of our progress? Let us know!
Hello Beta participants and contributors,
Big News! Microsoft has just released Beta 2 of Windows Essential Business Server formally known as Windows Sever code name "Centro". We look forward to your continued participation with Windows Essential Business Server and are really excited to receive your feedback on this release. The team is looking for confirmation we have it right, and your feedback can and will directly impact the design of this exciting new product!
Windows® Essential Business Server Beta 2 software is available for download from the MS Connect Site at http://connect.microsoft.com/centro under the downloads section. For a limited time (through the end of January 2008), physical media will be sent to all TAP, MVP, and OEM participants and to all External Techbeta participants who have told us that they still plan to participate, meet the hardware requirements and have accepted the Windows Essential Business Server Techbeta Confidentiality via the Windows Essential Business Server Beta 2 Participation Survey.
If you have the ability to burn your own DVDs, there is a set of three DVD ISO downloads and one CD download for the Windows Essential Business Server Beta 2 software in the downloads section of the site.
We are looking for actionable and broad feedback from a wide range of testers. With this Beta 2, we will continue to provide newsgroup support from the product team, and will be actively accepting bugs from participants.
Yup, the files and product keys have now appeared for me too, it seems as though they take a few hours to appear after you complete the survey. Not that I'll be downloading those 12 GB now though, as they are going to send DVDs out to everyone soon anyway.
Yes, it says on the homepage for the beta programme:
For a limited time(through the end of January 2008), physical media will be sent to all TAP, MVP, and OEM participants and to all External Techbeta participants who have told us that they still plan to participate, meet the hardware requirements and have accepted the Windows Essential Business Server Techbeta Confidentiality via the Windows Essential Business Server Beta 2 Participation Survey.
I've had the Beta 1 and post-Beta 1 CTP discs from them so there's no reason why they shouldn't send these ones out too.
