Features and Benefits
Windows EBS combines several Microsoft products and technologies into a single, integrated server solution. The following sections describe some of the installation, management, and protection features that Windows EBS can provide your business.
Installation
For many multiserver networks, you must plan your network topology, decide where to locate each server application, and then install and configure each server application to achieve your desired functions. Windows EBS reduces this planning and installation time by providing planning tools and by preconfiguring the server applications and server roles.
Integrated product installation
Windows EBS installs four major Microsoft products (with associated features, services, and roles) onto three servers. The installation process includes the following steps:
Check your existing system health and compatibility by using the Preparation Wizard.
Document your existing network settings and plan how to include Windows EBS in your network by using the Planning Wizard.
Install Windows EBS on each of the three servers, applying the information that you supplied in the Planning Wizard.
Complete a set of guided configuration and migration steps.
Recommended configurations
The integrated installation helps protect your network environment by performing the following installation tasks:
Checking and upgrading your existing network environment to help ensure compatibility and to minimize outages of your key business functions (for example, network connectivity and e-mail).
Downloading and applying recent software updates to help protect each server role after it is installed.
Automatically incorporating several compatibility settings.
Guiding you through the manual migration of business functions. For example, a wizard helps you transfer your mailboxes from your existing e-mail server to Exchange Server 2007 in Windows EBS.
Installing the server roles in an architecture that is optimized for performance and reliability.
Following Microsoft security recommendations.
Management
The Windows EBS Administration Console consolidates several views of your network environment. Administration Console tabs group related monitoring and operations tasks. You can perform related tasks and monitor critical system functions from a single location. For tasks that are not completed within the Administration Console, contextual links connect you to the applicable tools or consoles.
System health
The Administration Console shows you the overall health of your servers running Windows EBS and the business-critical services and functions that they perform. You can check the status of your system and focus on areas that need immediate attention. The monitored servers, services, and related functions include:
Servers running Windows EBS
E-mail delivery
Anti-spam and e-mail antivirus components
Windows EBS software license compliance
Security update compliance
Licensing
Windows EBS consolidates all of the licenses that you need to install and manage the product components. A starter client access license (CAL) pack is included with your purchase of Windows EBS. A CAL enables a licensed user or device to access all the Windows EBS services for which permissions have been granted by the administrator. These services include network access to the Windows Server® 2008 operating system and to e-mail and messaging services through Exchange Server.
You can purchase additional CAL packs in various quantities and combinations for user or device assignment.
Product licensing for Windows EBS is managed through the Administration Console. From the Licenses tab, you can purchase additional CAL packs, assign licenses to user accounts or devices, monitor compliance with existing licensing agreements, and perform related tasks.
Extensibility
Windows EBS is extensible to enable additional management capabilities as they become available from Microsoft or non-Microsoft partners. After new management functions are installed, you can access them through the System Applications tab and the Business Applications tab in the Administration Console.
Protection
Windows EBS offers increased security for your network. The technologies in Windows EBS help you protect your network from external or internal malicious software, assist in keeping your protection updated, and simplify your security management duties.
Firewall protection
Windows EBS includes the Microsoft® Forefront™ Threat Management Gateway, which provides a firewall between your internal network and the Internet. The Forefront TMG helps protect your network from potential threats by controlling network access as you direct. The Forefront TMG can replace your existing hardware firewall solution, or it can be configured to run behind it.
Malicious software reduction
Exchange Server 2007 and Forefront Security for Exchange Server are installed with Windows EBS. They include several components that filter incoming and internal e-mail for spam, viruses, and other malicious software.
Automatic updates
Windows EBS enables you to automate your update schedule, which helps ensure that your system software (including your security components) is always current with recent Microsoft updates.
Integrated security management
The Administration Console Security tab provides a single view of your security components and their current status. You can review and manage these components from this location.