What is Microsoft Centro and why do I care?

Posted By: David Tesar | Nov 12th, 2007 @ 1:14 AM

I sat down with Israel Hilerio, a program manager on the project codenamed Centro - now known as "Windows Essential Business Server", to figure out what this future product is all about. Is it just a new version of Small Business Server (SBS)? Definitely not. Check out a demo of what it looks like, what it provides, and if you care to listen over the Edge – hear some words from Star Wars’ Yoda.

Tags: Centro, EBS, Over the Edge

Rating:

Views (5,238)

Comments (9)

Downloads

michaelsainz

I thought it was a good interview, thanks!

extreme

Thanks, glad you liked it. Many thanks goes to Israel for doing the interview!! After all, I just asked the Qs which came to my mind - he provided us with the answers, demos, and of course fun over the edge content like clown noses and Star Wars toys Smiley .

What do you or anyone else think of the "Over the Edge" part?

Shane

I love the end! I'd like to see over the edge in all the videos!

extreme

Stay tuned for new content every week day and you'll see more over the edge.

neil

I am not sure about the name? Windows Server ?????? sorry I have forgot the name again - already.

I wish they would call them products names which reflect what they do. This is a product designed for the Medium Businesss. Why not call it something like "Medium Business Server"?

KingCobra

I would have liked the real name to be Microsoft Centro. That name is sticky. Windows Essential Business Server. WEBS. Hmmmmm....

What if we would have called Windows Vista Windows Desktop 2007 or something equally boring?

ye110wbeard

So does that mean SBS 2008 is scrapped? Or this a "midway point" between SMBs and Enterprise?

For name. Centro is cool sounding. Sometimes the "Code names" sound cooler than the products.

How about "Windows Super Global HyperMatic Ultra Integrator 2008"

I mean it sure doesn't describe the product, and it IS a mouthful, but kinda cool for a name ...

Right? Right?

Nope?

Never mind. I'll stick with my Funny Fridays and leave the naming to experts... Smiley

Stephen

SBS 2008 is not scrapped and is currently under beta testing with the codename 'Cougar'

Eventually I expect the SBS team to blog about it, for now you can get more info here and here.

ye110wbeard

Hurray!!!

So this is sort of SBS for "bigger kids and companies" ? And evolution path or option for companies that think SBS is too small for their future needs but don't expect to get to 1000 user status?

No I knew about the "Cougar" - somebody please LET IT OUT OF THE CASE! ... Smiley

Just the base description of the new Centrio looked like a "Cougar" but bigger teeth and bigger appetite (I ate the dow jones for breakfast... B) )