In conjunction with The Dream Server virtual launch on November 12th, Microsoft and its partners are sponsoring a virtual tradeshow that includes both webcasts and exhibits.  Please register early and help promote this broadly!

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Microsoft and its partners are launching Windows Essential Server Solutions, a new family of integrated server solutions that address the unique needs of small and midsize businesses (SMBs). During times of stationary or shrinking budgets and economic uncertainty, minimizing the redundancies and optimizing parts in your IT infrastructure can help control costs and raise productivity. With the unique challenges firms face upgrading and maintaining their IT infrastructure, smart organizations are re-evaluating their plans and expenditures and investing wisely.

This live, one-day, virtual tradeshow is to launch Windows Essential Server Solutions, which includes Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and other Microsoft executives will introduce these new products and will be joined by Mark Minasi, an independent expert and best-selling author.

Webcasts:

In addition to the main launch keynote, there will be both business and technical sessions that will address concerns and questions that decision makers have in today’s tough economy.

Opening Keynote / Launch Webcast – Presenters: Steve Ballmer, Steve Guggenheimer, Michael Risse, Steven VanRoekel

Mark Minasi Session: 7 Tips that IT can use During the Economic Downturn, Includes interview with Chris Phillips

Turn Your IT Infrastructure into a Strategic Business Asset – Customer and Partner Perspective, Presenters: Michael Cocanower, CEO of itSynergy, and Steve Porter, CIO of Touchstone Behavioral Health

Windows Essential Business Server - A Real-World Customer Perspective, Featuring Sumeeth Evans, IT Director of Collegiate Housing Services

Channel Partners are invited to take part in a special session to find out what opportunities Windows Essential Server Solutions provides for their practice

Windows Essential Server Solutions for Channel Partners - Hear directly from  two Microsoft partners, Richard Opal, and Lyf Wildenberg, who are making deep investments in Windows Essential Server Solutions,

Exhibit Hall

Visit the exhibit hall and discover how integrated hardware and software solutions provide enterprise-class infrastructure without the complexity or cost. Learn how affordable blade servers can help make the goal of an infrastructure-in-a-box a reality. And find out how software for backup, security, line-of-business (LOB), and management work together seamlessly to help ensure SMBs are more secure and productive.

14 Booths:  You will be able to get information and interact with representatives from:
* AMD
* CA
* Citrix Systems
* Dell
* HP
* IBM
* Intel
* Lenovo
* SUN Microsystems, Inc.
* Symantec
* Trend Micro
* Microsoft Windows Mobile
* Microsoft Windows Essential Server Solutions
* Microsoft Dynamics