NEW DELHI, INDIA: Microsoft India has announced that it has expanded its industry-leading Windows Server family of operating systems with the launch of Windows Server 2008 Foundation. This is built for businesses with 15 or fewer users and is claimed to be at a price affordable and within reach of small businesses.

It will be available in 40 countries including India where Microsoft has already partnered with HP and Dell in the first rollout phase to provide Windows Server 2008 Foundation preinstalled on servers for customers.

In the coming months - the company will establish similar partnerships with multiple Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to further strengthen its distribution channel for Windows Server 2008 Foundation.

According to leading analyst firm AMI Partners - small and midsize businesses (SMBs) employ 90 percent of the world's workforce and account for more than 50 percent of GDP worldwide.

Bob Muglia (President, Server and Tools Business, Microsoft Worldwide) said in a release that Microsoft's goal is to provide a Windows Server-based solution for every customer need, size and budget. We are proud to announce this new low-cost server platform that will empower small businesses with access to the power of server based business software at an affordable price - in the all-familiar Windows environment. As businesses grow, customers can upgrade to other members of the Windows Server family - which provide additional functionality such as integrated e-mail, simplified management, virtualization and other advanced features".

"Over the last few years, technology has emerged as a key business enabler for the rapidly expanding SMB segment in India. Keeping the market potential in mind, Microsoft expects the new Windows Server 2008 Foundation platform to be especially popular in small businesses across the country.", added Pallavi Kathuria (Director, Server Business Group, Microsoft India).