Microsoft starts testing business servers

Microsoft has started testing for two forthcoming server products, one aimed at small businesses and the other at midsize firms.

Last week the company started a private beta for "Centro," a new product based on Longhorn Server and aimed at midsize businesses. The company has also launched a "technology preview" for the next version of its Small Business Server product, code-named Cougar. The Cougar technology preview was distributed late last month to about 100 partners and computer makers. Both products are slated to ship in 2008 and will only be offered in 64-bit versions.