Microsoft says Windows Server 2019 Essentials likely to be the last of its kind

Windows Server 2019 Essentials is the successor to Windows Server 2016 Essentials, Microsoft’s on-premise server product for small businesses with less than 25 employees.

In a blog post the Windows Server team spoke about the features of this edition of Windows Server operating system set to be released later this year.

Windows Server 2019 Essentials will have the same characteristics as the 2016 version including:

• Single license that includes Client Access Licenses (CAL) for up to 25 users/50 devices
• Lower price point
• Ability to run traditional applications and other features, such as file and print sharing

In addition, it will also offer:

• Windows Server 2019 Essentials has the same licensing and technical characteristics as its predecessor, Windows Server 2016 Essentials. If configured as a Domain Controller, Windows Server 2019 Essentials must be the only Domain Controller, must run all Flexible Single Master Operations (FSMO) roles, and cannot have two-way trusts with other Active Directory domains.
• Windows Server 2019 Essentials includes the new hardware support and features and improvements like Windows Server 2019 Standard, including Storage Migration Services, System Insights, and many more.
• Windows Server 2019 Essentials will not include the Essentials Experience role. The Essentials Experience primarily simplified file sharing and device management. For a better management experience, Microsoft now offers Windows Admin Center.

Microsoft, however, warns that Windows Server 2019 Essentials will likely be the last version of the Windows Server Essentials, and recommends small businesses switch to Microsoft’s cloud products such as Microsoft 365 which they say provides a complete, intelligent solution, including Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Microsoft 365 Business includes a richer feature set including Office, e-mail and calendaring, file storage in the cloud, data protection, and more, allowing small customers to evolve their business.

Alternatively, companies can continue using Windows Server 2016 Essentials under Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) servicing timeline or switch to Windows Server Standard, which also supports more than 25 users.

Read more detail at Microsoft here.