Microsoft bundles up for small businesses

C|Net | at | by Mike

Aiming to woo small businesses into the world of server-based computing, Microsoft plans to release a cheaper bundle of its server operating system and e-mail management software.

The new packages are part of a large-scale effort by Microsoft to expand its sales to small businesses. The Redmond, Wash., company is investing $2 billion on this effort--it has made several acquisitions bringing in software for small companies and has placed its former sales head, Orlando Ayala, in charge of the push.

While two-thirds of small businesses have more than one PC, only about one-fifth of such companies have a server, according to Katy Hunter, a group product manager for Microsoft.