Windows Foundation Server

Microsoft  has expanded its industry-leading Windows Server family of operating systems with the addition of Windows Server 2008 Foundation. Built for small businesses with 15 or fewer users, Windows Server 2008 Foundation puts the reliability, security and manageability of the Windows Server platform within the reach of all businesses at an affordable price.
Microsoft has filled a crucial hole at the low end of its Windows Server portfolio by delivering a simple, low-cost solution geared for small businesses and first-time server users.

Windows Server 2008 Foundation Recommended Uses

Windows Server 2008 Foundation is an ideal first server and can be deployed easily to create a single-server network. Windows Server Foundation can be deployed in a variety of ways to meet your needs.

Core Infrastructure

Windows Server Foundation is an excellent option for use with single or multiple workloads, such as file sharing, print sharing, networking, Terminal Services, remote connections, and other common server roles. Also, Windows Server Foundation can be used for Internet Web services and as a Web server platform for intranets and extranets where user authentication is required.

Active Directory

Windows Server Foundation can be used as an Active Directory server or domain controller, and can also join a domain as a member server or domain controller (but the 15 user limit still applies across AD scenarios)

Terminal Services (Remote Desktop)

Windows Server Foundation is also ideal for multiple-user computing, such as sharing Microsoft Office or using Terminal Services.

Line of Business Applications

Your line of business applications that are built for the Windows Server 2008 family can be deployed on your server. If they have the “Certified for”, or “Works with” accreditation for Windows Server 2008 Standard, then they will be supported on Windows Server Foundation, as well as being able to deploy many third party software which is currently available for Windows Server 2008.