Microsoft is the developer for many software products. Their notable offerings for small businesses include:
| Windows XP/Vista | Operating system software for PC computers. For business usage, we recommend you purchase the Professional edition exclusively |
| Windows Server | Operating system software for servers. This includes all features for Windows XP, but includes additional functionality to provide services for multiple computers in an office network. |
| Office | Software suite that includes Outlook (e-mail), Excel (spreadsheets), Word (word processing), PowerPoint (presentation software), and Access (databases). Office is released in a number of different versions, some of which may not include each of these products. |
| Exchange | E-Mail server and groupware product. Includes functionality that enables users to share contacts, calendar, e-mail messages, and events. |
| SQL Server | Database server that enables numerous users to connect simultaneously to access databases. |
| Sharepoint | Intranet product |
Two different types of licensing: volume licensing and retail licenses.
Windows Vista advisory! |
