Prior to purchasing this I installed a evaluation version (downloaded from Microsoft), so was very aware of the capabilities. Not only provides peace of mind knowing that all PCs in the house are backed up regularly, but also provides a bunch of features, from user and shared folder management, remote access, etc.
What I really liked about this specific purchase is that it enabled me to convert my existing evaluation version of my server to a fully licensed version without having to reinstall - so all my configurations, users, shares, web settings, etc. were untouched - simply took a minute to change the license key, rebooted, and all done.
Recommend anyone interested to first download the evaluation version, try it out, and then buy this.

I saw this Server Essentials listed for under $300 and I thought, "Ok what is wrong with it." I then compared the specs, write-ups with the other server essentials sold by Amazon and they were identical. I noticed the AE and tried to find out what it was (yes I somehow missed the question that someone wrote...). So today when I got it I was stoked because I could finally get this server built for my friends Medical Practice. Suddenly "Wham!" there it is "Academic Evaluation" is very small print on the box. Of course on the web page selling the product there is no picture of the actual box, so you cannot zoom in and see the "For Academic use only" on the box' Amazon just shows the MS Logo.

So buyer beware the AE copy is the "Academic Evaluation" version. I wonder what Amazon will do to compensate me for the pain they are now putting me thru oh ya NOTHING!

I purchased Essentials R2 'AE' to replace my ancient WHS v1 server. I had been running under an 180-day evaluation key, but it ran out of time. Luckily I ran across this AE version while looking for the lowest price for the software.

First, as far as capability is concerned, this is the real deal. As far as I can tell the OS isn't hamstrung in any way - it's the full 'Essentials' product with no additional limitations. I just popped in the new key to upgrade my evaluation copy to the real deal and it 'just worked'.

Of course this 'AE' version isn't legit for commercial use, but for my home/personal use it's perfect. It was kind of crazy thinking about having to pay full-tilt for a hard-core commercial license for what amounts to a new WHS box, so this AE license's splitting the difference is great.

I would highly recommend this AE version for non-commercial use. Of course, if you're looking to use it for business, you should get the full version.