Yes, the public beta for Windows Server Essential 2012 is now available for download here!
Beta released on July 11, 2012
Windows Server Essential (WSE) 2012 is the the follow on product to the Small Business Server (SBS) Essentials 2011 product. Some features of this release includes:
- Based on Windows Server 2012
- Supports up to 25 users and 50 devices
- Complete system backup of the server and up to 25 workstations with bare metal restore
- Supports disk volumes larger than 2 Terabytes (TB)
- Offers the new Storage Spaces technology supporting disk drives of various sizes
- Health monitoring of Windows 7/8 and Mac OS X 10.5 and greater
- Supports all of the 3rd party add-ins developed for SBS 2011 Essentials and Windows Home Server 2011
- Enhanced Remote Web Access
- Update Windows Phone App
- Full image backup for 25 workstations
- And more!
For more information, benefits, FAQ and datasheet, please visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/windows-server-essentials/default.aspx
Microsoft has not indicated how long the beta is scheduled to run, but I would suggest submitting any issues or bugs in a timely (quick) manner.