Microsoft will release Windows 2008 Server as the direct successor to Windows 2003 Server in the spring of next year. The new server OS, code named Longhorn, shares the same kernel with Windows Vista and incorporates many additions compared to its predecessor.
According to Microsoft, Windows Server 2008 has three main aims, or 'pillars'. The first is to improve server control — allowing customers to cut the time they spend on everyday tasks. The second is greater flexibility — to enable companies to respond quicker to changing business needs. And the third is increased protection against ever-present security threats.
When using the completely revamped server-management console, configuration and administration of the new server become much simpler. The new Internet Information Server 7 also sports a new user interface. With virtualisation technology integrated directly into the operating system, third-party tools or solutions are no longer necessary when using virtual machines and the like. Lastly, administrators are as up-to-date as it gets, since Windows 2008 Server includes all of the components slated for inclusion in Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista.
Ready To Switch?
While upgrading to the latest and greatest operating system version tends to be a decision taken with due care, consideration and waiting for the first service pack, Windows Server 2008 has one major ace up its sleeve - the built-in virtualisation capabilities. An early upgrade may be a brave decision but the arguments for virtualisation are compelling - a decision to evaluate at an earlier stage than normal perhaps.
Here's the key features in the new operating system.
Windows Server On A Diet
For many environments, the news that Windows Server 2008 will have a Server Core installation option will be music to the ears. Server Core allows for installation of server roles with only the necessary components and subsystems without a graphical user interface. Fewer roles and features means minimising disk and service footprints while reducing attack surfaces.
Web
Windows Server 2008 comes with a new version of Internet Information Server. IIS7 provides simplified management, powerful diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities that save time, and comprehensive extensibility.
Internet Information Server IIS7 together with the .NET Framework 3.0 provide a comprehensive platform for building applications that connect users and data, enabling them to visualise, share, and act on information. Additionally, IIS7 plays a central role in unifying Microsoft's Web platform technologies—ASP.NET, Windows Communication Foundation Web services, and Windows SharePoint Services.
Virtualisation
Microsoft Windows Server Hyper-V enables you to consolidate multiple server roles as separate virtual machines running on a single physical machine. You can also efficiently run multiple operating systems — Windows, Linux and others — in parallel on a single server.
Applications can also be efficiently virtualized using Windows Server 2008 centralised application access technologies. Terminal Services Gateway and Terminal Services RemoteApp allow easy remote access to standard Windows-based programs from anywhere by running them on a terminal server instead of directly on a client computer.
Security
Microsfot claims that Windows Server 2008 is the most secure Windows Server yet. The operating system has been hardened to protect against failure and several new technologies help prevent unauthorised connections to networks, servers, data, and user accounts. Security features include:
- Network Access Protection
- Read-only Domain Controller
- BitLocker Drive Encryption
Server Management
The new Server Manager provides a unified management console that simplifies and streamlines server setup, configuration, and ongoing management. Windows Server now sports a proper command line - PowerShell - that, in itself, enables administrators to manage systems and develop comprehensive scripts without the need to resort to a variety of other tools to complete the job. Windows Deployment Services provides a simplified, secure means of rapidly deploying the operating system via network-based installations. And Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering wizards, and full IPv6 support plus consolidated management of Network Load Balancing, make high availability easy to implement even by IT generalists.
Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 Home page is here.
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