Since Microsoft Windows Server 2003, the main operating system used to host a server-client-based network, more than a decade has passed. There have been several versions since 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Microsoft has made it easier for administrators to manage users, resources and networks as the operating system evolves. Here are five ways that the server operating system has improved to help administrators. For more information, see our Microsoft Windows Server training.
1. Windows Containers = Less Resources Required
Hyper-V was made available with Windows Server 2008 and allowed administrators to create VMs as required. Administrators could manage all VMs from one dashboard. This made it easier to install third-party apps and instead of having to go to multiple locations.
Windows Server 2016 provides containers. These containers are a lightweight way to deploy small applications quickly and don’t require a lot of resources. Containers can be thought of as mini-VMs that allow you to quickly deploy applications. You can use containers to test your applications and create temporary containers for employees.
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Start training2. PowerShell offers improved command-line options
Windows Server 2003 featured the Windows command line in a similar fashion to other Microsoft operating systems. Microsoft soon introduced PowerShell, which combines the command-line with the.NET programming languages. It also supports shell-style commands that many Linux administrators may recognize.
PowerShell is Windows Server 2016’s core operations programming language. PowerShell is the core operations programming language for Windows Server 2016. It allows you to deploy applications, manage system information, obtain statistics on your server, use Active Directory, and move files around your network. It’s far more robust than the Windows command-line administrators may have remembered from Server 2003.
3. Backup Support Enhancements
Backup support is available on all Windows operating systems, even desktop Windows. However, it is very basic. Windows Server 2003 administrators were often forced to purchase backup support software from third-party vendors. However, this might not be as important with Windows Server 2016.
Server 2016 administrators have Resilient Change Tracking (RCT) as a built-in backup method. RCT is used to backup virtual machines. However, it also supports older standards. RCT allows you to create incremental backups instead of a complete backup every time. Only the content of your server that has been modified on the VM will get backed up to your choice location.
4. Windows Nano Server and The Cloud
Windows Nano Server is a revolutionary new operating system. It is unlike anything since Windows Server 2003. Cloud applications and infrastructure in cloud were not available before Server 2003. This was because only those who had the money to build them could access them.
The cloud is now available to individuals, small businesses, and enterprises. Microsoft’s introduction to cloud services for virtual machines that are created within the network is Nano server. Nano Server is a simplified version of the full operating systems. You can deploy VMs faster using the standard GUI interface.
5. Future Licensing Structure
Most administrators have known that licensing is based upon concurrent users or seats. Microsoft is changing the licensing requirements for 2016 Server products. The licensing fee you pay will depend on the infrastructure that you have. Licensing fees are charged per core.
This new licensing fee structure supports cloud architectures, which is the direction most enterprise infrastructure is heading. Enterprise networks use at least a hybrid cloud as part of their network resource.
