Enterprise Server Strategies for the CIOWindows Server 2012 is now available to the general public, bringing with it 300 new improvements over its predecessor, Windows Server 2008 R2. It is the first major release of a server operating system since 2009.
What can users expect from the new server? A revamped and modernized virtualization option in Hyper-V 3.0, an overhauled PowerShell language, a new UI and a lot more.
We've compiled our best features, news and more into this guide. We'll answer the basic question: should I buy it? Plus, we'll explain how to prepare for the upgrade and dive deeper into the technologies. After poring through the news and tips, you can test your knowledge of Windows Server 2012's newest features with our quiz.
Learn more about the product on our Windows Server 2012 topic page and for the latest news and stories, follow us on Twitter @SearchWinServer.
Table of contents:
What to expect in Windows Server 2012 -- reviews and views
Why should (or shouldn't) I upgrade?
Our expert takes a look at some reasons to upgrade to the latest server and explains why some
administrators might want to wait or pass on the upgrade. This Windows Server 2012 review will make purchasing decisions that much
easier.
How the new and old versions co-exist
We offer up some answers
to questions you might have about this version of Windows Server, like clustering, file shares
and features that won't be supported. Plus, participate in the poll and discussion on the page.
Latest Windows Server 2012 news
System Center 2012 will manage Windows Server 2012 … eventually
The System
Center 2012 SP1 beta supporting the latest Windows Server version is out, but its timing
frustrates IT pros.
How Windows Server 2012 upgrades will impact x86 server market
Now that Windows Server 2012 is out, hardware manufacturers are beginning to get servers running
the latest and greatest hardware out the door. But what does this mean for Windows
Server 2012 hardware sales in the short- and long-term?
With Microsoft's decision to reduce the number of Windows Server 2012 editions to four, IT shops can decide which edition to use simply by figuring out how many VMs they need to run.
Microsoft sets the date
At the beginning of August, Windows
Server 2012 released to manufacturing. Microsoft announced the general availability date set
for approximately one month later.
System Center admins will have to wait to run Hyper-V 3.0
The latest
version of System Center only supports hosts using Windows Server 2008. This means IT shops may
have to wait for Service Pack 1's release if they want to use Hyper-V 3.0.
Windows Server 2012 feature breakdown
Clustering improvements remove dependencies, bring high availability
Clustering improvements in Windows Server 2012 are bringing some big changes. The dependence
on Active Directory is gone, support for read-only domain controllers is in and configuration
with scale-out file servers makes high
availability more attainable than ever.
Latest RSAT benefits make remote administration the new normal
By using the
latest benefits of RSAT, admins can count on security, multiserver administration, remote
Server Core administration and other advantages not previously offered with Windows Server.
Microsoft Online Backup Service: a cloud option for storage
Our expert breaks down the pros and cons admins may have when using Microsoft's
latest cloud service offering with Windows Server 2012.