Windows Server 2012, released in September 2012, is Microsoft’s latest server offering aimed at both small- to medium-sized businesses and enterprise. Compared to its predecessor, Windows Server 2008 R2, Server 2012 offers a host of new features and improvements–such as private and hybrid cloud services–making it a worthwhile consideration for many IT departments.
The most noticeable change upon installation is the graphic user interface (GUI), which is based on the Windows 8 tile scheme. What you might not realize is that Microsoft took steps to make the GUI management console available from the admin’s machine or device instead of forcing the admin to access it remotely on the server. This allows an admin to much more easily manage multiple servers and environments directly from their computer.
Another big improvement in Server 2012 is the beefed up Hyper-V, Microsoft’s virtualization platform. Microsoft took care to improve its automation, isolation, provisioning and performance. With virtualization becoming a staple in modern-day network installations, Microsoft made sure that Hyper-V could compete with other popular virtualization packages like VMware.
Microsoft also greatly improved the way the OS handles storage in order to address ever-growing storage needs and virtualization. Basically, Server 2012 treats any type of physical storage you throw at in the same manner, allowing administrators to create Storage Pools and Storage Spaces. These features greatly improve the server’s flexibility, scalability and performance.
Put all that together, and Windows Server 2012 may just be an ideal network operating system for your business.
Before making any decision about the state of your business’s IT infrastructure, we at Minneapolis-based OAC Technology recommend that you confer with an IT professional to make sure you’re making a decision that’s right for your business. We offer IT and Network Support to small- and medium-sized businesses with one goal in mind: Make IT work. Contact us today for a free consultation.
