Every few years Microsoft graces us with an upgrade for their server operating system. When this happens our clients want to understand if and why it is necessary to upgrade existing servers and if they should purchase the OS for new servers. In the beginning, our response is usually a wait until the first Service Pack. Windows Server® 2008 R2 is the newest Windows Server operating system from Microsoft and is in release 2.
Designed to help organizations reduce operating costs and increase efficiencies, Windows Server 2008 R2 does provide enhanced management control over resources across the enterprise. It is designed to provide better energy efficiency and performance by reducing power consumption and lowering overhead costs. It also helps provide improved remote office capabilities, better remote access experience, streamlined server management and expanded virtualization strategy for both client and server computers.
1. Security – For us, security is the number one reason to upgrade. This is an are Micorosft has taken a lot of hits on. With this operating system they have made substantial improvements in security. For our money, in today’s interconnected IT world, the most important factor for selecting an operating system is security.
2. Hyper-V – Microsoft’s answer to VMware’s vSphere Virtualization Suite. It comes with Windows 2008 and depending on which version of Server 2008, you can really save some money on licensing
3. Indexing and Searching – Nothing to this date is as fast and comprehensive in the Microsoft Windows Server 2008 File Indexing Service. Search faster, smarter. This improves user performance and loweres server overhead.
4. Branch Access – A central BranchCache™ server can keep track of both existing file requests and file updates to ensure all requests receive only the most current content. The result is an easy-to-configure and easy-to-maintain caching solution that speeds the servicing of remote client requests and lowers WAN bandwidth utilization at the same time.Security – With roles based configuration, the server footprint / attack footprint is smaller and more secure.
5. Read only Domain Controllers – Can’t secure that domain controller in a branch office, use RODC’s and make it secure
6. IIS 7.0 – The most secure web software from Microsoft to datewhich allows better security on in-house driven websites (finally).
7. Terminal Services RemoteApps – Terminal Services RemoteApp allows you to provide access only to specific applications over the RDP channel. In that way, users cannot get into trouble with a full desktop, and if a hacker compromises that user’s credentials, all the hacker has is an application, which has a much lower attack surface than a full desktop.
8. Server Core – Making Windows Server 2008 even more secure and easier to manage. No longer must you have a complete OS installed in order to run a server, with server core now you only need the core + role(s).
9. IPv6 – Not quite in the mainstream yet, but its headed there. Windows Server 2008 has native support for IPv6, future-proofing the way servers and workstations communicate with the Internet.
10. BitLocker full disk encryption – (also supported by Vista Enterprise and Ultimate editions) enables you to prevent unauthorized persons from booting into the server even if they have physical access.
