Microsoft has released a new version of Windows Server, and this is the fourth version since WS 2008. Each new version has brought improvements and new features in terms of security, scalability, management, and much more. In this article, we will take a look at all the versions that have been released so far.
Windows Server: Versions and Features
W.S.2008
It is the second major release of the Windows Server operating system, the successor to Windows Server 2003. It was released to manufacturing on February 4, 2008, and achieved general availability on May 6, 2008. It is the first server version to be named "Windows Server" rather than simply "Windows".
The 64-bit edition is compatible with IA-32 (x86) and x64 processors; therefore, it can be used for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. However, this version is not compatible with Itanium architecture processors due to their incompatibility with AMD64 technology. The 32-bit edition is only compatible with IA-32 processors; therefore, it can only run 32-bit applications.
Windows Server 2008 R2
It is a server operating system produced by Microsoft. It is the first version of the Windows Server family that is based on the same core as Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, but is also available in a 64-bit version.
W.S.2012
It is the latest version of Windows Server. It is the first version of Windows Server to run on x64 architecture and also the first to use Windows PowerShell.
Virtual machines can now be configured to start automatically when they are created or imported onto a host machine. This feature allows you to configure virtual machines as part of your standard operating system deployment process to start automatically when they are created or imported onto a host machine.
W.S.2016
It is Microsoft's latest server operating system. It is a scalable, cloud-ready operating system that incorporates security and compliance features. Windows Server 2016 also integrates virtualization features, including support for Hyper-V virtual machines, which allows you to create and run multiple instances of Windows Server on a single physical computer (host).
You can use this version of Windows Server on both physical computers and virtual machines (VMs), so if you need to deploy multiple servers running different applications on a single physical server or VM host, this is an excellent choice for your needs.
Windows Server 2016 Features
Windows Server 2016 is a server operating system developed by Microsoft that includes several notable features.
Some of the key features are as follows:
Virtualization area
Provides virtualization products and features that enable IT professionals to design, deploy, and maintain virtualized environments. It includes features such as Hyper-V, Nano Server, and shielded virtual machines. This enables greater flexibility and efficiency in managing resources and applications.
Enhanced Security
Includes features that help protect and secure server environments. This includes admin credential protection, malicious activity alerts, and advanced encryption technologies.
Different editions
It is available in several editions, such as Standard and Datacenter, which offer different features and capabilities depending on the needs of the organization.
These are just some of the features of Windows Server 2016. For more information and specific details , please consult the official website.
Windows Server 2019
It features several new features and improvements. Here are some of the key features.
Security enhancement
Includes Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) with Windows Defender, which offers enhanced anti-malware protection and automatically blocks and warns about potential malicious attacks.
Hybrid cloud
It focuses on the hybrid cloud, providing enhanced integration and management capabilities for both cloud and on-premises environments. It enables businesses to leverage the benefits of cloud computing while maintaining control over their data and applications.
Improving Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI)
Introduces enhancements to hyperconverged infrastructure, enabling better performance, scalability, and management of software-defined storage and networking.
Improved container support
This version of Windows Server supports Windows Containers, enabling easy deployment and management of containerized applications.
Smaller and more efficient Nano server
It includes a smaller, more efficient Nano server, providing a lightweight option for running cloud-native applications and microservices.
Please note that this is only a general overview of some of the features of Windows Server 2019. For a more detailed list and comparison of the editions, please refer to the official Microsoft documentation.
Conclusion
It's important to remember that not all versions of WS are compatible with each other. For example, WS 2016 cannot run on a machine with WS 2008 R2 because the operating systems are different. If your company is considering upgrading or adding new servers, it's important to make sure they're running the same version of Windows so they work together seamlessly.