Windows Server 2012 Powers the Cloud OS
Today in a global online launch event Satya Nadella, president of Microsoft Server and Tools Business, announced the general availability of Windows Server 2012. The new server is built from the cloud up for the modern datacenter.
Windows Server 2012 redefines the server operating system and introduces advanced storage, networking, virtualization, automation and end user access capabilities. It delivers a transformational leap in the speed, scale and power that datacenters and applications can build on. And it is a linchpin in that consistency customers will use to take advantage of private, hosted and public clouds.
Satya writes: “We have set out to build the Cloud OS - a reimagined operating system that enables those smart, modern apps across a company’s datacenter, a service provider datacenter, or the Windows Azure public cloud. The Cloud OS does what operating systems have always done: manage hardware and provide a platform for applications. But it also expands to include services and technologies that have not previously been considered part of an operating system. The Cloud OS needs to bring together all the services required by end users, developers and IT to truly reap the benefits of the Cloud.”
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Key Capabilities
Server Virtualization
Windows Server 2012 with Hyper-V provides a complete virtualization platform, providing increased scalability and…
Windows Server 2012 with Hyper-V provides a complete virtualization platform, providing increased scalability and performance with an elastic and flexible solution from the datacenter to the cloud. It’s now easier than ever for organizations to realize cost savings from virtualization and to optimize server hardware investments.
VDI
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Windows Server 2012 makes it possible for users to access IT from virtually anywhere on popular devices…
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Windows Server 2012 makes it possible for users to access IT from virtually anywhere on popular devices, providing them a rich Windows experience while ensuring enhanced data security and compliance.
Networking
Windows Server 2012 provides an array of new and enhanced features that help reduce networking complexity, making it easier…
Windows Server 2012 provides an array of new and enhanced features that help reduce networking complexity, making it easier to connect users to IT resources, efficiently manage your datacenter and private clouds, and easily link your infrastructure with public cloud services.
Identity and Access
Windows Server 2012 makes it easier for administrators to protect corporate resources…
Windows Server 2012 makes it easier for administrators to protect corporate resources, build strong data access management and protection, and simplify the deployment of identity management infrastructure.
Storage
Windows Server 2012 provides greater efficiency, performance, and innovation through diverse storage choices…
Windows Server 2012 provides greater efficiency, performance, and innovation through diverse storage choices. New features and enhancements for disk, network, and storage area network storage solutions provide greater choice and flexibility while ensuring high availability and uptime.
Server Management and Automation
Windows Server 2012 offers excellent total cost of ownership as an integrated platform…
Windows Server 2012 offers excellent total cost of ownership as an integrated platform with comprehensive, multi-server manageability that provides increased management efficiency, simplified deployment of servers and server roles, and resilient automation.
Web and Application Platform
Windows Server 2012 provides enormous flexibility through hybrid, symmetrical, and web-based applications…
Windows Server 2012 provides enormous flexibility through hybrid, symmetrical, and web-based applications on-premises and in the cloud, increased scalability and elasticity for applications, and enhanced support for open frameworks and open source.
Keynotes Online
See keynotes at Windows Server Launch Home.
Getting Started
Download free full-featured trial and released versions of Server and Cloud Platform products that you can use for up to 180 days.
Windows Server 2012 for IT Pros
Windows Server 2012 offers business and hosting providers a scalable, dynamic...
Windows Server 2012 offers businesses and hosting providers a scalable, dynamic, and multitenant-aware cloud-optimized infrastructure. It securely connects across premises and allows IT Professionals to respond to business needs faster and more efficiently.
Windows Server 2012 for Developers
Windows Server 2012 offers developers a broad, scalable, and elastic server platform…
Windows Server 2012 offers developers a broad, scalable, and elastic server platform. Using a common set of languages and tools, it provides the flexibility to build and deploy applications and web sites on-premises, in the cloud, and in a hybrid environment.
Other Ways to Try Windows Server 2012
When you want to experience the software prior to downloading it, virtual labs provide you with the opportunity to test-drive new and improved features and functionality without the complexity or time investment of setup or installation.
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Windows Server 2012 Virtual Labs
Visit TechNet to find virtual labs for Windows Server 2012.
For More Information
More information about Windows Server 2012 and the Cloud OS is available here.
Read Satya Nadella’s post on The Official Microsoft Blog here.
Bruce D. KyleTechnical Evangelist | Microsoft Corporation
