Five Technical Benefits of Windows Server 2012 for SMEs
Microsoft has taken a significant step forward with the release of Windows Server 2012. Windows Server 2012 is a bifurcated licensed software available in Standard and Datacenter editions. Currently web hosting companies in the UK are testing and reviewing the OS, and will likely offer it to businesses and startups sometime in 2013/14, as part of updated hardware configurations that at the moment default to Windows 2008.
There is a long list of enhancements and notable features in the 2012 edition worth exploring as we get ready for its public release on hosting platforms:
1. Data Deduplication – storage is a top expense in enterprises, and the data storage market continues to grow. Inc. Magazine said “It’s a $3.2 billion industry with enormous growth potential.”
To this end, Windows Server 2012 has embedded ‘deduplication’ into its core OS, eliminating duplicated space by as much as 90% across operating system installations. Result? Hundreds of gigabytes, even terabytes, of reclaimed space.
2. Shared Nothing Live Migration – this feature is a bifurcated virtualization platform – Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V and VMware vSphere 5.1. This complex terminology basically means users have the ability to move a virtual machine from one host to another without shared storage while the power is still on. This will allow hosting providers to offer greater cloud computing efficiencies as more users access data and apps over the Internet.
3. Server Management and Automation – the integrated platform of Windows Server 2012 elevates management efficiencies and simplified deployment of server roles, either to the immediate or remote server. It is capable of managing VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) clients, Networking, DAC, and Storage.
4. Save on Costs – with simplified Windows Server 2012, Microsoft provides SMEs a licensed software that is easier to install and manage, with an excellent total cost of ownership starting from $882 (Standard) up to $4,809 (Datacenter). Each edition provides an array of enterprise-class features, enabling SMEs to leverage the storage functions and other features to lessen IT costs.
5. Better Compatibility – this server supports open platforms including Node.js, a server-side software system designed to write scalable Internet applications. Alongside, it has an enhanced support for Linux in Hyper-V 3.0 virtualization platform.
According to Microsoft, the new OS provides a modern, open application platform for both today’s software applications and tomorrow’s hybrid cloud solutions.
“It will also appeal to hardcore system administrators since it provide users with access from almost anywhere and any device, giving them the flexibility to stay productive while on the go,” said Microsoft.
—
Author Bio: Jason Stevens from jason-stevens.com / Freelance web developer, tech writer and follower of cloud computing trends. Follow him on Twitter: @_jason_stevens_.
*UK2.net reserve the right to agree or disagree with our guest bloggers. Call it freedom of speech, but our guest bloggers are entitled to have an opinion. If you wish to agree or disagree, then feel free to leave a comment. Thanks for visiting our blog! If you wish to become a Guest Blogger for UK2, please contact our marketing department.