Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium Edition surpass expectations

Microsoft recently announced the release of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium Edition will appear on 12 November 2008 planned.

has made the release of Server 2008 marks one of the major upgrades from Microsoft to its server line of software. Perhaps only the 2000 release of Windows was a major step forward for the product line. Before the release of Windows 2000, NT 4.0 was only for servers.

The new technologies in the presentServer 2008 will prove to be beneficial for the company longer than previous versions.

Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium Edition

Server 2008 is the first release of new Microsoft server product, since Server 2003 R2. The innovations in the new release have been worth the wait. With the release, how does in Vista, Microsoft full use of the 64-bit processing environment in order was for several years now.

Some of the most important advances in the newPress release, an upgrade to the Active Directory (AD) infrastructure, which is around since Windows 2000 was released. However, many features in Server 2008, very powerful and has taken the latest Microsoft server OS in a radically different direction.

The Small Business Server 2008 Standard Edition comes with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007, Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, Windows Server Update Services 3.0 bundled, Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server, WindowsLive OneCare for Server and integration with Office Live Small Business.

The Small Business Server 2008 Premium Edition includes all the products in the Standard Edition plus Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Standard for Small Business.

Server Core

Server Core is one of these completely new properties. Server Core provides a minimal version of Server 2008 machines that only certain features are installed. For example, Server Core can be configured to accept,common features that work the normal servers, like those of the DHCP Server, DNS Server, File Server and Active Directory as well as operations such as streaming media, print services, or even Windows virtualization.

Server Core is meant for use by network administrators and server management staff who could develop a highly specialized and efficient IT environment using Server Core. A Server Core installation is very different from other Microsoft operating system installationson a PC or server. The interface is minimal - mostly via command line, whether a task manager or editor windows can be called.

IT professionals appreciate a Server Core installation, where it is needed. Maintenance under such a system is reduced to a minimum because the server on which the software is installed aligned only to a specific function and not on the many functions a full installation of Server 2008. There are also inherently less security holesa would-be hackers to use in this setup, so that security is a breeze. The ease of installation also ensures fewer software errors that occur when they least expect - such as when an application is installed, is not fully compatible with Microsoft software.

Considering all these benefits for a minimal installation, it is obvious that the management time dealing with this particular server is also reduced. Less time means less maintenance managementby IT staff or at least one staff member, not a waste of time not sure that the firewall keeps or find a problem with multiple functions on a typical server.

Hyper-V

In Server 2008 Hyper-V option that Microsoft's presence in the world of virtualization is improved. Virtualization allows a single machine to take over the functions of two or more machines, the use of resources, while not overlap or conflict. Virtualization ismany benefits to the economy that it is difficult one. The reduced number of machines in a virtual environment can save money for a company in many ways. Fewer machines consume less power in less space and can be effectively managed by fewer staff.

Today's machines handle the additional functionality that requires virtualization, often processing power, memory and primary hard disk space is wasted or never used. A server virtualization environmentis a trend we continue to see over the next decade.
Microsoft's virtualization earlier release, Virtual Server, uses a technology called virtualization software popular "host-based virtualization, where the primary OS installation runs a service called" Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) that provides the virtual environment to another operating system.

Hyper-V features in a completely different way with a hypervisor. A hypervisor provides an abstraction layer at the boot levelImplementation of minimal functions of the kernel, then the abstracted environment necessary to run multiple operating systems and its applications to the kernel. This is reflected in a much faster and more scalable virtual environment than the VMM methodology.

However, an important consideration that Hyper-V is largely hardware dependent. To fully take advantage of the speed and scalability of Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization infrastructure usually requiresHardware acceleration. This type of hardware is not unusual, however. Examples include the AMD Pacifica and Intel VT extensions of their Opteron and Xeon processors.

Setting up a VM with Hyper-V is a snap with the Wizards and console access to the virtualized environments easily and effectively. Hyper-V is built into the Server 2008 release and will be administered only as a print and file services, the configuration and management are also very simple and familiar for theexperienced with earlier versions of Microsoft server.

Easier Server Management

Back Server installations had a separate management console for each role in the Manage Your Server dashboard included. Manage your server was a convenient improvement over previous versions, where server management consoles were not all assembled as clean. But with Server 2008, this convenience one step further is taken over with the all-new Server Manager.

WithServer managers, system administrators a one-stop shop for server management for the first time. It is very likely that for most of the time, the IT staff will not always have to use another tool to manage the Server 2008 system, and they are very grateful. Once again, this tool reduces the time Microsoft needs it to perform simple tasks.

In Server Manager, the roles and functions on the server 2008 system as the DHCP server, DNS server, file installedServices, domain services, etc. All of them are for the management and monitoring at a click. Very handy for troubleshooting tools are also conveniently located in the Server Manager, such as the Windows Firewall, Device Manager, Event Viewer and WMI Control. The all-new Windows Server Backup tool is located here and will be further discussed, since it is a significant improvement in its own right.

located Clicking on any of the management tools in Server Managertake the administrator to a dedicated website, the necessary information, provides the role in question. From here you can help other information such as troubleshooting tips, more knowledge about the task or function and links to other useful tools, the administrators, are collected in almost every concrete situation.

Terminal Services goes hand in hand with the server administrator. This is the ability to work with administrators to remotely configure PCs. In earlier versionsTerminal Services to remotely only the entire PC installation will be provided, rather than specific applications. The changes to the Server 2008 release will be processed through the Remote Desktop client where a user logs on to download and install the application without the need to monitor the administrator for the operation.

Other Enhanced Server 2008 Features

Windows Server Backup for faster backups have been improved with new technology. Whether servers are fully securedor incrementally backed up, IT staff will notice the difference from previous versions of Microsoft server. Restore a backup was a lot easier. Previously this had to be done manually from multiple backups, if an incremental backup was performed, but now only the date of the backup occur chosen for the restore.

Further improvements to the backup service in Server 2008 include the ability to restore the operating system on another computer, ifnecessary to be able to recover applications and improved scheduling for automating daily backups. The backup service also allows for remote management by using the Backup snap-in Server Manager console.

BitLocker is another new Microsoft technology in Server 2008. First debuted with the Vista release, allows for the BitLocker encryption of the entire physical disk as the first line of defense against theft of sensitive data that must be containedwithin. BitLocker provides more peace of Enterprise, the branches in which physical security can not be what it is in the headquarters to have.

Another new feature of the Read-Only Domain Controller (RODC) is that it enables the employees to the Active Directory infrastructure as read-only configuration. Such a configuration stops Active Directory replication is unidirectional, bidirectional, rather than how it is configured in the rule. An organization can use this setup again in theBranch, where his connections back to the central office is not as fast or as reliable. In this situation, Active Directory would be configured in the headquarters and then sent out to remote sites before accessing them.
The combination of Server Core configurations, RODC and BitLocker provides a level of security in the Server 2008 Release impossible in previous versions. Configure machines as read-only guarantees the data can not be jeopardized even if a hacker were able to beto penetrate perimeter defenses. Even if you experience a theft, were where a server was stolen at a remote location, guaranteed the BitLocker data be included on the computer to decipher, while configure allow RODC controls for administrators, the network with a few mouse clicks.

Internet Information Services (IIS) is the server-side technology, which first became available with Windows NT 3.51 in 1995. The seventh version of IIS available for the first time in server2008, the service is fully configurable. Web administrators to specify exactly what services they provide to you - and turn off which services they want. All IIS 7 is also supported through the new Server Manager console.

Versions and Licensing

Several different product editions of Windows Server are available 2008th Depending on the version for each type-specific hardware platforms, configured as 32-bit or 64-bit versions are available withVirtualisation capabilities built in, while others omit the function.

It is important to Microsoft's various methods available for licensing to understand the purchase of server products. The Microsoft Open License is designed for smaller customers with less than 250 desktop computers in their network. Only five licenses can be purchased with these licenses, the landlord has the right to transfer images to different machines or transfer a license to another computer.

MicrosoftVolume Licensing is intended for networks with more than 250 computer. Within this group are taken into account several levels that offer flexible scheduling payment. The same rights are set as with the Open License, but there are discounts for volume purchases recorded.

Both types of licensing with the option of Microsoft Software Assurance Plan, which provides care for Microsoft products will add.

Software Assurance includes comprehensive support, including training andthe ability to speak with a Microsoft representative in providing and managing support Server 2008 software.
Microsoft Software Assurance should in no purchase will be overlooked. With the purchase, software version upgrades are in addition to rights that guarantees the buyer the right, without additional cost to purchase new editions of the product should be the duration of the contract included Software Assurance available.

Web Server 2008

This versionis to be specially configured to give a machine the ability to function as a Web server and little else. This structure does not allow the domain controller configuration and not include Microsoft's new virtualization technology, Hyper-V. However, Web Server 2008 support a Server Core installation. This version can be purchased either in 32-bit or 64-bit editions, and supports up to four processors.

Windows Server 2008 Standard

The standard version comes with allBasic functionality of the new enhancements and technologies described in this article. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions and also supports up to four processors. The Standard Edition can be purchased with or without Hyper-V virtualization. If the package is bought with virtualization, it also comes with five client access licenses (CALs). It is worth noting that Hyper-V is only 64-bit editions of Server 2008. A virtual instance can be configured with theStandard Edition.

Windows Server 2008 Itanium

The Itanium Edition's unique to specific V server function running the most that either a database or application servers. Itanium does not support Hyper, nor does it support Server Core. It is only in the 64-bit Edition is purchased per processor, up to a maximum of 64 supported processors and supports up to 64 gigabytes of RAM.

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise

Businesscan also be purchased in 32-bit or 64-bit editions, and with or without Hyper-V virtualization. At company level, equipped with 25 CALs installed, and instead of a maximum of four processors, these output for the support of eight years. Enterprise also allows for the support of much more memory (RAM) with the increased number of supported processors: two terabytes to the maximum of 32 gigabytes in the Standard Edition. Four cases with availableEnterprise Edition.

Windows Server 2008 Datacenter

Once again, the Data Center version be purchased to support either 32 bit or 64 bit and with or without Hyper-V virtualization. In the data center level, per processor licensing is purchased and the purchase, is an organization that granted unlimited virtual instances. The Data Center Edition is purchased in conjunction with the Enterprise Edition for machines that could benefit from unlimited virtualized environments. TheDatacenter Edition supports up to 64 processors in 64-bit Edition.

It is also worth noting that Hyper-V technology can be purchased an add-on purchase for expenditure without the functionality. However, at a price of only $ 28, it is almost inconceivable why they would choose to purchase Server 2008, on any level, without this technology.

Other issues expected in the near future available to Windows Small Business Server and Windows Essential Business Server. Boththese new editions, no matter which configuration is selected, available only in 64-bit editions. How to display their name, these editions for small and medium-sized businesses with up to 50 desktops in the Small Business Edition and up to 250 desktops in the Essential Business Edition is targeted.

In addition, certain functions within each edition can be chosen with these new versions. Small Business Server will come standard with Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, SharePoint Services 3.0, a yearSubscription for Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Windows Live OneCare, all in one package. The premium version includes all the above plus one additional copy of Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 Standard, which allows for installation on two computers.

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 can be installed on three different computers and includes Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, System Center Essentials 2007, and the next version ofInternet Security and Acceleration Server as soon as they become available. The premium version also adds SQL Server 2008.