5 Ways Windows Server Has Evolved

More than a decade has passed since Microsoft Windows Server 2003 was the main operating system for hosting a server-client-based network. Several versions have followed: 2008, 2012, and now 2016.

As the operating system continues to evolve, Microsoft has made it much easier for system administrators to manage users and resources on their network. Here are five ways the server operating system has evolved to better help administrators. Check out our Microsoft Windows Server training to learn about these advancements and more.

1. Windows Containers = Fewer Resources Needed

Hyper-V was available as of Windows Server 2008, which allowed administrators to spin up VMs as needed. All VMs were located in one central dashboard, so an administrator could manage from one location instead of installing third-party applications.

Windows Server 2016 offers containers, a new, lightweight way to deploy small applications that don't need many resources and will be destroyed quickly. Think of containers as mini-VMs that you can use more easily to rapidly deploy applications. Your developers can test applications, you can set up temporary containers for employees, and you don't need as many resources as traditional VMs.

2. Improved Command-line Options in PowerShell

Windows Server 2003 had the Windows command line similar to all other Microsoft operating systems. Microsoft soon offered PowerShell, a combination of the command line and the .NET programming language. It also has some shell-style commands that many Linux administrators might recognize.

PowerShell is the core operations programming language for Windows Server 2016. You can deploy applications, control system information, get statistics on your server, work with Active Directory, and move files around the network. It's much more robust than the old Windows command line that administrators may remember from the days of Server 2003.

3. Backup Support Enhancements

Even desktop Windows operating systems have backup support, but it's very rudimentary. As a result, Windows Server 2003 administrators often were forced to buy backup support software from a third-party vendor, but that might not be as necessary anymore with Windows Server 2016.

With Server 2016, administrators have a built-in backup system called Resilient Change Tracking (RCT). RCT is specifically used to back up virtual machines, but it's more than just the old standards from older systems. Instead of creating a full backup each time, RCT gives you the option of incremental backups. Only content on your server that has changed on the VM will be backed up to your chosen location.

4. Windows Nano Server and the Cloud

Windows Nano Server is a revolutionary change for the operating system. Nothing can compare to it since Windows Server 2003. During the days of Server 2003, cloud applications and infrastructure in the cloud were only available to enterprises that had the money for architecture.

Now, the cloud is readily available to enterprises, small businesses, and even individuals. The nano server is Microsoft's introduction to cloud services for virtual machines created within the network. Think of Nano Server as a slimmed-down version of the full operating system. With it, you can deploy VMs more quickly with little overhead from the standard GUI interface.

5. Licensing Structure of the Future

Traditionally, most administrators know that licensing is based on seats or concurrent users. Microsoft is changing the way it requires administrators to license their 2016 Server product. Licensing is done per core, so the amount of licensing fees you pay depends on your infrastructure.

This new licensing fee structure supports cloud structures, which is how most enterprise infrastructure works. Most enterprise networks work with at least a hybrid cloud, where part of network resources are located in the cloud. This step also supports the way network architecture is going. It can be more expensive for the organization, but it's necessary to support Microsoft's new initiatives.

If you are used to Microsoft's old-school server operating systems, Windows Server 2016 will be a whole new world for you. Understanding all of the new features takes time, but it's well worth it to help you maintain your network environment more easily.