Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium expectations

Microsoft recently announced the release of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium Edition set for release November 12, 2008.

The release of Server 2008 marks one of the most significant upgrades Microsoft has made to the line of server software. Perhaps only the release of Windows 2000 was a step most important to the product line. Before the release of Windows 2000, NT 4.0 was available only for servers.

The newtechnologies available in Server 2008 will prove to be more favorable to society than previous versions.

Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium

Server 2008 is the first release of a new server product from Microsoft Server 2003 R2. The innovations contained in this release are well worth the wait. With the release, as with Vista, Microsoft makes the most of the 64-bit computing environment that isaround for several years.

Some of the major developments in the new release is an update to Active Directory (AD) infrastructure, which has since Windows 2000 was released. However, many functions within Server 2008 is very powerful and have the latest Microsoft server operating system 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, Microsoft Forefront Security for Exchange Server, Windows Live 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 the characteristics of this new radical.> Server Core provides a minimal version of Server 2008 are installed on machines that only need specific functionality. For example, Server Core can be configured on common features that normally the server, such as DHCP server, DNS server, file server and Active Directory, as well as operations such as streaming media, printing services, or even Windows Virtualization.

Server Core is designed for usenetwork administrators and server management staff to develop a core team of highly specialized and efficient, using the computing environment is Server. Server Core Installation is very different from other Microsoft operating systems on a PC or server installations minimal. The interface - usually from the command line, but a task manager or the Notepad window may be sued.

IT professionals can enjoy a Server Core installation, where necessary.Maintenance under such a system is an absolute minimum, because the server where the software is installed only focused on a specific function, instead of multiple functions on a full install of Server 2008. There are also inherently less vulnerable to a potential hacker to work under that setting, so security is a breeze. The simplest system also ensures fewer software errors that occur when you least expect it - as when an application installed that is not fully compatible with Microsoft software.

Given all these benefits for a minimal installation, it becomes clear that the time management involved with this specialized servers is significantly reduced. Less time means less maintenance management of IT staff, or at least, not one staff to spend time making sure that the firewall keeps up or a problem highlighted by several functions in a typical> Server.

Hyper-V

In Server 2008, Hyper-V option, which increases the presence of Microsoft in the world of virtualization. Virtualization provides a single machine to take over the functions of two or more machines, using the same resources, without overlaps or conflicts. Virtualization has many advantages for the business world that they are difficult to track. The limited number of machines in a virtual environment can save money for abusiness in many different ways. Less machines use less energy in less space and can be effectively managed by fewer staff.

Today, the machines can handle the added functionality of virtualization requirements, often CPU, memory and hard disk space is wasted or never used. Virtualizing a server environment is a trend that will continue to see over the next decade.
earlier version of Microsoft virtualization, Virtual Server, uses apopular virtualization technique called "virtualization host-based" where the main installation operating system runs a service called "Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) that provides virtual environment to another operating system.

Hyper-V works differently with a hypervisor. A hypervisor provides an abstraction layer in boat running only the minimum functions of the kernel, abstracted from the environment required to run multiple operating systems and theircorresponding applications on top of the kernel. This results in a faster and more scalable than the virtual VMM methodology.

However, an important consideration is that Hyper-V is largely depends on the hardware. To fully exploit the speed and scalability of Hyper-V Microsoft virtualization infrastructure generally requires hardware acceleration. This hardware is not uncommon, however. Examples of these are AMD's Pacifica and Intel VT extensions their respective Opteron and Xeon.

Setting up a virtual machine on Hyper-V is a breeze with the wizard, and console access to virtual environments is simple and effective. Hyper-V is integrated into the Server 2008 version and it is just file and print services, making configuration and management are very simple and familiar to the experience with earlier versions of Microsoft.

Easier Server Management

Previousserver installations> had a separate management console for each role within the Manage Your Server dashboard. Manage Your Server is a useful extension to the previous releases server management console were not so neatly collected. However, with Server 2008, this a step further convenience with all new Server Manager.

With Server Manager, administrators have a one-stop-shopmanagement server for the first time. It 's very likely that most of the time, the IT staff never need to use another tool to manage the system, Server 2008, and will be very grateful. Again, with this tool, Microsoft reduces the time required to perform simple tasks.

Within Server Manager, the roles and features installed on the system as of 2008 Server DHCP server, DNS server, file services, Domain services, etc. All these are available for the management and control with the click of a mouse. Very useful troubleshooting tools are also conveniently located in the Server Manager, such as Windows Firewall, Device Manager, Event Viewer and WMI Control. The new Windows Server Backup tool is also located here and will be further discussed, because it is a significant improvement in itself.

Click on any of the management tools inside> Server Manager, the administrator of a special home page, which provides information relevant to the role. Hence, more information is collected, what advice the understanding of the task or function and links to other useful tools that help administrators in almost every situation.

Terminal Services server goes hand in hand. This is the power that enables administrators to remotely configurePC. In previous versions, Terminal Services only allowed the whole system PC remotely deployed, rather than specific applications. The changes to version 2008 Server via the remote desktop client reworked, in which a user logs on to download and install the application without the administrator to oversee the operation.

Other improved Server 2008 Features

Windows Server Backup has been enhanced for faster backupsnew technologies. O server full or incremental backup, the IT staff will notice the difference from previous versions of Microsoft. Restoring a backup is much easier. Previously, this had to be done manually by multiple backup and an incremental backup was performed, but only the date of backups to choose the repair can take place.

Other improvements to the backup service in Server 2008,the ability to restore on another computer, if necessary, the possibility of applications and better planning to return to automate the daily backups. The backup service also allows for remote administration by adding the backup module to the Server Manager console.

Microsoft BitLocker is a new technology available in Server 2008. Debut with the release of Vista, BitLocker encrypts the entire hard drive as a first physicalline of defense against the physical theft of sensitive data that can be included inside. BitLocker provides peace of mind for the offices of the organizations in which physical security can not be what it is at the head office.

Another new feature is the read-only Domain Controller (RODC), which allows staff to set up the infrastructure of Active Directory read-only. This configuration includes the Active Directory replication is unidirectional, rather than two directions, as it isnormally configured. An organization could use this setting back the branch that takes you back to the central office may not be as fast or reliable. In this scenario, Active Directory is configured in a central office and then sent to remote sites before it is used.
The combination of configuration of Server Core, RODC and BitLocker provides a level of security in the Server 2008 version is impossible in a previous version. ConfigureMachines such as read-only ensures that data can not be compromised even if a hacker managed to penetrate the perimeter defenses. Although theft may occur when a server was stolen at a remote site, BitLocker ensures that data on the machine to decipher, making the checks for the RODC administrators to reconfigure the network, with a few mouse clicks.

Internet Information Services (IIS) technology is the server-side for the first time availableWindows NT 3.51 in 1995. With the full release in the seventh IIS Server 2008 for the first time, the service is completely configurable. Webmasters indicate precisely the services you want to allow - and what services you need out. All IIS 7 is also supported by new Server Manager console.

Versions and Licensing

different product editions of Windows Server 2008. A secondthe version is configured for each specific type of hardware platforms, such as 32-bit or 64-bit versions and are available with built-in virtualization, while others leave the function.

It 'important to the products of the different ways to know when the Microsoft server licenses purchased. The Microsoft Open Licence is for smaller customers with less than 250 desktop computers in their network. From five licenses can be purchased andwith these permits, the owner has the right to transfer images to different machines or transfer of a license to another machine.

Microsoft Volume Licensing is designed for networks with more than 250 computers. Within this group are held at different levels to provide flexible payment program. same rights under the Open License, but there are additional discounts for volume purchases.

Both types of licenses with the option to add Microsoft Softwareassurance plan that provides support for Microsoft products.

Software Assurance includes full support, including training and the ability to speak with representatives from Microsoft to assist in the creation and management software for Server 2008.
Software Assurance must not be forgotten in a Microsoft acquisition. With the purchase, software upgrades are included, in addition to the version of rights that guarantees the buyer the right, without additional costs, new editionsof goods purchased must be available during the duration of Software Assurance.

Web Server 2008

This version is configured for the device indicates the ability to function as a Web server and little else. This provision may not be the configuration of the domain controller and does not contain the new Microsoft virtualization technology, Hyper-V. However, Web Server 2008 is supported by a Server Core installation. Thisversion can be purchased in 32-bit or 64-bit and supports up to four processors.

Windows Server 2008 Standard

The standard version is equipped with all the basic features of the new improvements and technologies described in this article. It 'available in 32-bit and 64-bit and also supports up to four processors. The Standard Edition can be purchased with or without Hyper-V virtualization. If the version with virtualizationpurchased, it also comes with five client access licenses (CALs). It is worth noting that Hyper-V is available with 64-bit editions of Server 2008. A virtual copy can be configured with the standard edition.

Windows Server 2008 Itanium

The Itanium edition is fully customized for specific servers that work is how to run the database server or application. Itanium does not support Hyper-V, nor support for Server Core. It 's justAvailable in 64-Bit Edition, bought each processor to a maximum of 64 supported processors and supports up to 64 GB of RAM.

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise

Companies can also be purchased in editions 32-bit or 64-bit, with or without Hyper-V virtualization. At company level, 25 CALs standard with the installation and instead of a maximum of four processors, this edition is the support of eight. Enterprise also providessupport a much more system memory (RAM) with the increase in the number of processors supported: up to two terabytes versus standard 32-gigabyte version. Four cases are available with the Enterprise edition.

Windows Server 2008 Datacenter

Once again, the Datacenter version, purchased both a 32-bit or 64-bit and with or without Hyper-V virtualization support. In terms of licenses are purchased per processor and the Datacenterpurchasing organization is granted unlimited virtual instances. Datacenter Edition was purchased with the Enterprise edition for machines that can benefit from unlimited virtualized environments. The Datacenter Edition supports up to 64 processors to 64-Bit Edition.

It 's also interesting to note that the Hyper-V can be purchased as an add-on editions purchased without the feature. However, at a cost of only $ 28, it is almost unthinkable because someonewould choose to purchase Server 2008 at any level, without this technology.

Other editions should be available in the near future, Windows Small Business Server and Windows Essential Business Server. Both new releases, regardless of the specific configuration chosen, will be available only in 64-bit editions. As their names to show, the issues for SMEs with up to 50 workstations in the Small Business Edition and up to 250 jobsEssential Business Edition.

In addition, specific functionality within each issue are chosen by these new versions. Small Business Server will come with Server 2008 Standard, Exchange Server 2007, SharePoint Services 3.0, a one-year subscription to Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Windows Live OneCare, the all in one package. The Premium version contains all of the above and a copy of SQL Server 2008 and Server 2008Standard, which allows installation on two computers.

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 can be installed on three different machines and includes Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, System Center Essentials 2007 and the next version of ISA Server and Internet Security, when available. The Premium edition adds SQL Server 2008.

See Also : Soil Permeability

Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium Editions Exceeding Expectations

Microsoft recently announced the release of Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium Editions scheduled for release on November 12, 2008.

The release of Server 2008 marks one of the most significant upgrades Microsoft has made to its server line of software. Perhaps only the release of Windows 2000 was a more significant advance to the product line. Before the release of Windows 2000, only NT 4.0 was available for servers.

The new technologies present within Server 2008 will prove to be more beneficial to businesses than previous releases.

Small Business Server 2008 Standard and Premium Editions

Server 2008 marks the first release of a new Microsoft server product since Server 2003 R2. The innovations in the new release have been well worth the wait. With the release, as with Vista, Microsoft makes full use of the 64-bit processing environment that has been around for several years now.

Some of the key advances in the new release are an upgrade to the Active Directory (AD) infrastructure, which has been around since Windows 2000 was released. However, many features within Server 2008 are quite powerful and have taken the newest Microsoft server OS in a radically different direction.

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

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

Server Core

Server Core is one of these radically new features. Server Core allows for a minimal version of Server 2008 to be installed on machines that only need specific functionality. For example, Server Core can be configured to take on common functions that servers normally perform such as 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 the use of network administrators and server management personnel who could develop a highly specialized and efficient computing environment utilizing Server Core. A Server Core installation is very different from other Microsoft OS installations on a PC or server. The interface is minimal - mostly by command line, though a Task Manager or Notepad window can be called up.

IT professionals will appreciate a Server Core installation where it is needed. Maintenance under such an installation is at an absolute minimum since the server on which the software is installed is only focused on one particular function rather than the multiple functions on a full installation of Server 2008. There are also inherently less vulnerabilities for a would-be hacker to exploit under this setup, so security is a breeze. The simpler installation also guarantees less software bugs arising when they are least expected - such as when an application is installed that is not fully compatible with Microsoft software.

Considering all these benefits to a minimal installation, it becomes obvious that the management time involved with these specialized servers is also considerably reduced. Less management time translates into less maintenance by IT staff or, at least, a staff that does not waste time making sure the firewall is holding up or pinpointing a problem through multiple functions on a typical server.

Hyper-V

Also in Server 2008 is the Hyper-V option, which enhances Microsoft's presence in the world of virtualization. Virtualization allows for a single machine to take on the functions of two or more machines, utilizing resources simultaneously without causing overlap or conflict. Virtualization has so many benefits to the business world that they are difficult to number. The reduced number of machines in a virtual environment can save money for a business in many different ways. Fewer machines use less power in less space and can be effectively managed by fewer employees.

Today's machines can handle the additional functionality that virtualization demands; oftentimes processor capacity, primary memory and hard drive space are wasted or never even used. Virtualizing a server environment is a trend we will continue to see over the next decade.
Microsoft's previous virtualization release, Virtual Server, uses a popular virtualization technique called "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 functions in a completely different way by using a hypervisor. A hypervisor creates an abstraction layer at the boot level, performing only minimal functions of the kernel, then abstracting the environment required to run multiple operating systems and their associated applications on top of the kernel. This translates into a much faster and more scalable virtual environment than the VMM methodology.

However, an important consideration is that Hyper-V is largely hardware dependent. To fully take advantage of the speed and scalability of a Hyper-V virtualization infrastructure from Microsoft typically requires hardware acceleration. This type of hardware is not uncommon, however. Examples of such are the AMD Pacifica and Intel VT extensions of their respective Opteron and Xeon processors.

Setting up a VM through Hyper-V is a breeze with the Wizard, and console access to the virtualized environments is simple and expedient. Hyper-V is built into the Server 2008 release and is managed just as print and file services are, so configuring and management are also very simple and familiar for those experienced with previous versions of Microsoft Server.

Easier Server Management

Previous server installations had a separate management console for each role contained within the Manage Your Server dashboard. Manage Your Server was a convenient enhancement over previous server releases where management consoles were not all so neatly gathered together. However, with Server 2008, this convenience is taken a step further with the completely new Server Manager.

With Server Manager, system administrators have a one-stop shop for server management for the first time. It is very likely that for a majority of the time, IT staff won't ever need to use another tool to manage the Server 2008 system, and they will be very thankful for it. Once again, with this tool, Microsoft lessens the time it takes to perform simple tasks.

Within Server Manager are the roles and functions installed on the Server 2008 system such as the DHCP server, DNS server, file services, domain services, etc. All of them are available for management and monitoring at the click of a mouse. Very handy troubleshooting tools are also conveniently located within Server Manager such as Windows Firewall, Device Manager, Event Viewer and WMI Control. The completely new Windows Server Backup tool is also located here and will be discussed further, as it is a considerable enhancement in its own right.

Clicking on any of the management tools located within Server Manager takes the administrator to a dedicated home page, which provides pertinent information to the role in question. From here, more information can be gathered such as troubleshooting tips, further knowledge about the task or function and links to other helpful tools that help administrators in virtually any particular situation.

Terminal Services goes hand in hand with server administration. This is the capability that allows administrators to remotely configure PCs. In previous releases, Terminal Services only allowed the entire PC installation to be deployed remotely, rather than specific applications. The changes with the Server 2008 release are through the rehashed Remote Desktop client, where a user logs in to download and install the application without the administrator having to oversee the operation.

Other Enhanced Server 2008 Features

Windows Server Backup has been enhanced for faster backups with new technology. Whether servers are fully backed up or incrementally backed up, IT staff will notice the difference from earlier versions of Microsoft Server. Restoration from a backup has also been made much easier. Previously, this had to be done manually from multiple backups if an incremental backup had been performed, but now only the date of the backup has to be chosen for the restoration to occur.

Other enhancements to the backup service in Server 2008 include the ability to recover the operating system on another machine if necessary, the ability to recover applications and improved scheduling for the automation of daily backups. The backup service also allows for remote administration by adding the backup snap-in to the Server Manager console.

BitLocker is another new Microsoft technology available in Server 2008. First debuting with the Vista release, BitLocker allows for the encryption of entire physical hard drives as a first line of defense against physical theft of sensitive data that may be contained within. BItLocker provides more peace of mind for organizations that have branch offices where physical security may not be what it is at the central office.

Another new function is the Read-Only Domain Controller (RODC) that allows IT staff to configure the Active Directory infrastructure as read-only. Such a configuration keeps Active Directory replication unidirectional, rather than bidirectional, as it is normally configured. An organization could use this setup once again in the branch office location where connections back to the central office may not be as fast or as reliable. In this situation, Active Directory would be configured at the central office and then sent out to remote sites before it is accessed.
Combining configurations of Server Core, BitLocker and RODC provides a level of security in the Server 2008 release impossible in prior releases. Configuring machines as read-only guarantees the data cannot be compromised even if a hacker were able to penetrate perimeter defenses. Also, if a theft were to occur in which a server was stolen at a remote site, BitLocker guarantees the data contained on the machine to be indecipherable, while RODC controls allow for administrators to reconfigure the network with a few clicks of the mouse.

Internet Information Services (IIS) is the server-side technology that first became available with Windows NT 3.51 back in 1995. With the seventh full release of IIS available for the first time in Server 2008, the service becomes fully configurable. Web administrators specify precisely which services they would like to enable - and which services they would like to disable. All of IIS 7 is also supported by the new Server Manager console.

Versions and Licensing

Several different product editions of Windows Server 2008 are available. Depending upon the version, each type is configured for specific hardware platforms, such as 32 bit or 64 bit, and versions are available with virtualization capability built in, while others leave the function out.

It is important to understand Microsoft's different available methods of licensing when purchasing server products. The Microsoft Open License is intended for smaller customers with less than 250 desktop computers in their network. As few as five licenses can be purchased and with these licenses, the owner has the right to transfer images to different machines or transfer a license to another machine.

Microsoft Volume Licensing is intended for networks serving more than 250 computers. Within this group are several account levels that offer flexible payment scheduling. The same rights are established as with the Open License, but there are added discounts for the volume purchases.

Both types of licensing come with the option to add Microsoft's Software Assurance plan, which provides maintenance for Microsoft products.

Software Assurance includes comprehensive support including training and the ability to speak with Microsoft representatives to assist in deploying and managing Server 2008 software.
Software Assurance should not be overlooked in any Microsoft purchase. With the purchase, software upgrades are included in addition to Version Rights, which guarantees the purchaser the right, at no extra charge, to new editions of the product purchased should one become available during the length of the Software Assurance contract.

Web Server 2008

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

Windows Server 2008 Standard

The Standard version comes with all basic functionality of the new enhancements and technologies described in this article. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions and also supports a maximum of four processors. The Standard edition can be purchased with or without Hyper-V virtualization. If the version with virtualization is purchased, it also comes with five Client Access Licenses (CALs). It is worth noting that Hyper-V is only available with 64-bit editions of Server 2008. One virtual instance can be configured with the Standard edition.

Windows Server 2008 Itanium

The Itanium edition is highly customized for specific-function servers that perform either as database or application servers. Itanium does not support Hyper-V, nor does it support Server Core. It is only available 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

Enterprise can also be purchased in 32-bit or 64-bit editions and with or without Hyper-V virtualization. At the Enterprise level, 25 CALs come standard with the installation and instead of the maximum of four processors, this edition allows for the support of eight. Enterprise also allows for support of a great deal more system memory (RAM) with the increased number of processors supported: two terabytes versus the maximum of 32 gigabytes in the Standard edition. Four instances are available with the Enterprise edition.

Windows Server 2008 Datacenter

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

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

Other editions expected to become available in the near future are Windows Small Business Server and Windows Essential Business Server. Both these new editions, no matter the specific configuration chosen, will only be available in 64-bit editions. As their names portray, these editions are targeted for SMBs with up to 50 desktops in the Small Business edition and up to 250 desktops in the Essential Business edition.

Additionally, specific functionality within each edition can be chosen with these new versions. Small Business Server Standard will come with Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, SharePoint Services 3.0, a one-year subscription to Forefront Security for Exchange Server and Windows Live OneCare, all in one package. The Premium version will include all the above plus another copy of Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 Standard, which allows for installation on two machines.

Windows Essential Business Server 2008 can be installed on three different machines and includes Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, Forefront Security for Exchange Server, System Center Essentials 2007, and the next release of Acceleration Server and Internet Security when they become available. The Premium version also adds SQL Server 2008.

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