What’s New with Windows Server 2016?
On Sept. 26, Windows Server 2016 was launched. This new system has some updated features, like improved security and container support. The preview version also debuted new networking tools.
However, if you are in a position where you are working what seems like an endless sea of tickets and you haven’t had a chance to try the betas and previews, here is a chance to get a good rundown of the new features. These features set Windows Server 2016 apart from its previous version so that you can be more productive with better security.
The Evolution of the Server Core
Windows Server 2016 has its Nano version, which is a thinned-down version that is managed remotely and runs 64-bit applications only. However, it can be optimized so it restarts quickly and can perform a wide range of tasks with minimal hardware. DNS, IIS, application servers, F&P, and compute nodes are good applications for the Nano server.
PowerShell 5.0
A part of the Windows Management Framework 5.0, PowerShell 5.0 comes with some great improvements, like support for developing your own classes and the PackageManagement module. PackageManagement allows you to discover and install software packages on the internet.
Flexible Container Support
There are now two types of containers that improve process isolation, security, performance, and scalability. You can isolate applications with a namespace and a dedicated process. The Hyper-V containers look like entire machines that are optimized for an application. Hyper-V has its own kernel, while Windows Server Containers share a kernel with the host. Both of these allow you to get the most out of your hardware investments. All customers now also receive the Commercially Supported Docker engine for free, which enables applications distributed via docker containers to run in a cloud or on-site installations.
Administrative Work Is Simpler
Because you have enough to worry about, it is good when there is an opportunity to reduce the amount of administrative work required by a server. If it can be managed through PowerShell, an administrator can delegate practically anything. If you are a developer or have a developer who needs to restart app pools on the server or bounce services, this capability is available.
Better Security
Security is everything when it comes to servers because of the amount of sensitive information. No one wants a breach that could hurt his or her bottom line. Windows Server 2016 brings with it improvements to security, Active Directory, and identity management. Administrative accounts are greatly isolated to ensure security.
It is fair to say that the most significant changes are the security improvements, which can bring about a great deal of peace of mind. Other changes include software-defined networking having better connection flexibility, better time accuracy, and being able to better create and scale HA data storage infrastructures without paying a fortune to do so. You can combine availability software with commodity hardware and simply have an overall better performance. All of this makes Windows Server 2016 a winner in the areas of flexibility and security.
