We live in an age where our technology needs are ever evolving. Right now we may need things we didn’t even know existed until a few weeks back because every little feature or upgrade brings massive value into our everyday lives. The same is the case with the preview release of Microsoft Windows Server 2019. Let’s take a closer peek at what features Microsoft has in store to serve our evolving needs with its new release.

Microsoft is all set to launch its new and improved Windows Server 2019 in the second half of the year 2018 that claims to be a super-enhanced version of Windows Server 2016. Although, Windows Server 2016 is the widely used version in Windows Server generation. They have released the first build of the preview version of their new operating system. The new server comes with the promise of many new features but the desktop-like experience, Hyper-converged infrastructure, hybrid cloud, platform applications and security remain the priority areas for this newer Windows where they have brought in mentionable enhancements.

The Desktop Experience

The desktop-like Windows Server experience is probably the most exciting thing for this release which was missing in an earlier version of Semi-Annual Channel versions. The previous Semi-Annual Channel releases were GUI-less and only supported Server Core and Nano configurations. Owing to the LTSC release by Microsoft, tech gurus, and IT buffs will be able to utilize a desktop GUI for Windows Server 2019 hand-in-hand with the GUI-less interface of the Server Core and Nano configuration.

Hybrid Cloud Goal and Project Honolulu

Hybrid clouds are the buzz now, so Microsoft has kept the tradition alive and made it a priority functionality area, aiming for Hyper-V virtual machines to connect and live to migrate between Azure and on-premises Hyper-V hosts. One of the predictions that are going around with regards to the new Windows Server 2019 is that Microsoft will do away with the Server manager to bring in a more efficient web-based server management tool – Project Honolulu. Eventually, the tool will provide the necessary support to manage on-premises and cloud resources both via a single interface. This product evolution is all too familiar to us because we have previously seen PowerShell metamorphosing from a basic support tool to a unified management tool.

Enhanced Security

With huge investment in the security features of Windows Server 2016, Microsoft has gone much further in the rollout of the new Windows Server 2019. Not only has Microsoft made security enhancements like Shielded VM support for Linux VMs, but it has also added a built-in tool namely the “Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection” with the purpose of detecting, assessing security breaches and potential malicious attacks along with responding to them by automatically alerting users and blocking them. The inclusion of the Windows Defender ATP in Windows Server 2019 will help users prevent security compromises using deep Kernel, memory sensors, data storage, security integrity components and network transport.

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Platform Management and Linux Interoperability

When it comes to Platform Applications, Windows Server 2019 has brought in some remarkable upgrades to make it efficient and hassle-free. The base container image has been reduced to third of its size to decrease the images’ download time by a whopping 72 percent. There are many speculations around the topic if the new server will or won’t support the Kubernetes. But like most other clusters, Kubernetes will be supported by the new server and will go through some upgrades in the coming quarter as well. Another key area in Platform Applications will be to improve the overall user journey in terms of engagement and navigation. The navigating environment experience will be improved by allowing Linux users to utilize industry standards like Tar and Curl to bring Linux scripts into Windows.

Enterprise-Grade HCI

HCI (Hyper-converged infrastructure) combines storage, compute, and networking in a software-driven appliance and users of x86 servers now realize what the worth of HCI really is. It has indeed become the most demanded trend in today’s server industry. The HCI market has shown astonishing growth of 64% according to IDC and some experts including Gartner have said that by 2019, it will become a $5 billion market. The integration of Windows Server 2019 with Project Honolulu has made HCI deployment management more scalable, reliable, and efficient, consequently making the management of everyday activity on HCI environments much easier and simpler.

Wrapping It Up

Windows Server 2019 is all set to be launched soon for the general public but if you are a potential user or an IT buff who can’t wait to get his hands on it, join the Windows Insider program for preview and tool testing. It will give you a fair idea of what to expect from the upcoming launch.

Microsoft would love to hear from you! Use the Windows 10 Insider device and the Feedback Hub application to share your views on the preview. When you enter the app, select the Server category, relevant subcategory followed by entering your build number to provide your feedback. You can also visit the Windows Server space in the Tech community to share your views and learn from the best minds.

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