Windows Server 2008 Launch

There has been much talk about the launching of Windows Server 2008. The server operating system finally hit the streets in early March after more than a year of beta testing and plenty of anticipation created by rave reviews of early versions.

Originally called Longhorn (we like that in Austin, don’t we?), this OS is distinguished by the addition of significant new functionality across the board.

Windows Server 2008 enables IT professionals and small business owners to increase the reliability of their networks while decreasing support and maintenance costs.

New virtualization tools and security enhancements help save time, reduce costs and provide a platform for a dynamic and optimized network. Virtualization in Windows 2008 allows multiple systems to operate on a single server with no incremental licensing costs. This can insulate networks against software failure and data corruption. Advanced security and reliability enhancements harden the operating system and protect the server environment to provide a solid foundation on which to build a business.

The new operating system allows for installations of only necessary components to fit a specific server role, rather than a large, default installation that takes up many more server resources. Not only is the install much lighter, but the smaller footprint also means a whittled down attack surface for the always dreaded malware.

The release of Windows Server 2008 has an immediate impact on all server purchases. GCS is extremely excited about the enhancements included in Windows Server 2008. We recommend that, unlike Windows Vista, this product be adopted as soon as Service Pack 1 is released.

There are a few key points when considering the OS for the needs of your business, including the fact that with Windows Server 2008 new pricing equates to spending more for more features, new virtualization licensing dramatically reduces virtualized server costs and that terminal server improvements compete with Citrix in the SMB market.

Windows Server 2008 also includes new disaster recovery features that dramatically reduce the cost of offsite server failover. And the operating system’s Terminal Server features enable remote access to individual applications without presenting a full desktop.

Remember, too, that with this release you can no longer purchase Windows Server 2003. You can, however, downgrade to Server 2003 with purchase of an Open Business or Open Volume Server 2008 license.

Windows Server 2008 is the mid-point of Microsoft’s current Dynamic IT strategy. Dynamic IT is a 10-year plan to drive down the cost of network maintenance and support by 75 percent while making it significantly cheaper to deploy new technologies.

The next step in this plan will be the launching of Windows Small Business Server 2008 (no release date has been set), which has been expanded to cover organizations up to 150 employees.

If you are considering moving to Windows Server 2008 or any major technology upgrade, call us – we can help you decide if it’s the right step for you and your business. Since 2000, GCS Technologies, Inc. has provided outstanding technology solutions to hundreds of satisfied clients. Our technology experts understand the unique problems faced by small and mid-sized businesses. We’ve helped them, and we can help you, too.