Exploring the Windows Server Versions

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As the world of technology continues to evolve, so do the tools used to manage, secure and store the critical data necessary for businesses to operate. Microsoft’s Windows Server is a premium operating system that caters to the unique needs of business customers by providing enterprise-level security, scalability, and reliability.

The current version of Windows Server is Windows Server 2019, which was released in October 2018. It provided users with a number of noteworthy improvements over its predecessor, including better optimization for hybrid cloud environments and enhanced security features.

Microsoft has also recently announced that the next version of Windows Server will be Windows Server 2022. This upcoming release promises to be one of the most powerful yet and will feature a variety of new features designed to increase performance and security. Some of these features include improved virtualization capabilities, enhanced storage solutions, enhanced identity and access management (IAM) capabilities, improved container support, and more robust network security measures. In addition to these new features, we can also look forward to improved scalability and reliability thanks to Microsoft’s Azure Hybrid Cloud platform integration.

For those businesses who are looking for an even more powerful solution than what Windows Server 2022 can offer them, Microsoft has also announced plans for a Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release called Windows Server 2022 Edition. This version is designed for mission-critical applications that need the highest levels of security and performance over extended periods of time without requiring significant maintenance or updates from their IT departments. It comes with all the same features as Windows Server 2022 but includes additional stability enhancements aimed at ensuring reliability over extended periods of time.

Microsoft’s commitment to providing reliable server solutions means that businesses can trust that their data is secure and accessible when they need it most no matter what version they choose. Whether you choose one of the latest versions like Windows Server 2019 or decide on an LTSC release like Windows Server 2022 Edition you can trust that your data will remain safe while you enjoy maximum performance from your server environment.

Latest Versions of Windows Server

The latest versions of Windows Server are Windows Server 2022 Edition and Windows Server 2019 Edition.
Windows Server 2022 is the tenth major long-term servicing channel (LTSC) release of the Windows Server operating system. It provides a secure, reliable, and cost-effective way to host applications and services, as well as providing a platform for developing, deploying, and managing applications. It includes features such as Hyper-V support for virtualization, improved networking capabilities with the introduction of SDN v2, enhanced security capabilities with Shielded Virtual Machines and Host Guardian Service, and more.

Windows Server 2019 is the ninth major release of Windows Server. It offers an array of features such as containers technologies like Docker Swarm or Kubernetes, storage solutions such as Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) for high availability clusters on Azure or on-premises deployments, security features like Just in Time (JIT) access control policies and shielded virtual machines (VMs), plus improvements in performance areas like IPAM configuration. Additionally, it also has new features related to hybrid cloud solutions such as Azure File Sync and Cloud Witness.

Source: techmgzn.com

Types of Windows Server

There are three types of Windows Server available: Essentials, Standard, and Datacenter. Each edition provides different levels of features and capabilities, designed to best meet the needs of organizations of different sizes and data center requirements.

Windows Server Essentials is tailored for small businesses with up to 25 users and 50 devices, providing a cost-effective solution that includes basic server features like file storage and sharing, Remote Desktop Services, and print services.

Windows Server Standard is designed for organizations with up to 500 users or devices that need advanced server features such as Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), Hyper-V virtualization, failover clustering, storage replication, and more.

Finally, Windows Server Datacenter is the most comprehensive edition and is typically used by large enterprises with a need for high performance and scalability. It includes all features from the Standard edition as well as advanced features like Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) and Shielded Virtual Machines (VMs).

Number of Versions of Windows Server

There are currently four versions of Windows Server available: Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2022. Each version has its own unique features and capabilities that make it suitable for different types of businesses. The most recent version, Windows Server 2022, was released in August 2021.

Windows Server is a powerful operating system used to manage networks and business applications. It provides a secure platform for users to access data and applications, as well as tools for managing and monitoring server performance. With the different versions available, businesses can find the best solution for their needs.

Availability of Windows Server 2016

Yes, Windows Server 2016 is still available. It was released for general availability on Oct. 12, 2016, and mainstream support ended on Jan. 11, 2022. Although mainstream support has ended, Microsoft continues to provide extended support until Jan. 14, 2026; during this time customers can continue to receive security updates and other fixes as needed. Additionally, the server’s core underlying technologies are still supported by Windows 10; so organizations can leverage existing investments in Windows Server 2016 while deploying new Windows 10-based applications and services.

Which Windows Server Version is Most Suitable?

The best Windows Server version for an organization depends on its size, specific needs, and budget. For well-established organizations with large integrated cloud infrastructures, Windows Server 2022 Data Center Edition is an ideal choice as it provides the most comprehensive set of features. It uses a core-based licensing model which covers up to 16 cores and includes advanced virtualization technology. It also allows for increased scalability, so businesses can easily add or remove resources as needed. Additionally, it offers improved security and enhanced performance compared to other versions of Windows Server. For smaller organizations with less complex needs that don’t require the same level of scalability or advanced features, Windows Server 2019 Standard Edition is a good option as it comes with a reasonable price tag and provides basic server functionality.

Are Windows Servers Still Relevant in Today’s Technology Landscape?

No, Windows servers are not obsolete and remain an important part of many IT infrastructures. Microsoft has transitioned from the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) to a Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) for Windows Server, which provides organizations with a more reliable, predictable, and flexible approach to managing their Windows Server deployments. The LTSC releases of Windows Server provide five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support. This means organizations can continue to deploy and maintain Windows Server solutions that are supported by Microsoft for up to ten years.

Conclusion

Windows Server is the industry-leading server operating system from Microsoft. It has been around for over 30 years and continues to be the go-to choice for businesses of all sizes. Windows Server 2022 is the latest version, providing users with a wide range of powerful features and options to help them better manage their IT infrastructure. With its advanced security, reliability, cost savings, scalability, and flexibility, Windows Server 2022 is an ideal choice for both small businesses and large enterprises alike. It is also highly customizable so it can be tailored to fit any organization’s specific needs.