The current version of Microsoft Windows Server is Windows Server 2019. It was released in October 2018 and is the ninth major release of the Windows Server operating system.
Windows Server 2019 is the successor to Windows Server 2016, and it comes with significant improvements and enhancements, including better integration with Azure, enhanced security features, and improved performance. The server operating system is designed for businesses with high demands for computing and networking capabilities.
It offers a range of features to aid in managing data centers, cloud services, and enterprise infrastructures. Microsoft continues to support and update Windows Server 2019, making it an important platform for organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure.
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History Of Microsoft Windows Server Versions
Microsoft Windows Server has had several versions since the initial release of Windows NT in 1993. In 2003, Windows Server 2003 was released with new features and improvements to its Active Directory, security, and networking capabilities. Windows Server 2008, released in 2008, saw improvements in virtualization, security, and management. In 2012, Windows Server 2012 was introduced with more focus on cloud computing, including a new virtualization platform and storage enhancements.
Windows Server 2016, released in 2016, had new features such as virtualized storage, virtual networking, and enhanced security. Windows Server 2019, released in 2018, focused on hybrid-cloud scenarios and provided customers with an easier path to the cloud. Each version of Windows Server has brought new and improved features, security, and management tools to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s organizations.
| Version | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2003 | 2003 |
| Windows Server 2008 | 2008 |
| Windows Server 2012 | 2012 |
| Windows Server 2016 | 2016 |
| Windows Server 2019 | 2019 |
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Understanding Windows Server Versions
The current version of Microsoft Windows Server is Windows Server 2019. Windows Server is an operating system designed for server use and is used in businesses of all sizes. There are different types of Windows Server, such as Standard, Essentials, and Datacenter. The Standard version is designed for non-virtualized or lightly virtualized environments and can support up to two virtual machines. Essentials is for small businesses with up to 25 users and can support up to two processors. Datacenter is designed for highly virtualized and software-defined datacenter environments and can support an unlimited number of virtual machines.
| Version | Description | Virtualization | Processor Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Non-virtualized or lightly virtualized environments | Up to 2 virtual machines | Up to 64 processors |
| Essentials | Small businesses with up to 25 users | Up to 2 virtual machines | Up to 2 processors |
| Datacenter | Highly virtualized and software-defined datacenter environments | Unlimited virtual machines | Up to 64 processors |
Features Of Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Windows Server 2019 is the latest release of Windows Server operating system. It comes with several advanced features designed to improve IT infrastructure.
One of the significant hybrid capabilities of Windows Server 2019 is the ability to connect on-premises servers to Azure where they can use Azure services such as Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery.
Improved security is another key feature. Windows Server 2019 allows administrators to deploy and configure Shielded VMs, which protect virtual machines against malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
Software-defined datacenter is a significant improvement that simplifies the management of IT resources. Windows Server 2019 supports software-defined networking, storage, and computing, which enable administrators to define policies and automate IT processes.
Hyper-converged Infrastructure (HCI) feature helps to simplify the IT environment by integrating compute and storage resources into a single software-defined solution. It enables organizations to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve scalability.
Remote Desktop Services make it possible for users to access virtual desktops and applications from anywhere in the world. It also provides easy and secure access to business-critical applications.
Advantages Of Upgrading To Windows Server 2019
The current version of Microsoft Windows Server is Windows Server 2019. Upgrading to this version can offer significant benefits, such as improved performance, enhanced security, and increased cloud integration.
Improved performance is achieved through several new features, including Storage Spaces Direct, which provides scalable and high-availability storage solutions. Another feature, Shielded Virtual Machines, ensures that virtual machines are protected from unauthorized access, even from privileged users.
Enhanced security is also a priority with Windows Server 2019. The new version includes Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, which provides real-time malware protection and monitoring for your server environment. Additionally, Windows Server 2019 provides Secure Boot to protect the boot process from malicious attacks.
Windows Server 2019 also offers increased cloud integration with support for hybrid cloud scenarios and improved container integration. The new version gives you the flexibility to run your workloads on-premises, in the cloud, or both, depending on your business needs.
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Conclusion
To sum up, Microsoft Windows Server is an operating system designed for servers, providing a platform for managing and securing your business information. As of June 2021, the current version is Windows Server 2019. It offers various features such as hybrid integration, improved security, and enhanced performance.
Regular updates and support from Microsoft make it a reliable choice for businesses worldwide. Keeping up with the latest updates can improve your systems’ productivity and protection. Therefore, it’s essential to stay informed of the latest version.