The Future of Microsoft Windows Server 2016: File Server, Datacenter, and Cloud
Microsoft’s server line saw a major shift with the launch of Windows Server 2016. From a file server running MS-DOS on an IBM PC, to a fully functioning data centre, the transformation began. Microsoft is now all about the cloud, which is covered extensively in our Windows Server Training.
The 80s
In 1989, Microsoft was still a strong partnership with IBM in the server space. Both giants worked together to make the 32-bit OS/2 operating software run on Intel X86 processors. This was before Intel. In the late 80s, servers had around 4 MB of main storage, 60 MB of disk drive, and one 80386/80486 chip. Imagine that.
The 1990s and 2000s
Microsoft began building rack-scale servers in 1992 with Windows for Workgroups 3.1. In 1993, Microsoft launched Windows for Workgroups 3.11. Windows NT 3.1 was released in July 1993. It was a breakthrough with its 32-bit kernel, which could run on SGI MIPS, Intel Itanium and IBM PowerPC.
This launch gave Microsoft a solid base to take over the Unix vendors’ data center in the mid-1980s. Microsoft made a huge splash by hiring Dave Cutler, the inventor of VMS operating systems, in 1988.
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Start training. Cutler was responsible for the design of the Windows NT Kernel and other Windows Servers. Microsoft has produced many other milestones in the server space since then, including:
Windows Server NT4 — suitable for the masses (SMBs).Windows Server 2000 — enterprise (dot.com/boom)
Windows Server 2008 — datacenter
Windows Server 2012 — Leaning to the Cloud
Windows Server 2016 — virtualization, hybrid cloud
The highly-anticipated Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft made a bold statement when it eased the transition to the cloud using Windows Server 2016. Microsoft made a bold statement by making it easier to transition to the cloud with Windows Server 2016. This creates a hybrid offering.
It also comes with container formats that can easily be deployed wherever a company needs them. Microsoft recognizes the hybrid cloud and has made it a reality. This applies to all businesses, regardless of whether they are ready to go fully-cloud or need to take cautious steps to comply with regulatory requirements.
Additionally, operators can update resources across the hybrid cloud with the flexibility that comes from unified DevOps management and management. Users are protected and managed regardless of what application they use. Windows Server 2016 is designed for clients of all sizes.
SATA-based Disk-on-Modules
Microsoft announced support for SATADOM boots drives in future Windows Server 2016 updates at the end of August 2017. These boot drives are cost-saving because they only use one chip and plug into a server’s motherboard.
This results in a higher storage density. Microsoft wants to continue to allow storage sharing via multiple nodes, which is normally achieved with a SAN. However, you still need a drive to start and SD cards can’t handle the capacity.
The Future
There are always new iterations. Microsoft wants more people to join the Azure platform. Automation is one way to do this. Windows Server 2016 was a gentle way to embrace the cloud, but the future is oriented toward a server management model that emphasizes the infrastructure.
It is best to handle identical servers in one unit. This is particularly important for companies that manage thousands of servers. Windows Server 2016 is a bridge between traditional server management and an automated future. Instead of managing each server individually you can look at and work on the whole system.
Take a look at the Server Manager dashboard instantly creating groups of servers
