Windows 2008: First Glance

Here's my short analysis. The following are based on RC1. Features may change between now and R1.

Windows Server 2008 Key New Features

• BitLocker Drive Encryption


• Integrated Multipath I/O


• IIS Health, Diagnostics, Performance Tools


• Remote Differential Compression - Replicate files/directories over a WAN more efficiently (Better than rsync)


• Server Roles - Streamlines server management by defining what a server is used for (ex: Web Server). Can download additional roles from MS by clicking "Check for New Roles."


• Remote Server Administration Tools (Roles and Features Only)


• Storage Manager for SANs


• Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications - Basically gives you the ability to run Unix apps in a Windows environment. You'll need to recompile, but shouldn't need to change the code much.


• Windows PowerShell (New, more robust scripting language)


• Windows Server Backup


• Windows System Resource Manager (Limit/prioritize CPU/Memory access at the service level)

Notes

• VMWare tools installs fine from VI Client. Network card drivers won't show up until you install VMWare tools.


• I'm aware some of these features were available in previous versions, but now they're brought to the front of the show.