The Latest Version of Windows Server: What Dev Needs to Know

Hello Dev! Microsoft has recently released the latest version of their server operating system: Windows Server 2019. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the new features, improvements and updates to help you understand what’s new and if it’s worth upgrading to. So, let’s dive in!

Introduction to Windows Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 is the latest version of Microsoft’s server operating system, released on October 2nd, 2018. It is built on the foundation of Windows Server 2016 and brings a host of new features and improvements to make it easier for organizations to manage their IT infrastructure. Here are some of the key highlights:

Improved Security Features

One of the main focuses of Windows Server 2019 is security. It comes with a range of new features to help protect your servers and data from potential threats. Some of the new security features include:

Feature
Description
Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection
Provides real-time protection against advanced and targeted attacks
Encrypted Networks
All network traffic can now be encrypted for increased security
Shielded Virtual Machines
Protects virtual machines from attacks by encrypting their data and configuration files
Exploit Guard
Blocks malware and prevents exploits through a range of security policies

These security features are designed to help protect your servers from potential threats and ensure that your data is secure at all times.

Improved Hybrid Capabilities

With Windows Server 2019, Microsoft is making it easier for organizations to migrate to the cloud. The new version of Windows Server includes a range of hybrid capabilities that allow you to seamlessly integrate your on-premises infrastructure with the cloud. Some of the key hybrid capabilities include:

Feature
Description
Azure Backup
Provides cloud-based backup and disaster recovery solutions
Azure Site Recovery
Provides cloud-based disaster recovery solutions for on-premises servers
Azure File Sync
Syncs on-premises file servers with Azure Files for easier file sharing and collaboration
Hybrid Cloud Print
Allows users to print to on-premises printers from Azure

These hybrid capabilities are designed to help organizations take advantage of the benefits of the cloud while still maintaining control over their on-premises infrastructure.

Is It Worth Upgrading to Windows Server 2019?

Now that we’ve looked at some of the new features and improvements in Windows Server 2019, the question is: should Dev upgrade to this latest version? The answer really depends on your organization’s needs and requirements. Here are some of the things to consider:

End of Support for Older Versions

If your organization is still using an older version of Windows Server, such as 2008 or 2012, it’s important to note that these versions are reaching their end of support. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for these versions, leaving your servers vulnerable to potential security threats. Upgrading to Windows Server 2019 will ensure that your servers are up-to-date and secure.

New Features and Improvements

If your organization requires any of the new features and improvements in Windows Server 2019, upgrading may be worth it. For example, if you need the improved security features or hybrid capabilities, it makes sense to upgrade to take advantage of these new features.

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Costs and Resources

Finally, it’s important to consider the costs and resources involved in upgrading to Windows Server 2019. Depending on your organization’s size and complexity, upgrading to Windows Server 2019 may require significant time and resources. Additionally, there will be licensing costs associated with the upgrade. It’s important to weigh these costs against the potential benefits to determine if upgrading is the right decision for your organization.

Conclusion

Overall, Windows Server 2019 brings a range of new features and improvements to help organizations manage their IT infrastructure. From improved security features to new hybrid capabilities, the latest version of Windows Server is designed to make it easier for organizations to protect their servers and data, and take advantage of the benefits of the cloud. Whether or not Dev should upgrade to Windows Server 2019 depends on your organization’s needs and requirements, but it’s definitely worth considering the benefits and costs of upgrading.

FAQ

Q: Can I upgrade to Windows Server 2019 from an older version?

A: Yes, you can upgrade to Windows Server 2019 from a range of older versions, including Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2 and 2016.

Q: Do I need to purchase new hardware to run Windows Server 2019?

A: It depends on your current hardware. Windows Server 2019 has the same hardware requirements as Windows Server 2016, so if your hardware can run Windows Server 2016, it should also be able to run Windows Server 2019.

Q: How does Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection work?

A: Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection provides real-time protection against advanced and targeted attacks by using machine learning and behavioral analytics to detect and block malicious activities on your server.

Q: What is the cost of upgrading to Windows Server 2019?

A: The cost of upgrading to Windows Server 2019 depends on a range of factors, such as the number of servers you have and your current licensing agreements. Contact Microsoft or your software vendor for more information on licensing and costs.

Q: What are the benefits of using Azure Backup for my on-premises servers?

A: Azure Backup provides cloud-based backup and disaster recovery solutions for your on-premises servers, allowing you to store your backups in the cloud for added security and redundancy. It also makes it easier to restore your data in the event of a disaster or outage.