Windows Server 2012 has been replaced by Windows Server 2016, which includes container support and enables easier running of Linux virtual machines. Storage Spaces has also been improved, allowing for the use of local storage in case of failover. Windows Server 2012 had also seen the release of an improved ReFS file system stability, and Active Directory Federation Applications (ADFS) now accepts OpenID authentication for single sign-on between local and cloud services.
What’s New in Windows Server 2016?
Windows Server 2012 has been replaced by the previous iteration of Windows Server. However, with the release of Windows Server 2016, there are many new features and improvements that have been introduced. Here are some of the most notable changes:
Container Support
One of the most significant changes in Windows Server 2016 is the inclusion of container support. The new operating system supports both Windows Server and Hyper-V containers. While Hyper-V Container isolates resources for high-trust workloads, Windows Server Container shares resources. This means that developers and IT administrators have more flexibility with regards to how they deploy applications and services.
Linux VMs
Another important development is the improved support for Linux virtual machines (VMs) on Windows Server 2016. With this new feature, IT administrators and developers can now run Linux VMs on Windows Server 2016 more easily than on previous iterations. This is a major win for open-source proponents who may have felt left out of the benefits of previous Windows Server releases.
Storage Spaces and Failover
Storage Spaces has also been enhanced in Windows Server 2016. If there is a failover, local storage can now be used, which was not possible before. This means that administrators have more options when considering their disaster recovery plans. Also, a new feature, Storage Quality of Service (QoS), has been added to help manage multiple tenants’ workloads on a shared file storage cluster.
ReFS Stability
The Resilient File System (ReFS) stability was also improved and released with Windows Server 2012. ReFS is designed to be more resilient to data corruption and other issues that can cause data loss. It is also optimized for handling large amounts of data, making it perfect for environments where the storage of large files and putting data on external devices are important.
Active Directory Federation Applications (ADFS)
Finally, Active Directory Federation Applications (ADFS) is another new feature that is worth mentioning. This feature allows for claims-based identities to be used for single sign-on between local and cloud services. It also accepts OpenID authentication, which means that users can now log in using their OpenID credentials. This makes it easier for users to switch between services without having to log in again.
Conclusion
Microsoft has made significant improvements to Windows Server 2016, with the introduction of container support, improvements to Linux VM support, enhancements to Storage Spaces and failover, ReFS stability, and the addition of ADFS. All of these changes make Windows Server 2016 an ideal choice for organizations that are looking for a more flexible, efficient, and reliable operating system for their servers.
