Unlike Windows Server 2008, which offered a large number of versions, WS 2012 has only four versions, Foundation, Essentials, Standard and Datacenter. Each one of these packages is designed for a certain category of users, so selecting the right version at the right price is much simpler, and more cost effective. Take a look at the Windows Server 2012 offerings to determine which version is right for your business.
- Windows Server 2012 Foundation is the smallest and least expensive package and it is only available if you buy a new server. It can be used for home, but also for small businesses. It only accommodates 15 users, does not have virtualization features, and it only comes with a single processor. The offer for infrastructure is a basic network managed by Active Directory, but also remote access, splitting files and printing.
- Windows Server 2012 Essentials is made for small and medium enterprises. It is limited to 25 users, it does not have virtualization features, and it can also have two cores.
- Windows Server 2012 Standard has all the characteristics of the larger Datacenter package, but it differs by the number of virtual machines that can be set up with the license. WS 2012 standard comes with two processors per license.
- Windows Server 2012 Datacenter is designed for enterprises that use virtual machines on a large scale. Every license has up to two processors, and can support an unlimited number of virtual machines. Datacenter supports machines with 640 processors and 4TB of RAM memory.
WS 2012 offers scalability and a flexible web and application platform while improving productivity by enabling users to access their personalized work environment from almost anywhere.
Overall, Windows Server 2012 comes with a large number of features. While some might want to compare this version with the capabilities offered by W8, in matters of networking, this is the version that you need. It is possible to test the free trial version, which is available on Microsoft partner websites, so the network administrator can evaluate it based on their individual company’s needs.
Some interesting new features of Windows Server 2012:
OpManager is one of the new features offered by Windows Server 2012, which comes with logging rules, and troubleshooting tools for remote systems, offering the administrators the possibility to improve a large number of performance features, both on servers and on user’s computers.
Data Deduplication is another important concern in growing enterprises, and is a necessary tool to cope with growing data storage needs. Data duplication on Windows Server 2012 is flexible, uses resources efficiently, and can be scheduled so it is non-invasive. Some practical applications for this concept include capacity optimization (storing more data in less space), increased data integrity, bandwidth efficiency, and optimization management with familiar tools.
Security auditing is one of the most powerful tools companies can use to prove compliance with security standards, detect anomalous behavior and deter irresponsible behavior. Windows Server 2012 includes new functionality to create audit policies using expression-based audit policies, the ability to audit removable storage devices, and the ability to audit new types of securable objects.
