Learn about the future of Windows Server with Jeff Woolsey as he discusses customer feedback, cloud hybrid capabilities, and Active Directory enhancements. Dive into hot patching in Windows Server 2022, Xbox services, and advancements in data analytics with Microsoft Fabric. Explore the upcoming features and scalability improvements in Windows Server vNext.
Windows Server vNext is designed for cloud hybrid environments with Azure integration.
Active Directory in Windows Server vNext undergoes significant security enhancements for resilience against cyber threats.
Deep dives
Excitement for Windows Server vNEXT
The upcoming release of Windows Server vNEXT has generated significant excitement, especially highlighted by a talk at Ignite. Jeff Woolsey, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, emphasized the strategic importance of this version being cloud and hybrid-savvy. There was a strong focus on meeting specific customer requests to enhance the user experience further. The feedback received post-Ignite reinforced a sense of readiness and anticipation for the new server release.
Enhancements in Active Directory Security
Active Directory underwent notable improvements in security within Windows Server vNEXT, including the implementation of LDAP support for TLS 1.3. The focus on enhancing security across cryptographic protocols like Kerberos and PKI was evident. Changes requiring encryption for modifications to confidential attributes on domain controllers aimed at boosting overall security. These security measures intend to strengthen AD's resilience against potential cyber threats and attacks.
Revolutionizing Storage Performance
A substantial upgrade in storage performance was showcased at Ignite, emphasizing the massive improvements coming with Windows Server vNEXT. Notable enhancements were demonstrated in NVMe storage, with a remarkable increase in IOPS by up to 90%. These enhancements aim to optimize communication methods with flash storage to deliver exceptional performance boosts while maintaining CPU efficiency. The advancements in storage are set to redefine how mission-critical workloads are accelerated and managed.
Innovations in Hyper-V Virtualization
Hyper-V virtualization presents exciting prospects in Windows Server vNEXT, with a key focus on supporting GPU partitioning to cater to AI demands. The strategic move towards AI alignment involves enabling flexible partitioning and provisioning of GPUs for enhanced performance and scalability. This release introduces GPU partitioning and pools in Hyper-V, facilitating advanced functionalities like discrete device assignment for improved high availability. Hyper-V's developments signify its vital role in advancing virtualization capabilities and supporting evolving technology trends.
What's coming next for Windows Server? Richard chats with Jeff Woolsey about the latest information around Windows Server vNext! Jeff discusses how customer feedback influences Windows Server and the challenges of moving folks to the latest versions. Server vNext is designed to live in a cloud hybrid world and includes improvements for interacting with Azure, but it also has plenty of on-premises features. The conversation turns to Active Directory and its ongoing modernization to make it more secure, robust, and scalable. The same goes for the rest of the Windows Server - coming soon!