Microsoft showcased the next server operating system, Windows Server 8, at the company’s Worldwide Partner Conference this week. Windows Server 8 is on the same development track and path as the upcoming Windows 8 operating system.
According to Mary Jo Foley, Windows Server 8 will be the server compliment to Windows 8 client. Microsoft is expected to release both operating systems in the first half of 2012.
Windows Server 8 is being marketed as an important private-cloud building block. Virtualization will be the most important factor for this operating system. With 100 new features expected to be in the operating system, Microsoft showcased one of the new features, Hyper-V Replica.
Jeff Woolsey, the Principal Program Manager Lead for Windows Server Virtualization, demonstrated Hyper-V, which will support more than 16 virtual processors per machine.
Hyper-V Replica provides asynchronous virtual machine replication. Users will only need Hyper-V and a network connection to achieve this replication. Replication can take place immediately or later via a new scheduling system. Microsoft plans on supporting multiple storage, datacenter, and software/service providers. In fact, Microsoft will also allow Windows Server 8 users to do unlimited replications without any fees.
Expect to hear more about Windows Server 8 at this years BUILD developer conference which takes place this September.
