Tech Focus
Server 2008 R2 is Microsoft's best-ever OS
CRN Test Centre probes Microsoft’s big attempt to streamline all things virtual
By Samara Lynn
The most highlighted features in Windows Server 2008 R2 are those that improve Hyper-V and integrate the virtualization capabilities of Windows 7.
Install and upgrade
For this review, both a clean install and an upgrade of 2008 R2 from Server 2008 SP1 were done. The clean install had no issues. One issue with an upgrade from Server 2008 to 2008 R2 that we encountered was the compatibility report during the upgrade process insisting that Hyper-V was still running (even though it wasn't), and the upgrade process was halted. The issue is known by Microsoft and workarounds are outlined in the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, kb957256.
Even with that upgrade issue, Windows Server 2008 R2 left us impressed. It is a summation of all the technical features that are in demand now: virtualization, green aspects and high performance. This is Microsoft's best server operating system to date.
New updates
Server 2008 R2 can only be installed on 64-bit architecture. Although concerns over running 32-bit applications on a 64-bit platform have been expressed by some, this move by Microsoft should cause fewer pain points than when the PC world eventually transitioned from a 16-bit environment to a 32-bit one.
Terminal Services, now known as Remote Desktop Services (RDS) has been integrated as part of Microsoft's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Installing the RDS Roles gives the option to install six role services. They include: Remote Desktop Session Host; the Remote Desktop Virtualization Host, which requires installing Hyper-V; Remote Desktop Licensing; the Remote Desktop Connection Broker, which supports session load balancing and access to RemoteApp programs and virtual desktops; Remote Desktop Gateway; and Remote Desktop Web Access, which allows users to access RemoteApp and Desktop Connection via Windows 7 or a browser.
Security additions
Remote Desktop Session includes a new method of authentication, Network Level Authentication that requires user authentication before a full Remote Desktop connection to the RD Session Host is established.
Remote Desktop User Sessions can be enhanced with the Desktop Experience Feature. This is to provide a better remote user experience playing audio and video or by providing remote users the Windows Aero interface.
Installing all of these roles and Hyper-V took a scant few minutes (of course, we tested on a server with Intel's Nahalem processors and 24GB RAM, so that helped).
Windows Server 2008 R2 also introduces Internet Information Services 7.5, which has been re-engineered for more streamlined Web server management, better .NET support and the ability to do more with IIS via PowerShell. There's also heftier auditing with a new Configuration Logging feature. IT shops with Web sites running on IIS 6.0 can use the IIS 6 management compatibility feature.
Hyper-V has undergone some significant improvements. It now supports up to 68 logical processors. It means Hyper-V can support a greater number of virtual machines, and administrators will have greater flexibility in allocating CPU resources in a virtual environment.
The Live Migration in Server 2008 R2's Hyper-V allows moving virtual machines between two hosts without any interruption of service. To do live migrating, the Failover Clustering Role has to be added to the source and destination servers running Hyper-V. Cluster nodes also need shared storage like a SAN. Live Migration also uses a Cluster Shared Volumes feature within Failover Clustering. In a nutshell, this means all cluster nodes have access to the same volume.
Other enhancements in Hyper-V in Server 2008 R2 center on increased performance of virtual network settings and power consumption and management.
There are numerous under-the-hood changes. One of the more viewable of changes is on Active Directory management. There's a new AD Domain Services management console, called Active Directory Administrative Center.
Deleted AD objects can now be recovered via a Recycle Bin feature within AD. There is also support for joining computers to a domain now, while they are offline from the domain.
There's a lot to like in Server 2008 R2, and it is sure to be a welcome addition in WinTel data centers. If Windows 7 follows suit, the two can combine to make a powerful desktop/server platform. |