According to Microsoft, Windows Server 2008 is designed to power the next generation of networks, applications and Web services. It is currently in beta mode, and Web hosting providers, as well as IT departments at large and small organizations, have been deploying it in test environments.
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According to Microsoft, Windows Server 2008 is 45 times faster than its predecessor, Windows Server 2003, in terms of transfer speeds and comes with new Web tools, virtualization technologies, security enhancements and management utilities to help save time, reduce costs and provide a solid foundation for your IT infrastructure.
Now, whether you're a small application developer, software as a service provider, ISP or an online store, Microsoft says you can more effortlessly develop, deliver and manage rich user experiences and applications, provide a secure network infrastructure and increase technological efficiency and value within your company with its new offering.
Particularly interesting, if you're an application developer is Internet Information Server 7.0, a built-in function of this iteration of the server platform. IIS 7 is a platform for developing and reliably hosting Web applications and services. Microsoft says it's much easier to use because of the improved interface, and gives users the ability to perform common tasks faster. Access to diagnostic and troubleshooting information is much quicker as well.
Another benefit to this new operating system is the increased security it offers online business infrastructure. This is particularly relevant in a world of increasing online crime and nuisances like spamming and phishing, as Microsoft's new technologies help prevent unauthorized connections to networks, servers, data and user accounts. Higher security also means you'll probably get to spend less time worrying about your site and more time on making your business as successful as it can be.
If you're hosting your own servers or your hosting provider has deployed Windows Server 2008, you'll also get to play with the operating system's new virtualization feature. This will enable you to easily create and test development environments without having to use too many resources and it'll help your company reduce costs.
Microsoft says that Windows Server 2008 also provides a solid foundation for business workloads with a new server manager that provides a unified management console that simplifies and streamlines server setup, configuration and ongoing management.
You can download the beta version here to test the software out for yourself.
