windows-server-implementation

Windows Server 2012: 4 critical abilities and how to implement well


Why campus IT should make the switch before end-of-support; and what it takes for a successful implementation.

windows-server-implementation
Copyright: 360b / Shutterstock.com

One door closes, another opens.

That adage is apropos not only of the process of matriculation, but of the technology tools on which educational institutions rely. And one of those transitions is now upon us, as Windows 2003 nears its official “end of life” – that is, Microsoft’s termination of support, effective July 14, 2015 (as it happens, Bastille Day).

This is definitely a good news/bad news story, but the best news is that the good dramatically outweighs the bad. Windows Server 2012 is a more than worthy successor to Win 2003.

As a provider of virtual server and cloud computing technology, we strongly believe—based not only on our industry experience, but customer feedback—that Windows Server 2012 redefines the server category, delivering hundreds of new features and enhancements that span virtualization, networking, storage, user experience, cloud computing, automation, and more.

For schools and colleges, virtualizing Windows Server 2012 with its features and enhancements can help transform IT operations, reducing costs and delivering a new level of compute performance.

4 key features and abilities of Windows Server 2012

1. It’s built for future capacity.

Windows Server 2012 not only provides a scalable, highly available platform for campus-critical applications, it offers enhanced support for what have become must-haves for campus IT departments: open standards, open source applications and various development languages.

2. It hits those pain points.

Windows Server 2012 also makes it easier to deploy a virtual desktop infrastructure, and can lower storage costs.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Windows Server 2012 also enables institutions to access IT from virtually anywhere, providing a rich Windows experience without compromising data security and compliance.

(Next page: flexibility and implementation done right)

3. It’s flexible for future growth.

For schools considering Windows cloud server hosting, Windows Server 2012 virtualization, when done strategically, can advance an institution’s growth thanks to flexibility. From what we’ve witnessed in helping customers with implementation, well-implemented Windows [see section below] cloud servers are 100 percent protected, secure, scalable, and deliver 100 percent uptime.

4. It’s an all-in-one.

Windows 2012 delivers hosts multiple abilities, from selecting a graphical user interface to simplified licensing. Its Server Manager offers multi-server capabilities, making it easy to deploy roles and features remotely to physical and virtual servers.

It also incorporates integrated security features such as Dynamic Access Control (DAC) and adds Storage Spaces, a new feature that enables users to create a storage pool using inexpensive hard drives. Its Hyper-V Replica replication mechanism provides disaster recovery capabilities to educational institutions that might otherwise find that kind of solution unattainable due to cost constraints.

Implementation done right

To ensure data protection, organizations considering a move to Windows Server 2012 should insist on free onsite and offsite backup using application-consistent snapshot technology. With application-consistent snapshots, entire servers or individual files can be restored in minutes in a consistent state. Database and disk transactions are complete and free of data corruption.

Schools and colleges should also implement perimeter intrusion detection prevention and perimeter anti-virus/anti-malware with Windows virtual server hosting. This ensures that every network transaction is inspected by unique perimeter devices, blocking known attacks and CVEs. Viruses and malware transmitted over unencrypted connections are blocked before they reach the client’s server.

Windows Server 2012 can enable growing educational institutions to stay lean, scale instantly when required and fight cloud sprawl. It permits schools to access technology literally anywhere, empowering them to be faster and more cost-effective than ever before.

Adam Stern is founder and CEO of Infinitely Virtual (www.infinitelyvirtual.com) in Los Angeles.

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