Apart from releasing Windows 10 v1903 for consumers, Microsoft Windows Server v1903 is now available for business. Some of the significant improvements and additions included in Server version are Containers, Edge Computing and Hybrid.
Windows Server v1903 now available for Business
Earlier, with the launch of Windows Server 2019, Microsoft kicked off a whole new wave of innovation focused on four pillars: Hybrid Cloud, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure, and it was just the beginning. Today, the next Windows Server, Semi-Annual Channel release v1903 has been made generally available.
The Server editions are available via Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). If you have an account, sign-in and download the keys after agreeing. Those who have Visual Studio Subscribers can obtain Windows Server, version 1903 by downloading it from the Visual Studio Subscriber download page Let’s take a quick look at the features:
Windows Server containers
Windows server now supports containers, support containers in Kubernetes, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) is on the way. Other enhancements include GPU Acceleration in Windows containers and scalability improvements in the latest release of Flannel and Kubernetes v1.14.
Windows Admin Center
Many businesses opt-in for hybrid cloud, and the latest update to Windows Admin Center make it easier than ever to leverage the benefits of the cloud from your Windows Servers.
It is now possible to seamlessly migrate Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 file shares to Azure, using Storage Migration Service and Azure File Sync integration in Windows Admin Center.
Application Compatibility in Server Core
Server Core is the recommended Server OS for production. Server Core App Compatibility Feature on Demand (FOD) augments for improved application compatibility. The two additions to FOD this release are Task Scheduler and Hyper-V Manager.
Here are a few important things to note:
- Features like Storage Spaces Direct, software-defined networking, and shielded virtual machines aren’t included in Semi-Annual Channel releases
- Windows Admin Center is available as a separate download.
- Windows Base OS Images can be downloaded from here.
That said, check out the official website for Server 2019 documents where you can find out how to migrate, upgrade keys, servicing channels, activation, and more.
