Microsoft releases Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 4, adding Hyper-V containers

Microsoft announced the release of the Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 4 today as well as the corresponding System Center 2016 Technical Preview. The big news: Hyper-V Containers are here.

Michael Ortey had previously reported on Hyper-V Containers and Windows Server Containers coming to Windows Server 2016, and their appearance in the latest technical preview is another key to Microsoft's vision of a more secure computing future.

"With Hyper-V Containers, you get the flexibility of the container model with the additional isolation provided by a container-optimized version of Hyper-V," wrote Mike Neil, Microsoft vice president of Cloud and Enterprise. "Security needs can vary based on a wide variety of factors, and we’re excited about giving you expanded choices for using containers across enterprise scenarios including multi-tenant environments."

John Savill breaks down the differences between Windows Containers, which were offered in prior Technical Previews, and the new Hyper-V containers.

Mary Jo Foley reported for ZDNet that there is likely to be one more Technical Preview release next year before the final version is shipped in the second half of 2016.

Check out the top 10 features coming in Windows Server 2016.