To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade - Windows Server 2016

Considering an upgrade to Windows Server 2016? Here is a resource from Microsoft to help you with information to evaluate that possible decision.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

May 30, 2017

3 Min Read
To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade - Windows Server 2016

All the latest talk has been about whether or not companies are looking into an upgrade from their current version of Windows to Windows 10 over the next 2 1/2 years before the popular operating system hits the end of its extended support lifecycle.

That is expected to happen in January 2020.

There is not as desperate a need to migrate over onto Windows Server 2016 because it's predecessor Windows Server 2012 is not expected to leave extended support, which means the end of security updates, until October 2023 - 6 1/2 years from now.

However, that does not mean there is no value in considering Windows Server 2016 just to gain access to advanced features and more modern technological capabilities. A lot has advanced over the last four years since it made its public debut.

If you want to get an early start on taking a closer look at Windows Server 2016 and its capabilities then Microsoft has two free digital books to get you started with your research.

Introducing Windows Server 2016 (181 pages, 13.4MB)

Written by John McCabe and the Windows Server Team.

"This book introduces you to Windows Server 2016, which is the next version of Windows Server. No matter what your area of expertise, this book will introduce you to the latest developments in Windows Server 2016. Each chapter has been written by either field experts or members of the product group, giving you the latest information on every improvement or new feature that is included in this version of Windows Server. This information will help you to prepare for Windows Server 2016 and give you the means to develop and design a path to introduce Windows Server 2016 into your environment and take full advantage of what is to come. This book is being written at a time when the product is still evolving and it should be noted that things might change or not appear in the final version of Windows Server 2016 when released. All guidance in the chapters is meant to be tried and evaluated in a test environment; you should not implement it in a production environment."

The Ultimate Guide to Windows Server 2016 (18 pages , 5.5MB)

This document is a very extensive white paper on Windows Server 2016 that goes into some detail about how a cloud-ready server fits into your organization.

"IT organizations are expected to do more with less, but an aging infrastructure with little automation becomes a hindrance to moving forward. Meanwhile, security breaches make front page news and reputations suffer. As if that weren’t enough, executives and IT managers also need to support the ability of developers to build business-enabling apps and services that work on-premises or in any cloud. How does an organization balance this array of competing needs and position itself to better respond to market changes? When an organization moves to Windows Server 2016, it gains an operating system that delivers layers of security for the applications and infrastructure that power its business. To support efficiency and agility, Windows Server 2016 is packed with software-defined datacenter (SDDC) technologies inspired by Microsoft Azure. And while security and efficiencies can help keep the lights on, it’s innovative applications that can change industries. Window Server 2016 is built for this type of innovation. Organizations gain access to technologies that re-invigorate the apps they run today and set them up to build groundbreaking new applications using containers and microservices architectures."

Gaining access to the download links on these two books does require a brief registration.

Other recommended resources for Windows Server 2016:

-- Should you upgrade to Windows Server 2016 (Hybrid Cloud Blog)

-- Cloud Platform Windows Server 2016 Portal

----------

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

----------------------------------

Looking for an awesome, no-nonsense technical conference for IT Pros, Devs, and Devops? Check out IT/Dev Connections!

IT/Dev Connections

About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.

You May Also Like