Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems
Overview
Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems, with its smaller footprint, new virtualization technology for building multi-function appliances, new management and security technologies and lower acquisition costs, provides a robust and secure foundation on which to develop and deliver innovative dedicated server solutions and appliances. With Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can design, build, and deploy Windows-based dedicated servers and server appliances more quickly and easily than ever before.
The Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems advantage
- A solid foundation with a smaller footprint Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems is the most flexible and reliable Windows Server operating system, with the smallest footprint to-date. With new technologies and features such as Server Core, Role-based Installation, and Read-only Domain Controllers, only the services necessary for the dedicated server appliance are installed. New features such as Windows PowerShell™ provide comprehensive remote management capabilities.
- Built-in server virtualization technology With its built-in server virtualization technology, Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems enables you to increase hardware utilization and build multi-function server appliances. OEMs can run new and legacy functionality side-by-side, while ensuring workload isolation, or run Windows and Linux on the same hardware.
- Improved security features Windows Server 2008 is the most secure Windows Server ever. It minimizes the attack surface area and reduces the need for software updates. A hardened operating system and security innovations including Server Core, Read-Only Domain Controller, and Windows Bit-Locker™ drive encryption provide unprecedented levels of protection for dedicated server appliances.
- Low acquisition cost Independent analysts and leading companies find that Windows Server technology outperforms Linux for a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems provides cutting-edge technologies such as virtualization and Server Core to OEMs at favorable royalty rates when compared to Microsoft general purpose server operating systems.
Key features and functionality
Build a small footprint Windows Server 2008 Appliance by installing only the roles and features you need. The customization of the server configuration simplifies ongoing maintenance by minimizing the attack surface area and reducing the need for software updates.
- Role-based Installation only installs the components you need for a particular role, simplifying the configuration and servicing of the operating system. This in turn reduces the costs of deploying and managing Windows Server.
- Server Core is a new installation option for selected roles (Windows Server Virtualization, Active Directory®, ADAM, DNS, WINS, DHCP, File and Print Server) that does not include a graphical user interface and non-related features and services. It provides a highly available server that requires fewer updates and less servicing.
- Windows PowerShell is a new command-line shell that combines more than 130 tools with an integrated scripting language. Administrators can more easily control, and securely automate routine system administration tasks, especially across multiple servers .
Virtualize multiple server appliances and/or multiple operating systems – Windows, Linux and others – on the same hardware. With virtualization built into the operating system and with simpler, more flexible licensing policies, it’s now easier than ever to take advantage of all the benefits and cost savings of virtualization.
- Windows Server Hyper-V is a next-generation hypervisor-based virtualization platform integrated with the operating system that allows you to dynamically add physical and virtual resources.
Protect your data with new features to ensure it can only be accessed by users with the correct security context, and make it available when hardware failures occur.
- Microsoft BitLocker provides additional security for your data through full volume encryption on multiple drives, even when the system is in unauthorized hands or running a different operating system.
- Read-Only Domain Controller allows you to deploy Active Directory while restricting replication of the full Active Directory database to better protect against server theft or compromise.
Protect your server with security innovations that reduce attack surface area of the kernel, resulting in a more robust and secure server environment.
- Windows Service Hardening helps keep systems safer by preventing critical Windows services from being used by abnormal activity in the file system, registry, or network.
Take advantage of favorable royalty rates compared to the general purpose Windows Server operating system. Windows Server 2008 Embedded can help reduce time to market through the use of Microsoft-provided development tools and documentation. It offers compatibility with commodity hardware and industry-standard protocols, in addition to seamless integration with existing Windows environments. Multiple Server Embedded SKUs allow you to purchase only the server technologies that are needed for the specific dedicated server appliance.
For more information on the features and functionality of Windows Server 2008, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008.
To learn more about licensing and building server appliances with Windows Server 2008 for Embedded Systems, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/specializedservers.
