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3850 Varsity Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
1.734.971.1210
1.800.966.8649
e-mail us
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According to IDC, Windows Server holds the top market share spot among server operating systems, and if you own server systems, you’ve probably using Windows Server 2003 on some or all of them. Well, Server 2008 is finally here, and so we can start a new round of the age-old question: Is it worth considering an upgrade?
The answer is yes. Server 2008 is built on the same code base as Vista. We all know Vista received a lukewarm reception from the user community, but silence those alarm bells for a moment. Because there is a lot of foundation shared between Vista and Server 2008, you’ll notice functionality introduced alongside Windows Server 2008 that’s optimized for a network of Vista-based clients. This is a story of two operating systems that work better together.
Consider some of these key reasons on why Server 2008 is different and worth buying.
Server Core
Server Core is a drastically pared-down version of Server 2008 that you can elect to deploy instead of the complete OS. In a Server Core installation, you’re rolling out only the bare essentials. There’s no Internet Explorer, no Media Player, not even a graphical user interface. Everything is controlled through command line or remote access. If you decide to go with a Server Core installation, you’ll miss a lot of the other features Server 2008 introduces. But there are some distinct advantages to cutting the fat.
Take security for example. In a large operating system, every extra feature or capability exposed through tens of thousands of lines of code is a potential point of attack for malicious users trying to hack their way in. Trim off everything that isn’t absolutely necessary and you drastically reduce the software’s “surface area,” leaving far fewer avenues into the system, not to mention a lot less software to maintain and patch. Server 2003 allowed for several OS components to be omitted from installation by default; Server Core takes this idea to the next level.
Streamlined Setup
Windows Server 2003 would tie installers to the keyboard for an hour or more. Because Windows Server 2008 is based on Vista, the installer is entirely GUI-driven. A partner of ours tested an pre-release copy of Server 2008 to put its new installation routine to the test. Remarkably, the setup process only consisted of a couple clicks before a shockingly short 20-minute process in which the operating system unpacked files, restarted the machine a couple of times, and finished the install. It even let them skip right past the product key prompt with a mere warning that not entering a code down the road could lead to data loss. Gone are the days when you’d need to keep all of your information handy before rolling out Windows Server. Now you can enter that data later if needed.
Introducing High Availability
Ready for an enterprise technology pulled down into reach of SMBs? High availability services, otherwise known as fail-over clustering, ensure important applications stay online by means of redundancy. The dozens of screens that used to be needed in order to set up redundancy are now handled by two in Server 2008. Microsoft includes a Validation Wizard that runs tests on the selected servers, the LAN, and attached storage to determine if the infrastructure is suitable for a cluster. If so, a Cluster Setup wizard seals the deal in one step. You can even automate the process with a script. Better yet, clustering can now be geographically dispersed. A backup server can be placed in a branch office several states away in order to survive a natural disaster.
Conclusion
Clients who need an easy and inexpensive way to get high-reliability will find Server 2008 a compelling choice. If you have a network full of Vista systems, this may also be a good reason to make the switch. In any case. feel free to contact us at +1.734.971.1210 to discuss how server 2008 can benefit your organization.
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HP Authorized Service Center
We are pleased to announce that we are one of only two Hewlett Packard Authorized Service Centers in Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor). We are authorized to service Hewlett-Packard Proliant servers, HP commercial desktop computers, and HP commercial laptops and notebooks.
Domain Names, Web Hosting, etc.
We are now partnered with Godaddy.com, the world's largest domain name registrar.
For web hosting, domain purchases, and SSl certificates, their prices and available services cannot be beat. We are now also partnered with Network Solutions who can offer ROOT level SSL certificates.
Save a Bundle
on factory refurbished HP servers, computers, and components.
For applications where you don't need the latest processor speeds (like small networks, and specialized applications like web servers), we now offer refurbished Hewlett-Packard servers with HP warranties. Availability varies so contact us for a custom quote. Click here for the current list of HP Refurbished Equipment.
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"Dominant Systems has always provided us with outstanding and accommodating service. The staff at Dominant are both excellent to work with and experts in the field. I highly recommend any company who needs some IT assistance or help with an IT project to consider Dominant Systems."
Davco Technology
Mark L. Richer
"I have found the folks at Dominant Systems to be extremely pleasant, service oriented, and extremely knowledgeable. They are always there for me when I need them. We highly recommend Dominant Systems as a hardware and software source, as well as an excellent source for networking services."
The Williams Firm
Kim Williams
“I wanted to pass on a thank you for resolving our MS-Office / Outlook problem last week. Things are now working great. Another job well done!"
Sales & Engineering, Inc.
Tom Gates, Vice President
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Click Map To Enlarge
We service a 100 mile radius from our Ann Arbor, MI corporate headquarters.
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