Windows Server 2012 includes only 4 versions

Microsoft revealed Windows Server 2012 includes 4 versions: Datacenter, Standard, Essential, Foundation. The company removed 2 versions for small and medium business users, Windows Small Business Server, Windows Home Server.

According to analysts, the Windows Server 2012 only includes 4 versions will make it easier for users to choose. Windows Server 2012 versions all have the same functionality and essential performance, only different in the number of virtual machines that can be processed. This means that Windows Server 12 Standard version is also equipped with Windows Server failover clustering and BranchCache hosted cache server features that were previously available only in Datacenter and Enterprise versions.

In the past, most small and medium enterprises chose to use Windows Home Server or Windows Small Business Server operating systems, including Exchange Server and SharePoint Server features, because of the reasonable cost, features and operability. dynamic fit needs. However, in Windows Server 2012 version, Microsoft replaced these two server versions with Windows Server 2012 Essentials version. Microsoft said Windows Server 2012 Essentials is designed for small businesses and home users.

According to Microsoft, the need to use the features of Exchange Server and SharePoint Server is not large in small and medium enterprises, so combining two versions of Windows Home Server and Windows Small Business Server into one will be more suitable. If users need these features, they can choose to rent Exchange or Office 365 services. Experts say that combining 2 versions into 1 fits the " up to the cloud" trend as well as the centralized strategy for Microsoft cloud platform services and tools.

Compare 4 versions of Windows Server 2012: