Description

Microsoft’s Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition is designed for highly virtualized environments, such as data centers and cloud environments. It includes a set of advanced features. These features collectively make Windows Server 2016 Datacenter a powerful and versatile platform for modern data center and cloud environments, providing robust solutions for virtualization, storage, networking, and security.

Features of Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 

1. Lightweight Deployment: Windows Server 2016 Datacenter is a headless version of Windows Server developed for cloud environments and datacenters. It has a smaller attack surface, fewer updates, and reduced reboot requirements.
   
2. Hyper-V Enhancements: Shielded Virtual Machines in Windows Server 2016 Datacenter protects VMs from unauthorized access and tampering. This edition allows you to run Hyper-V inside a virtual machine, which is useful for development and testing scenarios.
3. Storage Spaces Direct (S2D): Software defined storage builds high-availability and scalable storage using industry-standard servers with local storage. This edition utilizes technologies for improved performance and storage efficiency.
4. Disaster Recovery: Windows Server 2016 Datacenter provides block-level replication between servers or clusters for disaster recovery. Windows Server 2016 Datacenter ensures zero data loss with synchronous replication, with an option for asynchronous replication over long distances.
5. Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Windows Server 2016 Datacenter supports virtual network peering, virtual appliances, and more, allowing for flexible and agile network environments.
6. Containerization Support: Windows Server 2016 Datacenter allows you to run applications in isolated environments, improving deployment consistency and resource efficiency. This edition supports Hyper-V containerization which provides an additional layer of isolation by running each container in a lightweight VM.
7. Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) Enhancements: Privileged Access Management(PAM) in Windows Server 2016 Datacenter improves security by controlling and monitoring privileged access.
8. Remote Desktop Services (RDS): Windows Server 2016 Datacenter offers improved support for OpenGL and OpenCL for better graphics performance in remote applications and enhanced performance for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and session-based desktops.
9. Security Enhancements: Windows Server 2016 Datacenter provides credential guard that protects credentials stored in the OS from attacks as well as device guard ensures that only trusted applications can run on the server. This edition includes Windows Defender that is a built-in anti-malware protection.
10. PowerShell 5.0 and Automation: Windows Server 2016 Datacenter provides advanced scripting and automation capabilities. Desired State Configuration (DSC) automates the configuration of systems according to predefined standards. PowerShell Direct allows direct management of VMs without needing a network connection.

Product Specifications

System Requirements

Installation and Activation

Microsoft licenses are provided through Microsoft Volume Licensing, allowing businesses to activate multiple devices efficiently. Upon acquiring a Windows Server 2016 Datacenter license, IT administrators or users will receive detailed instructions and official download links to deploy and activate Windows Server 2016 Datacenter across the organization, compatible with both new installations and updates.

Compatibility – Official Tool

To install Windows Server correctly, your computer must meet the minimum system hardware requirements. If your computer falls short of the requirements, the product may not install properly. Actual requirements vary based on your system configuration, applications, and features that are installed.

Microsoft Offers an official tool, the PC Health Check app, to assess your system’s compatibility. We recommend checking compatibility to avoid installation issues. Download and run the PC Health Check app for a hassle-free compatibility check and by thoroughly checking compatibility before deployment, you can reduce the risk of disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to Windows Server 2016 Datacenter.