Windows Server 2008 is about running IT infrastructure more efficiently and cost effectively

The latest version of Windows Server is not a complete re-write. The main focus is on improving productivity and reliability in the server product. A host of improvements have been made to Windows Server to increase its ease of use (efficiency) and security.

Server Core is great for security

Server Core decreases the ‘security footprint’ of the server by getting rid of the graphic-user interface (GUI) and limiting the installation of only the server services that are needed (e.g. print server, DNS, DHCP). Since there are fewer programs and components installed and running on the server, there are fewer attack opportunities exposed on the network.

Server Core is powerful, but can be intimidating to start with

The command line in Server Core is very powerful and a hell of a lot can be accomplished by using the command line over the GUI. That said the command line can be intimidating to use to start with and it will be taking a lot of System Engineers back to their DOS days.

Increased usability when controlling and automating Windows Server 2008 from Windows PowerShell

Windows PowerShell is a new command-line shell that enables the Administrator to more easily control and automate routine system administration tasks across multiple servers. Windows PowerShell doesn't require a background in programming and is designed to work with existing IT infrastructure, scripts and command-line tools.

Better security with Internet Information Services 7.0 (IIS 7.0)

IIS 7.0 helps Developers and Administrators maximize their control over Internet services through an architecture that lets you only install those features that you want to run (it’s modular). IIS 7.0 also has a rewritten administration interface that takes advantage of modern Microsoft Management Console features.

Read-Only Domain Controller (RODC)

RODCs are designed for locations where the physical security of a domain controller cannot be guaranteed. An RODC hosts a read-only replica of the Active Directory directory services database for a given domain or part of that domain. This will greatly help branch offices by reducing logon-times and provifing more efficient access to authenticated resources on the network.

Connect to remote computers and applications with Terminal Services

Terminal Services RemoteApp completely integrates applications running on a terminal server with users' desktops. A great feature is that users can run programs from a remote location side-by-side with their local programs. A new HTTP gateway services provides application access from outside the firewall.

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) decrease the cost of deploying Windows Vista

WDS allows Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 to be installed over the network on "bare metal" computers (no operating system installed). The goal of WDS is to make it as easy as possible to deploy Windows Vista to different machines, thus reducing deployment costs.

Network Access Protection (NAP) ensures patching policies and standards against security threats

As a machine joins the networks its “state of health” is checked to qualify if it meets certain requirements for communicating on the network (e.g. does it have the latest security patch?). One of the great benefits of NAP is in ensuring that all computers on the network are correctly patched against the latest security treats.

Microsoft BitLocker has full drive encryption

This is a great step by Microsoft to improve security in the server environment. BitLocker will provide full drive encryption on all versions of server even "system is in unauthorized hands or running a different operating system time, data, and control."