The server operating system.
WHAT IT PROVIDES
A platform for running server roles and applications.
WHAT COMMON ROLES ARE
Directory services File and print services Web services Remote desktop services Virtualisation Certificate services Update distribution
WHAT INSTALLATION OPTIONS EXIST
A full installation with a desktop interface A minimal installation without one, managed remotely
WHAT THE MINIMAL OPTION PROVIDES
A smaller surface to attack, fewer updates, and less resource use.
WHAT IT REQUIRES
Comfort with remote and command-line administration.
WHAT LICENSING IS BASED ON
Processor cores, with client access licences for users or devices.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
How many client access licences you require, and of what type.
WHY
It is frequently overlooked and is a compliance exposure.
WHAT TO PLAN
The support lifecycle of the version you deploy.
WHY
Running a version past support means no security fixes.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE DEPLOYING ANYTHING NEW
Whether a cloud service would serve better.
WHY
The maintenance burden is entirely yours otherwise.
