Microsoft released a new preview of Windows Server 2016 and System Center 2016 includes the first public preview of Windows Server Containers, new Nano Server functionality, and software-defined data center enhancements.
Microsoft says Windows Server Containers create a highly agile Windows Server environment, enabling developers to work with the languages of their choice – whether.NET, ASP.NET, and PowerShell or Python, Ruby on Rails, Java, etc..
The release builds on a partnership with Docker to offer container and DevOps benefits to Linux and Windows Server users alike. Windows Server Containers are now part of the Docker open source project. These containers can be deployed and managed either using PowerShell or the Docker client.
In addition to working with Docker to deliver Windows Server Containers, Microsoft plans to support choice and flexibility around containers through:
- Ensuring a first-rate experience for containers on Azure. Microsoft recently released Docker VM Extensions for Linux on Azure, Docker CLI support on Windows, and Visual Studio Tools for Docker. Contributing to the open source development of the Docker Engine for Windows Server with a goal to enable the Docker client to manage multi-container applications using both Linux and Windows containers, regardless of the hosting environment or cloud provider.
- Joining the Open Container Initiative to deliver an open, universal container image format and runtime under the Linux Foundation.
- Expanding the ecosystem, through work with Canonical around the LXD REST API, a cross-platform container management layer that will bring new container innovation to Windows and Ubuntu developers.
- Updates to Visual Studio and Visual Studio Online for Windows Server Container.
- A future preview of Windows Server 2016, will include Hyper-V Containers, a second container deployment option that will provide higher isolation using an optimized virtualization and Windows Server operating system that separates containers from each other and from the host operating system.
The latest preview of Windows Server 2016 also includes new Azure-inspired software-defined datacenter features, extending the functionality of our leading operating system and application platform:
- Enhanced Nano Server functionality: adds a new Emergency Management Console.
- Simplified software-defined networking: we are delivering a scalable network controller, for centralized network configuration as well as a software load balancer for high availability and performance.
- Extended security: Shielded VMs, which enable isolation between the underlying host and virtual machines, help protect resources in shared environments.
- Management: System Center feature enhancements make it easier to manage virtualized environments including support for rolling upgrades, shielded VM’s and guarded host support, and automated maintenance windows.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-server-technical-preview
