Windows Server 2008 Migration Considerations

Windows Server 2008 is a big change from Windows Server 2003, as the 5-year gap in the names would sug-gest. Microsoft is providing role-based management, major new product variations (Server Core, Read-OnlyDomain Controllers), support for hardware-based virtualization, Network Access Protection, BitLocker driveencryption, an overhauled Terminal Services architecture, and a raft of less exciting but nonetheless useful evo-lutionary improvements.
Nội dung trích xuất từ tài liệu:
Windows Server 2008 Migration ConsiderationsExpert Reference Series of White Papers Windows Server 2008 Migration Considerations1-800-COURSES www.globalknowledge.comWindows Server 2008Migration ConsiderationsGlenn Weadock, Global Knowledge Instructor, MCSE, MCT, A+IntroductionWindows Server 2008 is a big change from Windows Server 2003, as the 5-year gap in the names would sug-gest. Microsoft is providing role-based management, major new product variations (Server Core, Read-OnlyDomain Controllers), support for hardware-based virtualization, Network Access Protection, BitLocker driveencryption, an overhauled Terminal Services architecture, and a raft of less exciting but nonetheless useful evo-lutionary improvements.What are some of the primary migration considerations that you should review when evaluating or planning amove to the new product? I identified several of these in a presentation I gave in Raleigh and Chicago to cele-brate the impending launch of this gargantuan product. It’s not an exhaustive list (we only had two hours!)but it’s a good start, and we’ve repackaged that presentation into this white paper:Key new features (or: “Why should I upgrade?”) • Product versions • Hardware requirements • Focus: Server Core • Focus: Read-Only Domain Controllers • Focus: Server Manager • Focus: Group Policy • Migration and deployment toolsKey New FeaturesFirst, there is a “laundry list” of key new features to be aware of. We can’t cover each of them here, but rec-ommend exploring the ones that may be unfamiliar to you, either on the broad Web or on the MicrosoftTechNet Windows Server 2008 Technical Library: • New deployment option with Server Core • Server Manager integrated administrative console • Better security with Read-Only Domain Controllers (RODCs) • Group Policy improvements (architecture, settings) • Improved administration with Server Manager • Better deployment architecture (WDS, WIM) • Synergies with Vista (look/feel; shared code base) • Improved event logging and collection • IPv6 installed by default • Network Access Protection (NAP) • BitLocker full volume encryptionCopyright ©2008 Global Knowledge Training LLC. All rights reserved. Page 2 • Service hardening • PowerShell scripting interface • Server virtualization (Hyper-V) • User Account Control • Windows Firewall with Advanced Security • Reliability and Performance Monitor • Server ManagerProduct VersionsNote that most of the following list of products is available either with or without Hyper-V, the hardware-based virtualization technology, although at this writing, the cost savings of the non-Hyper-V SKUs is negligi-ble: • Windows Web Server 2008 (no DNS, DHCP, VPN services) • Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition (no clustering) • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition • Windows Server 2008 Datacenter Edition (unlimited VMs) • Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based SystemsHardware RequirementsThe minimum requirement for Standard Edition is specified as 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, and 8GB disk space,but the recommended spec doubles those figures. As usual with a server operating system, the actual hard-ware requirements will depend on what you ask the machine to do – how many simultaneous roles and serv-ices, the size of the client population, and so on.In terms of the ceiling rather than the floor, you can go up to 4 CPU sockets with the Web and Standard edi-tions, 8 sockets for Enterprise, and 32 for Datacenter. If that’s just not enough horsepower, Itanium edition sup-ports 64 CPU sockets. Maximum RAM varies from 4GB on the 32-bit versions of Web and Standard Edition upto 2TB on the Itanium edition and the 64-bit Enterprise product (wow!). The 32-bit Enterprise edition supportsa maximum of 64GB.Focus: Server Core Server Core is a “minimalist” installation of Server 2008 – it doesn’t even come with a graphical user interface! The idea is that you only install the services you need. The benefits of a Server Core installation are reduced attack surface and reduced patch surface. Troubleshooting should be easier, as well, and we would expect increased sta- bility because of the smaller code footprint. Finally, Server Core is not as demanding as“regular” Server 2008 versions when it comes to hardware requirements.Server Core does require a clean install. It supports many, but not all, of the important server roles, includingActive Directory Domain Services, AD Lightweight Domain Services, DHCP, DNS, file services, print services, andstreaming media services. It does not support Certificate Services, Federation Services, or Rights ManagementServices. ...