Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the next generation of the Windows Server operating system that helps information technology (IT) professionals maximize control over their infrastructure while providing unprecedented availability and management capabilities, leading to a significantly more secure, reliable, and robust server environment than ever before. Windows Server 2008 delivers new value to organizations by ensuring all users regardless of location are able to get the full complement of services from the network. Windows Server 2008 also provides deep insight into the operating system and diagnostic capabilities to allow administrators to spend more time adding business value.
Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 includes several enhancements over previous versions. Organizations can now provide centralized access to applications without the need to provide the whole remote desktop. Applications running remotely can be integrated with the local user’s desktop-looking, feeling, and behaving like local applications. With Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008, organizations can provide more secure access to centralized applications or desktops (and other resources from the Internet) by using HTTPS - without needing to provide access via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or opening up unwanted ports on firewalls. This reduces the complexity needed to provide secure remote access to applications and data for users, partners, or customers. And for deployments with several servers, new load-balancing features provide a simple way to ensure optimal performance by spreading sessions among the least-loaded available resources.
What's New in Windows Server 2008? The Terminal Services component of the Windows Server 2008 operating system provides technologies that enable users to access Windows-based programs that are installed on a terminal server, or to access the Windows desktop itself, from almost any computing device. Users can connect to a terminal server to run programs and to use network resources on that server.
Remote Access to Applications - Providing access to applications remotely can be a challenge; many applications do not work well over remote connections -- even over cable and DSL. By placing an application close to the data it needs and making it available through TS RemoteApp, TS Gateway, and/or TS Web Access, application response is improved for both remote users and users in branch offices. TS Easy Print makes it easier for these users to have a full "in-office" experience.
Securing Applications and Data (Regulatory Compliance) - By securing an application and its data in a central location, it is possible to reduce the risk of accidental data loss caused by, for example, the loss of a laptop. Centralizing applications and data ensures that as little data as possible leaves the corporate network. With TS Gateway and TS RemoteApp, users, partners, or customers do not need full access to a company network or computers, and you can limit them to a single application, if needed.
Merger Integration or Outsourcing - In the case of a merger, the merging companies will typically need to use consistent Line of Business (LOB) applications on a variety of Windows versions and configurations. The same can be true when outsourcing to partner organizations that need access to specific LOB applications but not to the full corporate network. Rather than going through the cost of deploying all of the LOB applications to all of the computers in the merged company or outsourcer, the LOB applications can be installed on a terminal server and made available through TS RemoteApp. This is especially useful when an application is difficult to patch or manage, can't be distributed with Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS), or has other management issues.
Flexible Office Users - In a company with a non-assigned desk policy, users can work from different computers each day of the week in the office. In some cases, the computer on which a user is working may not have the necessary programs installed locally. By using Terminal Services, the programs can be installed on a terminal server and made available to users as if those programs were locally installed.
Product Features:
Cross-site copy allows you to easily copy Web site settings across multiple Web servers without additional configuration
Streamlined installation and management of Windows Server 2008 by installing only the roles and features you need. The customization of the server configuration simplifies ongoing maintenance by minimizing the attack surface area and reducing the need for
Centralized application access and seamless integration of remotely published applications. Improvements also add the ability to connect to remote applications across firewalls and without the use of a VPN, so you can quickly respond to the needs of your
Task based interface simplifies common management Web server tasks
Delegated administration of applications and sites so you can give control to different parts of the Web server to those who need it
Increased control over servers located in remote locations, such as the branch office. With optimized server administration and data replication, you can provide users with better service while reducing management headaches
Increased dependability with advanced reliability enhancements to reduce loss of access, work, time, data, and control
Simplified Web server management with Internet Information Services 7.0, which is a powerful Web platform for applications and services. This modular platform provides a simplified, task-based management interface, greater cross-site control, security enh
Protection against malicious software with User Account Control with a new authentication architecture
Robust and vibrant technical community to provide a rich experience throughout the product life cycle
Protection of your server with security innovations that reduce attack surface area of the kernel, resulting in a more robust and secure server environment
New deployments options to provide the most suitable method for your environment
Enhanced solutions for intelligent rules and policies creation to increase control and protection over networking functions, allowing you to have a policy-driven network
System Requirements for Microsoft Windows Terminal Services 2008 20 User CALs
1 GHz (x86 processor) or 1.4 GHz (x64 processor)
2 GHz or faster Recommended
512 MB (2 GB recommended)
2 GB RAM (Full installation) or 1 GB RAM (Server Core installation) or more
Maximum (32-bit systems): 4 GB (Standard) or 64 GB (Enterprise and Datacenter)
Maximum (64-bit systems): 32 GB (Standard) or 2 TB (Enterprise, Datacenter, and Itanium-Based Systems)
10 GB
40 GB or greater Recommended
DVD-ROM drive
Super VGA (800 X 600) or higher resolution monitor
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
Actual requirements will vary based on your system configuration, and the applications and features you choose to install. Processor performance is dependent upon not only the clock frequency of the processor, but the number of cores and the size of the processor cache. Disk space requirements for the system partition are approximate. Itanium-based and x64-based operating systems will vary from these disk size estimates. Additional available hard disk space may be required if you are installing over a network.
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