Even though we are still waiting for the official release date of Windows Server 2016, earlier this month, Microsoft announced the preview of Server Management Tools for “headless” Windows Servers, which includes the highly anticipated new Nano Server. This new option allows companies to install a version of Windows Server 2016 with a minimal footprint. The stripped-down Nano Server has a 93% lower virtual hard drive size in comparison to the standard instillation of Windows Server 2016. With a simplistic install, Windows Nano Server has a limited drain on hardware resources and requires 80% fewer reboots.
What is the Benefit of Nano Server?
According to the Windows Server Blog on TechNet, Nano Server is a “purpose-built operating system designed to run born-in-the-cloud applications and containers.” Optimized for the cloud and for DevOps application workflow, Nano server requires fewer patches and updates. Nano Server restarts a lot faster than the standard install of Windows Server 2016. With less drain on system resources, Nano Server utilizes system resources more efficiently and provides tighter security compared to the traditional installation. Nano server essentially allows businesses to install Windows Server 2016 “a la carte – they only install the components they need without any extra bells and whistles. This means that they can optimize system resources, reduce management and maintenance time, and with a significantly lower virtual hard drive size, save on power and cooling costs.
Lack of Graphical Interface
Due to the fact that Nano Server is such a stripped down version of its parent operating system, it lacks a standard graphical user interface (GUI). Initially when Nano Server was announced, IT professionals worried that without a GUI, users would have to manage the server via command-line interfaces. Instead of reverting back to DOS commands from the 1980s, Nano has a web-based graphical user interface. This web GUI is available for preview as part of the server management tools Microsoft launched at the beginning of February.
Nano Server – Built for the Cloud
Nano Server helps organizations build hybrid cloud environments. In order to manage Nano Server through a web browser, users must launch a server management gateway. This gateway connects physical and virtualized servers running Windows Server 2016 with Microsoft Azure (Microsoft’s cloud computing platform). Launching the server management tools service in Azure allows users to manage their Windows Servers running on the private network, over a public internet connection. This allows for remote maintenance and management and can even allow IT staff to fix server issues remotely, reducing the need to have to be in the office to make adjustments.
The only downside to the Nano Server is that it requires an active internet connection to access the server management gateway. Though Nano Server will continue to run should an internet connection go down, an outage does restrict administrative access to the server operating system.
