Windows Server 2008: Codename Longhorn

From the Jan./Mar. 2008 Issue

It’s fall 2007, and I’m sitting down to write a column that will appear in early 2008. So I’m thinking to myself, ‘What’s happening early in 2008,’ and then it hits me: That’s when Windows Server 2008 (Codename Longhorn Server) will be released. So I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to share from my perspective some of the new and exciting stuff that’s coming with the release of the new server operating system. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know anyone in the accounting profession most likely won’t be worrying about a new server operating system in the February timeframe. There are other fish to fry during traditional “busy season.” But moving up to Windows Server 2008 may be something to consider after the dust settles.

VIRTUALIZATION
This is certainly a ‘hot’ topic and you have probably already read or heard something about virtualization. If not, here is a shameless plug for my article on virtualization published in the September 2007 issue of this magazine (see www.CPATechAdvisor.com/go/1655). At any rate, Microsoft ups the ante against market leader and rival in the virtualization market VMWare with the incorporation of virtualization into Windows Server 2008. The only caveat is you really will have to wait for this addition. Microsoft announced that virtualization won’t be part of the initial launch of Windows Server 2008. Rather, it will be released “within” 180 days of launch. That timeframe should work out nicely for practicing accountants. The virtualization piece will only run on 64-bit hardware. Don’t stress about this; you may already have 64-bit capable hardware. Chipmakers have had 64-bit versions for several years, waiting for the software to catch up. You might be wondering if 32-bit applications will run on a 64-bit platform. The answer is maybe. For the older/wiser group, remember when we had the same concern about 16-bit software running on 32-bit hardware? The same process will be employed: 32-bit software will be “thunked” or, in other words, 32-bit software calls on the hardware will be translated into 64-bit streams.

SERVER CORE
Another new option with Windows Server 2008 is a ‘Core’ installation of the operating system. This is essentially a head-less, GUI-less version of the server operating system. The total size on the disk will be less than 1GB, yet it will run many of the key infrastructure roles like file and print services. This smaller ‘footprint’ means a smaller attack surface and less to maintain for patching. A Server 2008 Core machine will also make a great host machine for virtual servers. The drawback is that interacting with the server will have to be done at the command line locally or using the graphical tools in a remote session.

NETWORK ACCESS PROTECTION
This new technology, which is part of Windows Server 2008, will prevent ‘unhealthy’ computers from accessing your network. Health for this purpose is defined as current anti-virus updates and operating system patches. So if you give that staff person access to the network, but you are worried the home machine they’re connecting from may propagate a virus on your network … worry no more. Connection requests are now granted only where the health policy is met and, if not, the policy server can even put the sub-standard machine in a restricted network with remediation servers to get updated. This should ease some concerns about catching a virus from outside.

BITLOCKER
This encryption technology has received a lot of press in Vista Pro editions; it will provide the same functionality for Windows Server 2008. By enabling the encryption on the entire hard disk, if that disk is removed, the perpetrator will need the significant key or decryption device in order to access the data on the drive.