Monday, June 3, 2013

New Features: Windows Server 2012 R2

With the unveiling of Windows Server 2012 R2 features at Microsoft TechEd North America there has been allot of talk about the new features that are coming our way.

I came across a New Features article for Windows Server 2012 R2 on Windows IT Pro:
http://windowsitpro.com/windows-server-2012/new-features-windows-server-2012-r2

Some of the new features (specifically around the Hyper-V role) that I am looking forward  to seeing are:
  • Compression of Memory for Live Migrations. This will dramatically reduce Live Migration times.
  • Dynamic VHDX resizing. Finally we will be able to expand Virtual Disks connected to the virtual SCSI controller. This will be a feature that many Hyper-V customers have been hanging out for!
  • Hyper-V Replica Frequency. This will add new functionality from the standard 5 minute replication intervals by providing 30 seconds, 5 minutes and 15 minute intervals to choose from. This will provide more functionality for different link speeds and DR requirements.
  • DeDuplication of VHDX. By removing common blocks this not only going to save space but is set to dramatically increase performance.
  • Shared VHDX. In cases where Guest level clustering is required, this provides an alternative solution that will not require the Guest to connect directly to the Sstorage Array (using iSCSI or virtual Fibre Channel). Instead multiple guests can connect to a VHDX at the same time to provide the "Shared Storage" functionality required.
  • USB Pass through. Another great functionality that makes Hyper-V more competitive to the other Virtualisation Products on the market.
Windows 2012 R2 Preview Release is set for end of June 2013.
Final versions of Windows 2012 R2 is heard to have a release date of end of calendar year 2013.

Looking forward to it!

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