2014-02-17

My previous post described The first “post-Ballmer” offering launched: with Power BI for Office 365 everyone can analyze, visualize and share data in the cloud [‘Experiencing the Cloud’, Feb 10, 2014]… and everything you could know about Satya Nadella’s solution strategy so far (from Microsoft’s Cloud & Enterprise organization):
- Power BI as the lead business solution and the Microsoft’s visionary Data Platform solution built for it
- Microsoft’s vision of the unified platform for modern businesses [i.e. a quite evolved vision versus that of H1’FY14 that you would see soon in section 2. (compare those two)]

Here I will briefly present the state of the cloud computing strategy of Microsoft that preceded the above described offering launched in February, immediately after Satya  Nadella was appointed Microsoft CEO replacing Steve Ballmer. This will also allow anybody to assess what might be considered by some purist people as one belonging to the Ballmer era of Microsoft only, as well as compare that with the first “post-Ballmer” offering described in the post referenced above.

Details here will presented in the following sections:

The Microsoft way so far (pre-FY15)

Microsoft Cloud OS vision (H1’FY14)

Microsoft Cloud OS delivery and ecosystem rollout (H1’FY14)

3.1 Windows Server 2012 R2
3.2 System Center 2012 R2
3.3 Windows Azure Pack
3.4 SQL Server 2014 (CTP1, CTP2)
3.5 Windows Intune
[+ Visual Studio 2013 which I will not include here]
3.6 Cloud OS Network partners
3.7  Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track Partners

In two separate posts (because of their volumes) I already presented the next section about this topic:

4.  Microsoft products for the Cloud OS [‘Experiencing the Cloud’, as of Dec 18, 2013, but published only on Feb 14, 2014]

4. 1 Windows Server 2012 R2 & System Center 2012 R2
4.2 Unlock Insights from any Data – SQL Server 2014
4.3 Unlock Insights from any Data / Big Data – Microsoft SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse (PDW) and Windows Azure HDInsights
4.4 Empower people-centric IT – Microsoft Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
4.5 Microsoft talking about Cloud OS and private clouds: starting with Ray Ozzie in November, 2009 (was separated because of its length)
>>> 4.5.1 Tiny excerpts from official executive and/or corporate communications
>>> 4.5.2 More official communications in details from executives and/or corporate

The half-bakedness of the Microsoft cloud computing strategy in “pre-Nadella era” is particularly visible when one compares the four sections included here with that of  The cloud services brokerage (CSB) business model and the HP Cloud Services [‘Experiencing the Cloud’, Feb 4, 2014]. CSB is a completely missing term on the whole Microsoft website (even on Technet). Even among 3d party communications invited to Microsoft events only one discussed that concept back to March 2011, and it was even not a central or global event, but a lonely Australian one. See Cloud Computing: Myths, challenges, opportunities and realities – taking control of your cloud strategy [Gartner, Oct 4, 2010]. Curiously there were 2 CSB companies for which Microsoft has published case studies on its site: the Nintex partner solution for the Windows Azure Platform back to September 2011, and the Strategic SaaS partner profit and loss case study for the Microsoft Online Services in May 2010.

Also HP’s Cloud Services offerings have a more advanced state of communications and even of delivery (but only in terms of the CSB aspect) than that of Microsoft. In addition HP’s strategy is based not only on the OpenStack initiative but on its own multivendor cloud services management software, an approach still partially existing in Microsoft’s current strategy. So HP’s strategy might be considered a more complete one, especially by people who were heavily influenced by HP’s very effective communications.

My description of the Microsoft cloud computing strategy (H1’FY04) is “half-baked” in true double sense: “half empty” meaning that the most essential elements are still missing, or  “half full” meaning the opposite. IMHO everything depends on current reader’s perceptions. For a “softie” (whether an inside person, or an outside one) it will be “half full”, while for others it will “half empty”. So for the first group the “half-bakedness” should carry a positive meaning, while for the second group a negative one. There is no judge to decide between these two opinions. My point of view is a neutral one, meaning that important elements have already been introduced, but other, equally important elements are still missing.

1. The Microsoft way so far (pre-FY15)

Cloud OS Network: 5 important things to know [Microsoft in Government Blog, Feb 5, 2014] by Dan Mannion, Director, Public Sector Cloud Strategy

Microsoft recently announced the Microsoft Cloud OS Network, a new program that will help governments tackle the challenges of transitioning to the national cloud. In my travels since the announcement, I’ve heard a lot of questions from leaders about the Cloud OS Network and why it should matter to them. Here are the five most common questions with my answers.

1. What is the Cloud OS Network?

It’s a worldwide consortium of 25 cloud service providers that have standardized on the Microsoft Cloud Platform. Together, these providers cover more than 90 markets, serving more than 3 million customers and operating 2.4 million servers in more than 425 datacenters. As the world’s leading Microsoft cloud providers, they’re the first out of the gate with the latest technologies. When you work with one of them, you get a public cloud based in Microsoft Azure, one of the world’s largest platforms—and a Windows Server–based private cloud, the world’s most innovative platform.

2. What does the Cloud OS Network mean by “hybrid cloud”?

Think of the hybrid cloud as having three pillars: First there was the private cloud, based in your own datacenter; next came the public cloud enabled by Microsoft Azure and others; and now there’s the service provider cloud, accessible through the Cloud OS Network. By taking advantage of all three pillars, you get a consistent, connected “hybrid” cloud in which you can manage your infrastructure and applications freely, even moving them between clouds.

3. How will the Cloud OS Network handle my security concerns?

Of our inaugural Cloud OS Network partners, six are designing national clouds today—and government specialists from more countries will be signing up. These providers address unique government data security, privacy, and sovereignty concerns by developing solutions that can be certified to specific in-country requirements. And with local datacenters, their solutions will help you keep your data within your own borders.

These providers offer specialized government solutions now:

Capita IT Services (U.K.)

Outsourcery (U.K.)

Revera (New Zealand)

SingTel (Singapore)

Tieto (Finland/Norway/Sweden)

VTC Digilink (Vietnam)

For an up-to-date list, keep an eye on the Cloud OS Network website.

4. Why this group of service providers?

Many members of the Cloud OS Network have worked with Microsoft cloud services for a decade or more. Not only do they have the in-house skills and experience to deliver the most efficient, scalable, and secure cloud solutions to governments, but they’re also backed by Microsoft’s cloud expertise. Since 1997 when we launched the original Hotmail service, we’ve delivered more than 200 cloud services to billions of people worldwide. Taken together, that’s a level of experience that’s hard to beat.

5. How does Microsoft ensure the quality of these providers’ solutions?

Microsoft gives its Cloud OS Network partners implementation support that other providers don’t get. Only these partners have access to Microsoft intellectual property and solution architects to guide them in designing and deploying the most efficient, scalable clouds in their countries. By working with these select service providers, your government will have the direct support of Microsoft as you get your cloud up and running.

For more answers: Watch the program video to hear straight from the service providers. Or, contact a Cloud OS Network service provider in your country. If there isn’t one, take advantage of a partner in a neighboring country or contact Microsoft to nominate a local service provider to be part of the network. You can also tweet me a question @dmannion, and I’ll respond. Any way you do it, it’s vital to your cloud rollout’s success that you check out this great new program.

“Watch the program video”: The Cloud OS Network of Leading Cloud Service Providers [MSCloudOS YouTube channel, Dec 12, 2013]

Learn about the Microsoft Cloud OS Network, a worldwide program for leading cloud service providers who have embraced the Cloud OS vision. These partners will offer infrastructure and application solutions based on a Microsoft-validated platform. Customers will benefit from uniquely tailored services in their local markets adding greater flexibility and choice. Learn more about participating partners and solutions on http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/cloud-os-network.aspx

Note that in that Cloud OS Network announcement [Dec 12, 2013] video only 6 companies—Outsourcery PLC, TeleComputing, T-Systems, Tieto, SingTel, and OVH.com—are represented out of those 25 announced 2 months ago. If you check the Cloud OS Network website indicated in the Feb 5, 2014 post for government customers you will find only a single company, Tieto with a sufficiently developed offering strategy:

Tieto – Cloud OS Network [TietoCorporation YouTube channel, Feb 3, 2014]

As a member of Cloud OS Network our customers will benefit on several levels. Tieto’s set of cloud transformation services includes unique data security and control capabilities as well as in-country data centres. We help our customers move into the cloud step by step, in a pace that is suitable for them, and deliver the hybrid solution of legacy IT, private cloud and public cloud solution, that is suitable for their specific needs. http://www.tieto.com/CloudOSNetwork

Note that on the Cloud OS Network website Tieto is described as:

Tieto is the largest Nordic IT services company providing full life-cycle services and product development for private and public sectors. Tieto is committed to develop enterprises and society through IT.

Cloud OS Network

Tieto is a member of the Microsoft Cloud OS Network.

As a member of Cloud OS Network our customers will benefit on several levels. Tieto’s set of cloud transformation services includes unique data security and control capabilities as well as in-country data centres.

Datacenter without Boundaries – Tieto offers a true and complete hybrid cloud solution. Tieto can support our customers whether they have a dedicated environment, a hosted cloud solution with Tieto Productivity Cloud, or Microsoft’s public cloud (Windows Azure and Microsoft Office 365) or a hybrid solution combining them. Tieto Productivity Cloud, based on the Microsoft Cloud Platform, enables full service delivery over different cloud scenarios and smooth transitions between them.

Cloud Innovation Everywhere – Tieto Productivity Cloud is built on the R2 versions of Windows Server, System Center and the Windows Azure Pack, providing best-in-class cloud platform software supporting our customers’ IT infrastructure transformations. We help them make their businesses more efficient and build new businesses through standardization, virtualization, automation, and innovative new offerings. We help our customers move into the cloud step by step, in a pace that is suitable for them, and deliver the hybrid solution of legacy IT, private cloud and public cloud solution, that is suitable for their specific needs.

Tieto Productivity Cloud

Productivity, CRM, Big data, BI, Office – all the enterprise Microsoft solutions you know and are familiar with, delivered from the most advanced, flexible and secure cloud solution available. Delivered the way you need it – private, hybrid and/or Microsoft cloud.



The tools you know – delivered the way you need.

Tieto Productivity Cloud is built in collaboration with Microsoft, and as a partner in the Microsoft Cloud OS Network, we can deliver the most advanced technology through our own cloud ecosystem integrated with your legacy systems.

As the largest Microsoft partner in the Nordics, together with deep industry knowledge, we support customers moving to the cloud with the latest Microsoft solutions.

Cost efficient

• Capex free
• Increased productivity
• Shared platform

Flexible

• Scaling up and down based
on business needs
• Fast automated deployments

Secure

• Latest technology used
to ensure secure data
• Private data center
 

Future proof with hybrid cloud

• Grows with hybrid clouds
• Controlled evergreen in private cloud
 

Get the best from the cloud!

Tieto can provide full services regardless the delivery model you need: On premise, Tieto’s Private Cloud (TPC) or a public cloud solution with Office 365 or Azure or a Hybrid solution fitted to your needs. Tieto supports all scenarios! You can select what ever suits your organization the best.

Example Scenario of a Hybrid Cloud Solution in Tieto Productivity Cloud.

Read more here
- some of the links go to other parts of Tieto’s services structure.

Unified communications as a service

Sharepoint PaaS

Tieto Workspace

Hosted Desktop

Mobile Device Management

Customer Relationship Management

Tieto Future Office

2. Microsoft Cloud OS vision (H1’FY14)

The topmost strategic intent defining the Cloud OS vision of Microsoft was detailed in my earlier post titled “Cloud first” from Microsoft is ready to change enterprise computing in all of its facets [‘Experiencing the Cloud’, June 4, 2013]

… represented by these alternative/partial titles explained later on in this composite post:
OR Choosing the Cloud Roadmap That’s Right for Your Business [MSCloudOS YouTube channel, June 3, 2013]
OR Microsoft transformation to a “cloud-first” (as a design principle to) business as described by Satya Nadella’s (*) Leading the Enterprise Cloud Era [The Official Microsoft Blog, June 3, 2013] post
OR Faster development, global scale, unmatched economics… Windows Azure delivers [Windows Azure MSDN blog, June 3, 2012] which is best summarized by Scott Guthrie (*) as the following enhancements to Windows Azure
OR as described by Brian Harry (*) in Visual Studio 2013 [Brian Harry’s MSDN blog, June 3, 2013]
OR as described by Brad Anderson (*) in TechEd 2013: After Today, Cloud Computing is No Longer a Spectator Sport [TechNet Blogs, June 3, 2013]
OR as described by Quentin Clark (*) in SQL Server 2014: Unlocking Real-Time Insights [TechNet Blogs, June 3, 2013]
OR as described by Antoine Leblond (*) in Continuing the Windows 8 vision with Windows 8.1 [Blogging Windows, May 30, 2013], and continued by Modern Business in Mind: Windows 8.1 at TechEd 2013[June 3, 2013] from Erwin Visser (*) describing some of the features that businesses can look forward to in Windows 8.1
OR putting all this together: Microsoft unveils what’s next for enterprise IT [press release, June 3, 2013]

Note that the necessity to include such a plethora of alternative/partial titles is proving by itself how much Microsoft’s H1’FY14 cloud computing strategy was half-baked.

Then the H1FY14 expression of the vision came out in the form of
Experience Microsoft Cloud OS vision [Microsoft page, Sept 15, 2013]

It’s a new day in IT. There are more apps, more devices, and now, more data than ever — all driven by the rise of cloud computing and the use of cloud services. With these technologies playing an ever present role in businesses, how can IT drive more efficiency and deliver new forms of value? Microsoft’s answer is the Cloud OS.

Big data, the cloud, and bring your own device are converging technology trends that represent real opportunities for IT to deliver more efficiencies and new value. By responding to these opportunities, IT can reduce the cost and complexity of running datacenters at scale, draw insights from any data, support employees wherever they work across any device, and create new business apps or transform existing ones.

Microsoft’s approach allows IT to get all the benefits of scale, speed, and agility while still protecting existing investments. This means IT can now rapidly build and deploy apps, flexibly manage IT services, and support real-time analytics across all forms of data.

Why Cloud OS? [Hybrid cloud, public cloud, and private cloud which are representing the overall infrastructure vision]

   [pages you will reach when clicking on the above tiles, note the names of pages which are representing the particular and proper visions for the infrastructure, while the above tile names are representing the particular strategic intents:]

[Virtualization of the datacenter]

[Business intelligence and analytics from all data sources]

[Unified Device Management, Security and Compliance]

[Modern Business Applications using Cloud Services]

Aston Martin. Driving strategy and innovation with the power of the Microsoft Cloud OS vision

Behind every luxury sports car produced by Aston Martin is a sophisticated IT infrastructure. The goal of the Aston Martin IT team is to optimize that infrastructure so it performs as efficiently as the production line it supports. This video describes how Aston Martin has used cloud and hybrid-based solutions to deliver innovation and strategy to the business.

Read the case study [Microsoft Case Study: Windows Server 2012 - Aston Martin]

Related videos on the 4 subpages indicated by the tiles on the above page:

[Virtualization of the datacenter > Transform the datacenter]

Why Microsoft From vendors that are applying new labels to old on-premises solutions to those that want you to rip up your existing infrastructure and bet everything on public cloud, there are a host of vendors claiming to solve all your IT challenges. Microsoft’s solutions help you take advantage of your existing investments and move to the cloud at a pace that suits your business needs. Through proven solutions that help customers choose between private, public, or hybrid, you can be sure your IT infrastructure can adapt as the needs of your business change.

[Business intelligence and analytics from all data sources > Unlock insights on any data]

you might click here as well

Why Microsoft

There are plenty of vendors who claim to meet your big data needs, but their solutions are not usually designed to handle today’s new data sources or built to take full advantage of the cloud. Some try to sell you on complex, expensive hardware solutions that are difficult to use while others provide limited data visualization solutions that address only one issue at a time. See how Microsoft offers a complete, flexible data platform that helps everyone at businesses like yours, from the front office to the server room, unlock insights from any data, big and small, no matter where it resides.

[Unified Device Management, Security and Compliance > Empower people-centric IT]

Toyota Automotive retailer avoids $1.3 million in IT costs with cloud-based PC management tool. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) had no tools to manage 3,500 car-diagnostic PCs running outside the corporate domain at 3,000 dealerships. TME chose Windows Intune to manage the PCs remotely from a web-based console. It can standardize software deployments to ensure consistent customer service and enhance the security of managed computers to reduce downtime at dealerships. Remote assistance capabilities will also help reduce on-site support costs.

[Modern Business Applications using Cloud Services > Enable modern business applications]

Aviva Drive UK insurance firm uses mobile application and cloud platform to track driving behavior. Aviva, a leading provider of financial services worldwide, wanted to help customers save money by basing auto insurance quotes on the behavior of individual drivers instead of statistics. To better understand potential customers, Aviva needed to collect telematics data from moving vehicles. However, deploying on-premises infrastructure was too costly and complex. That changed when it implemented a hybrid-cloud solution based on Windows Azure. The solution uses smartphones to collect telematics data that it stores in the cloud on Windows Azure SQL Database.

Then the latest introductory videos for the above 4 vision aspects:

Transform the Datacenter [MSCloudOS YouTube channel, Oct 30, 2013]

Cloud computing is bringing new opportunities and new challenges to IT. Learn how Microsoft can help transform your datacenter to take advantage of the vast possibilities of the cloud while leveraging your existing resources. Learn more: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/cloud-os/modern-data-center.aspx

Unlock Insights on Any Data [MSCloudOS YouTube channel, Nov 1, 2013]

Data is being generated faster than ever before, so what can it do for your business? Learn how to unlock insights on any data by empowering people with BI and big data tools to go from raw data to business insights faster and easier. Learn more: http://www.microsoft.com/datainsights

Empowering People-centric IT [MSCloudOS YouTube channel, Oct 30, 2013]

People want access to information and applications on the devices of their choice. IT needs keep data protected and without breaking the budget. Learn how the Microsoft People-centric IT vision helps businesses address their consumerization of IT challenges. Learn More: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/cloud-os/pcit.aspx

Enable Modern Business Applications [MSCloudOS YouTube channel, Nov 1, 2013]

A revolution is taking place, impacting the speed at which Business Apps need to be built, and the jaw dropping capabilities they need to deliver. Ignoring these trends isn’t an option and yet you have no time to hit the reset button. Learn how to deliver revolutionary benefits in an evolutionary way. Learn More: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/cloud-os/modern-business-apps.aspx

3. Microsoft Cloud OS delivery and ecosystem rollout (H1’FY14)

3. 1 Windows Server 2012 R2

Key Features In Windows Server 2012 R2 Explained [gizmodoAU YouTube channel, June 4, 2013] that was when the preview of it was released at TechEd North America 2013

Microsoft senior program manager Jeff Woolsey talks through some of the major enhancements in Windows Server R2, announced at TechEd North America 2013, and explains how to get ready to shift to the new platform.

Then all the essential details, especially that product’s relationship to the delivery of the whole Microsoft Cloud OS vision [12:10]: Introduction to Windows Server 2012 R2 [MSCloudOS YouTube channel, Sept 4, 2013] at TechEd EMEA 2013 in Barcelona

Get the details on the upcoming release of Windows Server. We go over enhancements and new capabilities in Networking, Storage, Hyper-V, PowerShell and availability – making it easier than ever for customers to truly embrace the cloud with Windows Server.

Announcing the General Availability of Windows Server 2012 R2: The Heart of Cloud OS[Windows Server Blog, Oct 18, 2013]

For years now, Microsoft has been building and operating some of the largest cloud applications in the world. The expertise culled from these experiences along with our established history of delivering market-leading enterprise operating systems, platforms, and applications has led us to develop a new approach for the modern era: the Microsoft Cloud OS.

Delivered as an enterprise-class, the simple and cost-effective server and cloud platform Windows Server 2012 R2 delivers significant value around seven key capabilities:

Server virtualization.

Storage.

Networking.

Server management and automation.

Web and application platform.

Access and information protection.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.

To compete in the global economy and keep up with the pace of innovation, IT organizations must improve their agility, their efficiency, and their ability to better manage costs while enabling their business and end users to stay continuously productive.

Then I will recommend Windows Server 2012 R2 Private Cloud Virtualization and Storage Poster and Mini-Posters [Microsoft Download Center, Jan 23, 2014]

Windows Server 2012 R2 Private Cloud Virtualization and Storage Poster (whole poster)

Mini-posters

Virtual Hard Disk and Cluster Shared Volumes Mini Poster

Virtual Hard Disk Sharing Mini Poster

Understanding Storage Architecture Mini Poster

Storage Spaces and Deduplication Mini Poster

Scale-Out and SMB Mini Poster

Hyper-V and Failover Clustering Mini Poster

These posters provide a visual reference for understanding key private cloud storage and virtualization technologies in Windows Server 2012 R2. They focus on understanding storage architecture, virtual hard disks, cluster shared volumes, scale-out file servers, storage spaces, data deduplication, Hyper-V, Failover Clustering, and virtual hard disk sharing.

as well as Windows Server 2012 R2 Products and Editions Comparison [Microsoft Download Center, Feb 7, 2014]

This chart illustrates the differences among the various Windows Server 2012 R2 products and editions, including the various editions of Windows Server, Microsoft Hyper-V Server, Storage Server, and MultiPoint Server. The chart includes information about locks and limits (such as the maximum number of connections of various kinds, domain-joining capability, and CPU and RAM limits), which server roles are supported, and which server features are available.

Finally Windows Server 2012 R2 [Microsoft product site, Oct 17, 2013]

Windows Server 2012 R2 provides enterprise-class datacenter and hybrid cloud solutions that are simple to deploy, cost-effective, application-focused, and user-centric.

Greater flexibility and agility with Windows Server 2012 R2

At the heart of the Microsoft Cloud OS vision, Windows Server 2012 R2 brings Microsoft’s experience delivering global-scale cloud services into your infrastructure with new features and enhancements in virtualization, management, storage, networking, virtual desktop infrastructure, access and information protection, the web and application platform, and more.

Start your evaluation

Read the Windows Server 2012 R2 Datasheet

Read the Windows Server 2012 R2 White Paper

Learn about Windows Server 2012 R2

Telco giant uses hybrid-cloud strategy to trim IT costs by 15%, gain agility

Telefónica is using a hybrid private-public cloud strategy based on Microsoft software to reduce IT costs by 15%, ramp up business agility, and increase data center flexibility and reliability.

Read the case study

Limo firm virtualizes biggest workloads while improving availability, reducing costs

By using Windows Server 2012, Microsoft System Center 2012 Service Pack 1, and Microsoft SQL Server 2012, EmpireCLS virtualized its dispatch and reservation system and slashed disaster recovery time from three minutes to three seconds.

Read the case study

Benefits

With Windows Server 2012 R2 you can scale to run your most important workloads with robust recovery options. You’ll achieve value quickly with a wide range of cost-effective, high-performance storage options and simplified delivery of multi-tenant IT services. You can build, deploy, operate, and monitor applications on-premises and in the cloud. Empower users with secure access to corporate resources on the devices they choose.

Enterprise-class

Improve performance and scale capacity more efficiently to run your largest workloads while enabling robust recovery options to protect against outages.

Simple and cost-effective

Deliver multi-tenant-aware storage and networking multi-tenancy capabilities for storage and networking on low-cost, industry-standard hardware.

Application focused

With enhanced support for open frameworks, you can build, deploy, and scale applications and websites with more flexibility by unlocking application portability between on-premises environments and public and service provider clouds.

User-centric

Deploy a virtual desktop infrastructure and lower storage costs significantly using a broad range of storage options and VHD deduplication

Capabilities

Server virtualization

Storage

Networking

Server management and automation

Web and application platform

Access and information protection

Virtual desktop infrastructure

Server virtualization

Take advantage of the cost savings of virtualization, and maximize server hardware investments by consolidating your servers as virtual machines on a single physical host. Hyper-V runs multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, and others, in parallel, on a single server. Windows Server 2012 R2 extends Hyper-V’s capabilities with additional features and industry-leading scalability for host processors and memory.

Learn More

Storage

Whatever your storage platform, the data it holds is the bedrock of your business. Windows Server 2012 R2 helps you optimize your existing storage investments, such as SANs. It also lets you build scalable, high-performance, highly available storage solutions using industry-standard hardware and Windows Server 2012 R2. Windows Server 2012 R2 helps ensure your storage remains continuously available, so your services can be, continuously available too.

Learn More

Networking

You can manage an entire network as a single server, so you get the reliability and scalability of multiple servers at a lower cost. Automatic rerouting around storage, server, and network failures keeps file services online with minimal noticeable downtime. Together with System Center 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012 R2 can provide an end-to-end software defined networking solution across public, private, and hybrid cloud implementations.

Learn More

Server management and automation

Following a standards-based management approach, the Windows Management Framework provides a common platform for automation and integration to help you automate your routine tasks with tools like Windows PowerShell. Other improvements help simplify deployment, ensure that the components of your datacenters have the correct configuration, and enable you to take action to manage across multiple servers through a single relevant dashboard in Server Manager.

Learn More

Web and application platform

Windows Server 2012 R2 builds on the tradition of the Windows Server family as a proven application platform, with thousands of applications already built and deployed and a community of millions of knowledgeable and skilled developers already in place. You can build and deploy applications either on-premises or in the cloud—or both at once, with hybrid solutions that work in both environments.

Learn More

Access and information protection

With Microsoft’s Access and Information Protection solutions, you can manage a single identity for each user, across both on-premises and cloud-based (SaaS) applications. You define a user’s level of access to information and applications each user has to information and applications based on who they are, what they are accessing, and from which device—, even applying multi-factor authentication. You can provide secure remote access to your mobile workers using the Windows Server Remote Access (RRAS) capabilities of DirectAccess and VPN (including automatic VPN connections) and enable your users to sync their work files from a corporate server to their devices. Also, you can manage mobile devices to remove corporate data and applications when a device is lost, stolen, or retired from use.

Learn More

Virtual desktop infrastructure

With Windows Server 2012 R2, it’s even easier to deploy and deliver virtual resources across devices. VDI technologies offer easy access to a rich, full-fidelity Windows environment running in the datacenter, from virtually any device. Through Hyper-V and Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft offers three flexible VDI deployment options in a single solution: Pooled Desktops, Personal Desktops, and Remote Desktop Sessions.

Learn More

3.2 System Center 2012 R2

Introduction

to System Center 2012 R2 [Channel 9 via EPC Group.net YouTube channel, on Channel 9: June 3, 2013; on this YouTube: June 12, 2013 ] that was when the preview of it was released at TechEd North America 2013

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