Microsoft releases preview of Windows Server 2019

Microsoft has released Windows Server 2019 in preview, which is available to Insiders. The software should then be released in the second half of this year. The new version succeeds Windows Server 2016.

In the announcement of the new version, Microsoft mentions that it is an ltsc release, which means five years of support with an additional five years of extended support. In addition, the Redmond-based company discusses the most important innovations, which span topics such as security, hybrid cloud and hyper-converged infrastructure. Also part of this release is Project Honolulu, with which Microsoft announces a new web interface that should make it easier to connect between Server and Azure.

In terms of security, Microsoft is extending the concept of shielded virtual machines introduced in Server 2016 to Linux VMs. In addition, Advanced Threat Protection for Windows Defender is integrated into the operating system. In other areas, Microsoft is announcing the integration of the Windows subsystem for Linux, which can also be found in Windows 10. This makes it possible, for example, to use Linux tools from Windows.

As for containers, Microsoft writes that it wants to reduce the size of the base container image by a third to around 2GB. That image is needed to use Windows containers.

Finally, Microsoft says that a new version of System Center is coming, which will also make a 2019 variant available. In addition, the company expects a price increase for client access licensing, aka cal, but is not releasing any details yet. The release notes for the Insider build have now been published.