Windows Server 2016 was shown to us in a small preview back in October 2014. But now it is finally here! It was worth the wait. Do you want to know more about a powerful server? This is it. Microsoft is taking its server line again seriously, and so are you with a plethora new Windows Server 2016 training. There are also major developments in the cloud, microservices and containers. VMware is coming, be prepared.
It’s Bold, Baby!
Microsoft was once the dominant player in the world of software, services, and servers. It then experienced a little retreat. Windows Server 2016 is now out in the open, boasting a wide range of improvements, including:
Security
Storage and networking
Virtualization
Software-defined networking
Server management
Automation

Server 2016 is capable of sharing files and running applications like Exchange and SQL server for any business size. It supports both the traditional n-tier client/server architecture but also containers and microservices applications.
Learn how to become a security expert with SPOTO’s Cybersecurity Training
Start trainingThis marks the beginning of a new direction in the Microsoft OS. Windows Server 2016 features a number of new features that are focused on virtualization and cloud computing. Yowza!
You Want Security? You have it!
The media has mainly focused on containers and Nano Server, which are well-deserving. Windows Server 2016’s Virtual Secure Mode takes security to a whole new level. This allows the Windows OS, instead of having to execute every security function at the software level, to offload some of its security functions.
This component is infrastructure-level and includes on-chip virtualization extensions. The hypervisor is placed on top of the CPU and ensures that virtual machines are isolated from each other. If you don’t like being visible – and honestly, who doesn’t? Virtual Secure Mode is a great option.
This platform is used for Credential Guard which was created to protect user credentials from being compromised. Interactive authentication is also offered by Local Security Authority. Credential Guard also moves the LSA into Isolated User Mode, which is the virtualized space created in Virtual Secure Mode.
It gets even better. LSA’s memory is isolated, just as the virtual machine’s. Furthermore, it:
Responsible for managing the local security policy.
Responsible for the system’s audit policy.
Generate security tokens

Drivers cannot operate in Isolated Users Mode. But that’s not all. The Design Guard feature ensures the kernel-level integrity and security of running code. Only trusted code can run.
Microsoft also addressed the issue of being able to copy a virtual machine’s virtual hard drive to removable media. Windows Server 2016 doesn’t have that ability! It also offers the Host Guardian Service, which allows a Hyper-V host set up to act like a guarded host. It also allows shielded virtual machines to be used, where virtual hard drives are encrypted using virtual TPM.
The virtual hard drive cannot be accessed if it is removed. Also, the virtual machine can’t be run. It is protected by the Host Guardian Service by being encrypted with a transportkey. Hackers, take that!
Hyper-V Containers and microservices for the Win
Windows Server 2016 now offers a container option called Hyper-V containers. They are Docker-manageable containers, which add an additional layer of isolation and are powered by Hyper-V virtualization technology.
Hyper-V will run in the container and not the OS. You will love sandboxing and more control. It is also very beneficial if Windows S needs to be run.