Microsoft adds Azure capabilities to Windows Server 2022

Barely a month after the launch of Windows Server 2022, users are exploring everything the new platform has to offer, including new features like Hyper-V virtual machine support

Released last month, Windows Server 2022 includes multi-layered security, hybrid capabilities with Azure, file server improvements, container support with Kubernetes, and new tools within Windows Admin Center. Let's take a closer look at these features.

More integration with Azure: A key feature of Server 2022 is the ability to connect on-premise servers with the cloud-based Azure Arc and Azure Stack HCI platforms.

Microsoft recognises that customers run applications in hybrid and on-premise environments, which is why the company introduced Azure services for Windows Server.

Microsoft's vice president of program management, core OS and edge infrastructure, Bernardo Caldas, says, "Through Azure Arc and Azure Stack HCI, customers can modernise the management and virtualisation layers, respectively.

Server 2022 also include new capabilities within Azure.  Azure Automanage, currently in preview, brings cloud automation and the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure, which provides best practice strategies for cloud management. Azure Automanage for Windows Server will enable users to migrate to Azure using file transfer over SMB over QUIC without the need to change network IP. Further, Azure Automange for Windows server enables hotpatch implementation for Windows Server Azure Virtual Machines.

Microsoft is also working with Kubernetes to enable container support for Server 2022 and bring capabilities to Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)and AKS on Azure Stack HCI. Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) with native .NET support enables customers to modernise applications with Kubernetes.

Other improvements: SMB Compression within File Server, which improves application file transfer through data compression as it transits through a network.   Windows Admin Center also includes a new event viewer and gateway proxy support for Azure connected scenarios.

Multi-layered security: Secured-core server enables partners to provide hardware, firmware and drivers to secure server systems, and enables IT teams to apply security across hardware, firmware, and virtualisation layers.  Secured Connectivity adds AWS-256 encryption with support for server message block (SMB) protocol, and secure encrypted HTTPS.

More support: Windows Server 2022 provides support for up to 48 terabytes of memory and 2,048 logical cores running on 64 physical sockets.

Caldas adds, "Customers can also take advantage of advancements to Windows containers. For example, Windows Server 2022 improves application compatibility of Windows containers, includes HostProcess containers for node configuration, supports IPv6 and dual-stack, and enables consistent network policy implementation with Calico.

Windows Server 2022 is available now.