Microsoft Evolves Web Hosting to a New Level

Tech-Ed 2007 was the stage where Microsoft announced that the minimal environment represented by the Server Core installation option of Windows Server 2008, formerly Windows Server code-name Longhorn, will receive an additional role. The Redmond Company has motivated the choice of adding Internet Information Services 7.0 (IIS7) to the Server Core installation option of Windows Server 2008 as a result of customer feedback.

Still, Microsoft did appear quite happy that the input it had received allowed for the inclusion of IIS7 in Windows Server 2008. Bob Muglia, senior vice president, Server and Tools Business revealed that IIS7 in Windows Server 2008 is but a way to ensure a higher level of web hosting services.

"With the Server Core installation option, IT professionals can install Windows Server 2008 with minimal server functionality for select roles - including DHCP, DNS, file server, virtualization, domain controller and now IIS7 - without any non-essential services and applications. By only including what is required for the designated roles, a Server Core installation will generally require less maintenance and fewer updates since there are fewer features to manage. And, since there are fewer programs and features installed and running on the server, there are fewer attack vectors exposed to the network, resulting in a reduced attack surface. Server Core is already a great option for IT professionals, so when you add IIS7 into the mix, it becomes even more compelling," revealed Bill Laing, general manager, Windows Server Division.

Laing also emphasized the fact that users of Windows Server 2008 can immediately deploy the beta 3 of the operating system into productions scenarios via a Go Live license at absolutely no charge. IIS7 is of course available as an extra role on the foundation of Windows Server 2008. Microsoft has designed IIS7 as a modular web hosting platform with an extremely reduced footprint.