14 DAY TRIAL // Customers needing to implement a Windows Server 2008 R2 public key infrastructure (PKI) leveraging Suite B compliant cryptographic algorithms can access deployment guidance from Microsoft. The “Suite B PKI in Windows Server 2008” whitepaper is available free of charge via the Microsoft Download Center and despite the title it also covers Windows Server 2008 R2.
The resource is designed to provide IT professionals with guidance as they set up to plan and implement a PKI in Windows Server 2008 R2 using only Suite B.
IT pros will be provided with step-by-step instructions that will guide them through the installation and configuration of a Microsoft PKI in a test environment.
The documentation not only covers both Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, but also points out the differences between the two platforms introduced though the evolution to the R2 iteration.
“The deployment process in a Windows Server 2008 R2 environment is essentially the same as that in a Windows Server 2008,” the company said.
“With Windows Server 2008 R2, some key improvements around Suite B support in Certificate Services have been made. With regard to Suite B, they main difference between the two platforms is the ease in which the PKI is deployed and the additional Suite B application support provided with Windows Server 2008 R2.”
“While configuring a Suite B only PKI in Windows Server 2008 was possible, changes have been made in Windows Server 2008 R2 in an attempt to reduce the effort and complexity of the deployment and improve the overall user experience.”
For those not familiar with Suite B, this is a collection of cryptographic algorithms imposed by the NSA (National Security Agency).
Microsoft first introduced support for Suite B with the advent of Windows Vista, and only enhanced it will platforms such as Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2.