Microsoft Windows Server 2008

Then there are other tools too - don't overlook the System Center Management tools family. Indeed, System Center should be on the "must-have" list of anyone moving forward to Server 2008. It has capabilities that cover everything from virtualisation management to multi-tiered backup and recovery.

As always, transitioning to a new Windows Server platform is not something that should be done overnight. Much planning and thinking is required to ensure that you get the maximum value from the investment.

That means trialling all these new features, possibly using a virtual machine environment to help you, and then deciding which ones are appropriate to your environment. If you stick with the file and print mentality, then you'll overlook a significant set of capabilities, and this would be an almost criminal shame.

Server 2008 is certainly ready for prime time. There's no need to wait for Service Pack 1 - indeed, the standard shrinkwrap is labelled as being SP1 already. This is because it's in sync with changes made for Vista SP1.

Time investment and some new server hardware is needed - go for 64-bit multicore with a lot of RAM. Don't skimp but the hardware bill can still be perfectly affordable, and last you for many years to come. As a platform, Server 2008 will deliver too.

Author: Jon Honeyball