Editor's Note: Windows Server 2012: The OS Built from the Cloud Up

The new Cloud OS is here, delivering the platform for the new era of IT.

By Mitch Irsfeld

The world of IT is quickly changing. Your users expect to be productive on whatever devices they choose. Your infrastructure needs to be agile, elastic and scalable with automated management and self-service provisioning. It needs to support apps built on multiple platforms and languages and foster the social connections that a modern business uses. It needs to support “Big Data” and deliver new insights to make better decisions. In short, it needs to be a Cloud OS.

With the launch of Windows Server 2012, Microsoft is delivering the Cloud OS platform you need to succeed during this time of transition to the cloud when your apps need 24/7 accessibility, from anywhere, and need to be deployed on premises, in the cloud and in hybrid combinations of the two.

In this TechNet feature package, we’ve brought together the new resources and technical learning programs to start you on your transition. Your first stop might be a visit to the Windows Server 2012 Virtual Launch Event where you’ll find the keynote session, customer experiences and direct engagement with engineering and program managers.

For a more structured, in-person experience, including hands-on training, you can register for the Cloud OS Signature Event Series, or find a Windows Server IT Camp in your area.

And you can start evaluating Windows Server 2012 immediately. Just download the Window Server 2012 Trial from the TechNet Evaluation Center and receive resources from the experts to assist in your evaluation.

Along with the evaluation, it is highly recommended that you check out Microsoft Virtual Academy’s free, online Windows Server courses. MVA is now offering new courses covering topics such as virtualization, server management and automation, networking, storage and more. Check back regularly as new modules like identity and access, web and application platform management, and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) are added.

For instructor-led training, the first two Microsoft Official Courses (MOC) for Windows Server 2012 are now available:

It’s an exciting time for IT, as the cloud transforms the datacenter and you’re busy enabling modern apps for wide range of devices. Windows Server 2012 is the platform for this Cloud OS approach, giving you a consistent platform across your datacenter and off-premises datacenters.

Thanks for reading,

Mitch

Nina Ruchirat

Mitch Irsfeld*, Editor of TechNet, is a veteran computer industry journalist and content developer who managed editorial staffs at several leading publications, includingInformationWeek, InternetWeek and CommunicationsWeek. He is also an editor for TechNet Magazine and managing editor of the TechNet Flash newsletter.*