Meet the New Windows Server Platform

The Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate milestone marks the feature-complete stage, and the new features are plentiful in this new cloud-optimized platform.

Editor's Note: Cloud-Optimize IT with Windows Server 2012

As the re-imagined Windows Server OS hits its next milestone on the road to release, we take a look at the new features and tools for the highly dynamic, available, and cost-effective server platform for the private cloud.

Get Acquainted

Evaluate the Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate

Register to download the Windows Server 2012 RC evaluation and get access to technical product product resources, forums, solution accelerators, white papers and webcasts to guide your evaluation.

Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate Evaluation Guide (pdf)

Review the System Requirements

Free eBook: Introducing Windows Server 2012 (PDF)

Download this Microsoft Press free ebook, authored by Mitch Tulloch, and loaded with insider info from the Windows Server team.

What's New in Windows Server 2012

This content focuses on changes that will potentially have the greatest impact on your use of this release.

ZDNet: One of Windows Server 2012's Secret Weapons: Hyper-V Replica

HVR is built into Hyper-V at no extra cost and is designed specifically for those branch offices and small/mid-size enterprises that cannot afford an expensive SAN-based or host-based replication solution with their required expensive bandwidth. In fact, HVR has been designed to work on commercial broadband with no special hardware.

Get Started

Technical Scenarios for Windows Server 2012

These technical scenarios provide guidance that addresses an area of interest or particularly compelling capability enabled by Windows Server 2012.

Install and Deploy Windows Server 2012

This collection provides information about how to migrate to, install, and deploy Windows Server 2012.

Server Roles and Technologies in Windows Server 2012

Migrate Roles and Features to Windows Server 2012

Secure Windows Server 2012

Management and Tools for Windows Server 2012

Blog Series: Windows Server 2012, PowerShell 3.0 and DevOps

In the first of a two part series, Jeffrey Snover provides some background information about PowerShell and DevOps. In the second blog post, he'll provide you a bunch of specifics. PowerShell 3.0, like Windows Server 2012, as a ton of new features and enhancements.

Become an Expert

Take Part in the Windows Server 2012 Community Roadshow

The Windows Server 2012 Community Roadshow is a complimentary series of events held around the world to present on some of the key infrastructure improvements we’ve made in Windows Server 2012. Find an event near you.

MVA Course: Windows Sever 2012 First Look

This course builds on the original Windows Server "8" First Look course with the addition of 4 new modules designed to go into more detail around the core Windows Server 2012 platform capabilities.

MCSE Certifications to Cloud Optimize Your IT Infrastructure

Get recognized and get started down the path to earn one of our new Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications based on Windows Server 2012 – MCSE: Server Infrastructure or MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure. The prerequisite for these certifications is the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012.