Microsoft's most advanced Server Operating System has been released to manufacturing (RTM) and will be launched in the Gulf shortly
DUBAI - Feb. 26, 2008 - Microsoft Gulf today announced that it is getting ready to launch Windows Server 2008 in the Middle East. This signifies yet another important milestone on the road to the 'Heroes Happen Here' global launch of Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008, which will take place in Los Angeles on February 27th, 2008. Touted as the industry's next hottest technology product, Windows Server 2008 is Microsoft's next-generation operating system and the successor to Microsoft Server 2003.
Windows Server 2008 is designed to provide organizations with a solid foundation for powering applications, networks and Web services, from the workgroup to the data center. Windows Server 2008 includes several refinements to the base operating system plus powerful new functionality that makes it the most valuable Windows Server operating system yet. From providing a highly secure, easy-to-use web and applications platform to enhanced security and powerful virtualization technology, Windows Server 2008 is packed with world-class features, making it Microsoft's most robust, secure, and reliable foundation on which to develop, deliver and manage rich user experiences and applications.
Desmond Nair, Business Group Manager, Servers and Tools, Microsoft Gulf said, 'Building upon the strength and reliability of Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 brings customers the most secure, reliable and tested version of a Windows operating system. At Microsoft, we believe that organisations that are equipped with the right tools can surmount the most complex business challenges. Organisations in the Middle East now view IT infrastructure as a strategic asset and the critical foundation that a business needs in order to operate effectively and succeed. By offering a productive platform for powering application networks, Web services and virtualization with Windows Server 2008, Microsoft helps organisations improve service levels at a lower cost and operate a flexible platform to meet changing business demands."
To add to the benefits customers will be receiving from Windows Server 2008, Microsoft also announced that Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) has been released to manufacturing and will be available to customers in March so that when combined with Windows Server 2008 customers will see a number of improvements in security, manageability, overall system performance, as well as streamlined planning and deployment.
With Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has also articulated its expertise in virtualization. Businesses are clamouring for ways to scale back the amount of time and money they spend maintaining their IT systems so they can instead ramp up efforts to better run their enterprise and bolster their bottom line. The answer is server virtualization technology. Organizations that virtualise computing environments can increase operational efficiency through server consolidation, application re-hosting, disaster recovery and software test and development. Microsoft's strategy for client and server virtualization is to provide the best value in the industry with a complete set of virtualization solutions from the desktop to the datacenter. Server virtualization enables multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine as virtual machines (VMs). With server virtualization, you can consolidate workloads of underutilized server machines onto a smaller number of fully utilized machines. Fewer physical machines can lead to reduced costs through lower hardware, energy, and management overhead, plus the creation of a more dynamic IT infrastructure.
Windows Server 2008 is the most robust operating system to date. Built with enhanced Web and virtualization capabilities, it is designed to increase the reliability and flexibility of an organization's server infrastructure while helping save time, reduce costs and provide a solid, highly-dependable foundation for business. With Microsoft adding every conceivable service that an operating system can support and following several weeks of testing, it is clear that Windows Server 2008 is Microsoft's most customer focused server release and is set to dramatically change the technology landscape.
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About Microsoft Gulf:
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is: www.microsoft.com/middle east
© Press Release 2008
