New server is built from the cloud up for the modern datacenter

Beirut, Lebanon -- Sept. 11, 2012

Microsoft launched Windows Server 2012 globally, in an online event on September 4, 2012. During the event, Satya Nadella, president of Microsoft Server and Tools Business, announced the general availability of Windows Server 2012 and described how Windows Server 2012 is a cornerstone of the Cloud OS that provides customers with a modern platform for the world's applications.

 "The operating system has always been the heartbeat of IT and is now undergoing a renaissance in the new world of continuous cloud services, connected devices and big data," Nadella said. "Microsoft's unique legacy in the most widely used operating systems, applications and cloud services positions us to deliver the Cloud OS, based on Windows Server and Windows Azure, helping customers achieve a datacenter without boundaries."

Enabling the Modern Datacenter
Microsoft built Windows Server 2012 from the cloud up, applying its experience operating global datacenters that rely on hundreds of thousands of servers to deliver more than 200 cloud services. Windows Server 2012 expands the definition of a server operating system, incorporating traditionally separate technologies, such as advanced storage, networking, virtualization and automation capabilities. Hundreds of new features can help customers achieve a transformational leap in the speed, scale and power of their datacenters and applications. In combination with Windows Azure and System Center, Windows Server 2012 empowers customers to manage and deliver applications and services across private, hosted and public clouds.

Customers Find Success with Windows Server 2012
Customers can use their existing skills and investments in systems management, application development, database, identity and virtualization to take advantage of Windows Server 2012 and realize the promise of cloud computing. Many enterprise customers are already seeing tremendous value in early deployments. A survey of 70 early adopter customers from across the globe revealed that they expect, on average, 52 percent reduction in downtime, 41 percent reduction in workload deployment time, and 15 hours of productivity time saved per year, per employee. 91 percent of the companies surveyed expect a reduction in server administration labor, and 88 percent expect reduction in network administration labor.*

Equifax is a global information solutions provider that organizes and assimilates data on more than 500 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide. It now counts on Windows Server 2012 for improved reliability and uptime of its information services to clients.  "Windows Server 2012 revolutionizes how we can operate our datacenter, allowing us to better meet our commitments," said Bryan Garcia, chief technology officer at Equifax. "The new high availably technologies help us deliver 'always-on' applications, and we're betting on Hyper-V as a critical component of our private cloud strategy. We are gaining tremendous efficiencies, which translate into more time to innovate for company growth."

Cloud Computing gains ground in Lebanon
The American University of Beirut, with an IT department responsible for servicing several thousand employees, students, alumni, a main office in New York as well as a medical center, recognized it had a growing problem on its hands as its IT department experienced continuous requests for additional IT services and was getting overwhelmed. "By building a private cloud we saved at least 50% in terms of hardware, software, and power consumption costs; as a result we achieved all our goals and satisfied the requirements of all business owners", said Samih Ajrouch, Associate Director, IT Customer Success, American University of Beirut.

-Ends-

More information about Windows Server 2012 and the Cloud OS is available here. Read Satya Nadella's post on The Official Microsoft Blog here. The conversation on Twitter can be followed at #WinServer.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

* "Windows Server 2012 Rapid Deployment Program: TCO Study Whitepaper," Microsoft Corp., June 2012

© Press Release 2012