30/12/2019
Difference between windows server 2016 & 2019
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Mainly, the 2019 version includes the following new features that were not part of the 2016 version
- A storage migration feature that helps to migrate data from the legacy platform to the new 2019 platform.
System insights that offer predictive analytics based on AI, which helps to lower operational costs of managing the platform.
- The Azure network adaptor which provides connectivity to virtual VPN networks.
- An improved authentication system that helps to create new opportunities to use the account for cloud authentication.
- Nested parity which prevents the breakdown of 2-node clusters even after multiple failures.
- USB drive serves as a cluster witness.
- Data deduplication which helps to maximise the use of free space.
- Monitoring of memory and server storage at the cluster level.
- Creating large clusters while maintaining resiliency.
- Persistent memory which offers reduced latency in data storage and retrieval.
- A centralised network controlling mechanism.
- Faster connectivity among virtual peer networks.
- Faster SDN gateways.
- PTP feature which gives more accurate time samples.
- Leap second support.
- Latency optimised control for managing bandwidth availability.
- Shielded virtual machines.
- No requirement of NTLM to run the Windows Server.
- The following features are an improvement over the 2016 functionality:
A single management interface to facilitate monitoring and network configuration.
An improved S2D feature that offers scalable storage up to 64TB in the 2019 version.
Mirror parity that that improves performance on direct deployments.
Storage replication to help in disaster recovery.
File witness sharing on the cloud infrastructure.
Windows Server 2019 is based on a hybrid approach for data movement, which was lacking in the 2016 version. This means that the cloud solution can work simultaneously with the on-premise version.
While Windows Server 2016 installation was simple and it used Active Directory for data backup, the 2019 version uses AI and the IoT to synchronise and backup data in a more secure way. Moreover, the 2019 version is integrated with Project Honolulu, which gives a flexible platform to the user.
Better Security
The Windows Server 2019 is a leap over the 2016 version when it comes to security. While the 2016 version was based on the use of shielded VMs, the 2019 version offers extra support to run Linux VMs. In addition, the 2019 version is based on the Protect, Detect and Respond approach to security. VMConnect offers additional support to troubleshoot common networking issues.
Another useful addition is the WDATP feature which amplifies the preventive aspect of the system’s security application.
Improved Applications
The Windows Server 2019 offers enhanced experiences for developers to improve their output. The introduction of Containers along with Subsystem means that developers can also create programs using Linux with as much ease. The 2016 version also had the Containers feature which had been received enthusiastically by developers, which is evidenced by the thousands of images that people have downloaded from the system. The 2019 version has made the Container more efficient by creating a smaller core of the base, which will improve the user experience.
Hyper-Convergence
Hyper-convergence of the infrastructure was introduced in the 2016 version with the cooperation of the best vendors in the industry. This proved to be a great success in the market and has been retained in the latest version as well. Windows Server 2016 – Networking was another popular feature, and the 2019 version improved the functionality of the server. Server 2019 takes it forward by adding new features and functionalities to it.
The scale of the infrastructure has been increased, while there have been improvements in performance and accuracy. This makes the 2019 version more attractive and beneficial for clients than the 2016 version. User support has also been enhanced in the latest version. The interface has received a facelift with the help of Project Honolulu and direct storage. These features are, however, more useful for large businesses than for small businesses.
Upgrades
Compared to the 2016 version, Windows Server 2019 offers greater functionality in terms of security through the advanced threat protection feature. This provides better safeguards for early detection and management of security threats. It also offers better support for encryption of network portions. This ensures that inter-server security is enhanced as much as security within the server. No doubt, 2019 is more expensive than its predecessor.
It is also possible that the cost may go up when Client Access Licensing is added to the mix. Since Windows Server 2019 has been developed largely as an improvement over Windows Server 2016, there is not much difference in how the two systems operate. Nonetheless, there are some new features as well as some modified ones which have been identified in this review.
Final Word
The decision to invest in the 2019 version would depend on which of the added functionalities will add value to your business. Some of the features may enable you to add more services or offer better output to your clients. You may even decide to wait until a year after launch to see the impact this has had on other businesses similar to yours before you decide to download it for your organisation.
Dr. Moataz Saeid
