Windows Server 2019 will launch later this year and it's now available in preview, Microsoft announced today. Windows Server 2019 will be the next major release for long-term servicing channel (LTSC), building off of Windows Server 2016 with a specific focus on four key areas: Hybrid, Security, Application Platform, and Hyper-converged infrastructure.
In Windows Server 2019, customers will be able to take advantage of Microsoft's Project Honolulu to easily integrate Azure Backup, Azure File Sync, disaster recovery, and more, Microsoft says. In terms of security, Windows Server 2019 will also add Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), which can help to detect and prevent zero-day exploits and other attacks.
Further, Windows Server 2019 will also introduce the Windows Subsystem for Linux. This is already being tested with Insider builds for Windows server, but Windows Server 2019 will help Linux users "bring their scripts to Windows while using industry standards like OpenSSH, Curl & Tar." The release will also support Kubernetes. Microsoft also notes that System Center 2019 is coming and will support Windows Server 2019.
Microsoft says that Windows Server 2019 is expected to be released in the second half of 2018. For now, you can get an early look at some of what's coming with the first preview build, Windows Server vNext LTSC build 17623.
