Windows Server 2008 (WS08) had an official launch event in Los Angeles, CA today. Instead of enjoying the festivities - I'm in the trenches having my own 'virtual launch party' by deploying WS08 in a production environment. Granted, it's a limited deployment... but still important. Here are a couple items to keep in mind as you begin deploying WS08.
Hardware Support
As always, make sure you are deploying on supported hardware. I'm working with a client who appreciates the best server hardware - HP ProLiant servers (and no, they aren't paying me to say that). HP has an excellent support page for WS08 that you should review. Of particular interest are links to the new SmartStart v8 and ProLiant Support Pack v8. You'll want to grab these ahead of time to ensure smooth deployments. SmartStart v8 is the first version to offer integrated support for WS08. If you pop in a previous version you'll know right away since it won't offer WS08 as an install option.
Yes, SP1 is Baked In
There is plenty of logic behind the decision to label WS08 as SP1 - but this won't stop the peanut gallery from conjuring up all kinds of conspiracy theories. Just ignore C|Net and other mainstream bloggers for a few days, will ya?
Hyper-V is Still Beta
Here's a quick tip in case you aren't following Hyper-V development closely. Even though you will see WS08 RTM SKUs 'with Hyper-V' on the MS Volume License Download site, Hyper-V is STILL BETA. I'm honestly surprised Microsoft baked it in to the final DVDs. More than a few IT Pros will be surprised when the RTM version of Hyper-V ships in a few months (thinking they already had the final version installed). And here's a question for Microsoft - will you guys press/issue new DVDs with RTM Hyper-V code? I hope to see some info about this on the MS Virtualization Blog.
List of Supported Microsoft Applications
Knowledge base article 948680 contains a list of Microsoft server applications that are/will be supported on WS08. Another excellent read as you plan your WS08 deployment.
Alright - lunch break is over... back to the rollout.