The Windows Server operating system and components such as Remote Desktop Services and Active Directory
Chart documents the capabilities of Azure Active Directory Domain Services (AAD DS) versus Active Directory Domain Services running in Azure VMs
Starting with Windows Server 1803, Semi-Annual Channel versions now focus entirely on containers and microservices and no longer include most data center roles
Windows Admin Center is generally available, offering a browser-based system management console that incorporates the functionality of many popular Windows management utilities
Windows Server 2019, slated for release in late 2018, is available in preview and will bring new features along with changes to servicing and support scenarios
The installation modes of Windows Server are supported by different servicing channels, which control how often new features are delivered and how long each version is supported
Windows Server 2019 will be available in the second half of 2018, alongside the release of Windows Server 1809 in the Semi-Annual Channel
The Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit has been updated, and includes new tools to discover and assess the use of Exchange Server 2016 and SharePoint Server 2016
Coming changes to Remote Desktop Services could make the service more attractive to host in Azure, but more details will be needed before customers can make planning decisions
Project Honolulu, available in preview, offers tools for ad-hoc server management and could be particularly useful with the Server Core install mode
