Windows Server 1709 for Containers, Data Centers

Windows Server 1709, the first Semi-annual Channel (SAC) version of Windows Server 2016, became available on Oct. 17, 2017. Changes and new features focus on Docker container functionality, data center roles, and Linux interoperability. However, Windows Server 1709 is not available with the full Desktop Experience installation mode, and the SAC requires customers to maintain Software Assurance (SA) and adopt a rapid release cadence. Organizations that are invested in container technology or deploying newer data center features should consider Windows Server 1709, but it might not be suitable for running Microsoft server applications and many other traditional Windows Server workloads.

Container, Data Center Roles for 1709

Server Core and Nano Container (formerly Nano Server) are the only installation modes available for Windows Server 1709, which limits the possible roles for the version. Nano Container is a base OS container image to be used for deploying server applications in Docker containers. Containers offer a method to package, distribute, and deploy server applications, and provide isolation similar to traditional virtualization, but with faster performance and lower resource requirements. With 1709, Microsoft has discontinued the Nano Server installation mode, and 1709 does not offer the Desktop Experience installation mode required by many Microsoft server applications.