Windows Server 2016 Brings Low-Profile Server Mode

Windows Server 2016 includes a new installation mode called Nano Server, designed to minimize the on-disk footprint and RAM requirements of the OS. Nano Server reduces deployment time and the downtime needed for servicing and reboots, limits targets for outside attackers, and improves performance. Initially, Nano Server will support a limited range of use cases, such as hosting Hyper-V virtual machines, running ASP.NET Web applications, and operating as a Scale-Out File Server (SOFS). Nano Server provides no local user interface, and all administration is performed through remote administration tools. Organizations will have to accept new OS features frequently for Nano Server systems and maintain Software Assurance (SA) on the OS in order to remain supported and license compliant.

Minimal Windows Server for Hyper-V, Storage

The Nano Server installation mode is smaller than the Windows Explorer-free Server Core installation mode, which continues to be offered. Nano Server will likely be used primarily to host Hyper-V virtual machines, fulfilling a role similar to VMware ESXi, because it requires minimal resources to run the parent partition for Hyper-V. It is also likely to be used for SOFS cluster servers and as a Web server.