News

Windows Server 2012 Hits RTM; General Availability Set for Sept. 4

Windows Server 2012 hit the release-to-manufacturing (RTM) stage on Wednesday, close on the heels of the Windows 8 client's RTM milestone.

The Windows Server 2012 RTM signals that server hardware manufacturers can begin imaging the Microsoft's newest server OS onto new machines. However, "general availability" of Windows Server 2012 is scheduled for Sept. 4, which will be the earliest date that the public can expect to see new commercial-release server hardware products running Windows Server 2012.

Microsoft also announced that Sept. 4 will mark an "online launch event" for Windows Server 2012. A reminder for that launch event can be accessed at this page.

Windows Server 2012 (formerly code-named "Windows Server 8") was last made available as a "release candidate" (RC) version in May. The RC was Microsoft's last test version of the new operating system. A free evaluation copy of the Windows Server 2012 RC is still available for download at this page.

Microsoft offers many resources for Windows Server 2012 testers. There's a free Microsoft Press e-book, called "Introduction Windows Server 2012," that can downloaded at this page. TechNet videos on Windows Server 2012 are listed here. Certification exams are described at this Microsoft learning page. Microsoft provides additional reference materials on Windows Server 2012 at this TechNet library page.

Microsoft made tons of changes in rolling out Windows Server 2012. For a focused IT pro review of the new server's features, see this recently published Redmond magazine article by Windows Server expert and Microsoft MVP Brien Posey.

Microsoft also plans to release Visual Studio 2012 and .NET Framework 4.5 to developers on Aug. 15.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.

Most   Popular