Manageability improvements

Servers are only effective if the administrator configures them properly. Windows Server products have traditionally been fairly simple to operate, but in Longhorn Server, there are many improvements to the initial setup and configuration experience. Much of these details are still being worked out, and these elements may change as we draw nearer to the anticipated release date, but let's take a look anyway and see what Longhorn Server Beta 2 has to offer in terms of manageability enhancements.

Server Manager

Server Manager is a one-stop shop for viewing information on a server, looking at its stability and integrity, managing installed roles and troubleshooting configuration issues that may arise. Server Manager replaces the Configure Your Server, Manage Your Server and Security Configuration Wizard interfaces. Take a look at Figure 3, which shows the interface:

Windows Deployment Services