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Software-defined networking 
The following lists some of the new features around software-defined networking coming in Windows 
Server 2016: 

Deploy complex workloads with hundreds of networking policies (isolation, QoS, security, load 
balancing, switching, routing, gateway, DNS, etc.) using a scalable network controller in a matter 
of seconds, similar to how we do it in Azure. 

Dynamically segment your network based on workload needs using an Azure-inspired distributed 
firewall and network security groups to apply rich policies within and across segments. Route or 
mirror traffic to third-party virtual appliances for even higher levels of security. 

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5 
CHAPTER 1 | Introduction to Microsoft Windows Server 2016 

Offer greater service availability with software-based scale-out and scale-up resiliency for both the 
infrastructure (host, software load balancer, gateway, network controller) and the workloads. 

Take control of your hybrid workloads, including running them in containers, and move them 
across servers, racks, and clouds utilizing the power of VXLAN and NVGRE based virtual 
networking and multitenanted hybrid gateways. 

Optimize your cost/performance when you converge Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) and 
tenant traffic on the same teamed Network Interface Cards (NICs), thereby driving down cost 
while providing needed performance guarantees at 40G and beyond. 
Application platform 
Windows Server 2016 delivers new ways to deploy and run your applications, whether on-premises or 
in Azure, using new capabilities such as Windows containers and the lightweight Nano Server 
deployment option. 

Containers in Windows Server 2016 offer the agility and density required for modern cloud 
applications. Windows Server containers brings containers to the Windows ecosystem and 
Hyper-V containers with its additional layer of isolation for sensitive applications with no 
additional coding required. 

Use the lightweight Nano Server deployment option for the agility and flexibility today’s 
application developers need. It’s the perfect option for running applications from containers or 
micro services. 

Run traditional first-party applications such as SQL Server 2016 with best-in-class performance, 
security and availability. 

Save money by bringing the Windows Server licenses you own to Azure, and pay the lower base 
compute rate with the Azure Hybrid Use Benefit. (SA required.) 

Service Branching 
With Nano Server, you get more active updates to the operating system, which will enable new 
features during its lifecycle and give developers the tools to consistently adopt the latest Agile 
and/or secure technologies that Microsoft deploys. 
Throughout this book we will examine each of these elements closely and provide further information 
about each category and feature mentioned.