Microsoft is updating its Nano Server to serve the container space with a Linux-friendly experience. Alongside supporting proprietary solutions, the Redmond company is set to uplift the presence of its Nano Server and Server Core for Linux containers.
As high as 50 percent image size reduction on Nano Server platform is proposed by Microsoft in the next release. The reduction is promised to decrease the container startup time. Also, there are plans to remove infrastructure-related functionality from the Nano Server platform. The service will be offered as a container-based OS image.
Microsoft has planned to include its Server Core platform to provide semi-annual updates to services. The company says that the platform will act as a “headless” installation option of OS for managing roles and features in the container environment. Basically, Server Core is recommended to be used as a host for virtual machines and containers.
Linux-centric Updates to Windows Server
Apart from the new features for Nano Server, Microsoft has plans to upgrade Windows Server with native support for Linux containers. There are plans to extend Hyper-V isolation capabilities to containers based on Linux kernel. Additionally, the Windows Subsystem for Linux will be moved to Windows Server platform. The migration is aimed to simplify developers’ efforts. Developers can use same scripts, tools, container images and procedures post migration.
Microsoft has made significant progress in the container space. The current Windows Server Container ecosystem is undoubtedly not as refined as Linux. However, the tech giant recently acquired Deis, the company uses a native technology to create and manage applications using Kubernetes for container orchestration, that will put the ball in Linux’ court.
