Microsoft IT's Benefits of a Server Core Installation of Windows Server 2008

Server Core is a minimal installation option for the Windows Server 2008 operating system that does not provide a fully integrated Graphical User Interface (GUI) or other components and applications that are not required for supported server roles and features. A Server Core installation helps reduce the attack surface and allows for easier installation and configuration management. Microsoft Information Technology (Microsoft IT) deployed Windows Server 2008 to help develop product usage scenarios and test the product's features and functions prior to release. A Server Core installation of Windows Server 2008 supports Microsoft IT's vision of a standardized environment by improving the total cost of ownership and improving the delivery of services to the team's customer base.