Grep(able): Windows Server 2012 Download

Are you ready to get your hands dirty with the most anticipated Microsoft Windows Server 2012 ? Well, there's a good news then. The trial is available for download !

For Developers:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh708764.aspx?ocid=&wt.mc_id=MEC_110_1_33

For Administrators:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx?ocid=&wt.mc_id=TEC_108_1_33

There're few virtual labs too:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/hh968267.aspx

Now let's have a quick look at some notable features...

App Platform:

Manage applications and websites on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment, using a consistent set of tools and frameworks.
Programming consistency and common development tools between Windows Server 2012 and Windows Azure.
Windows Server 2012 offers enhanced support for open frameworks, open source applications, and development languages. Web standards, PHP, and node.js are supported, while .NET Framework 4.5 offers features and improvements such as support for asynchronous file operations, web, and networking enhancements.

Infrastructure:

Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V improves both scalability and performance.
With Hyper-V Network Virtualization, you can also virtualize your networks and enable software-defined networking.
Network isolation among the VMs running on different virtual networks, enabling multitenant environments.

No comments about the user experience and user interface. We've seen the awesomeness in windows 8 (Metro). Still if you want to have a quick look without downloading, check out the below video:

..and here's a video for the new server manager as a bonus :)

As you've already noticed, it's cloud features heavy (a.k.a made for the cloud). Also, looks like Microsoft is planning to directly compete with VMware with Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V. Check out the comparsion

Competitive Advantages of Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V over VMware vSphere 5