Computerworld takes a first look at Windows Server 8

Every once in a while, you get a glimpse of something in the tech world that takes your breath away. For consumers, the iPad's eye candy and extreme usability, for instance, have the power to change the way they relate to computers. For enterprise administrators, data center managers and system managers, the features and improvements in Windows Server 8 are right up there in significance. It's really a game-changer in the world of server operating systems.

Last week, I participated in a two-day workshop where Microsoft engineers, managers and product architects shared their vision of Windows Server 8 and demonstrated its new capabilities. It quite frankly knocked my socks off. Because of the tie-in between the client version of Windows and the server version, we were not permitted to bring code home or play with the preview in our labs; however, that's coming, and I'll update this piece as soon as possible with a screenshot gallery showing the most interesting new parts of Windows Server 8.

  First look: Windows Server 8 improves scalability and scope