Microsoft's Quiet Hit: Windows Server 2012

windows_server_2012

According to a Microsoft spokesperson, Windows Server 2012 has now surpassed 1 million evaluation downloads. For a server offering that has zero consumer appeal, that’s a huge number.

But is the operating system actually selling? Apparently yes. During Microsoft’s January 2013 earnings call, CFO Peter Klein stated:  “In the data center, recent releases of Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012 are driving customer wins and strong renewals.”

Added Chris Suh, general manager of investor relations during that earnings call, “With the launch of Windows Server 2012 in September [2012], we delivered a cloud-optimized operating system and have continued to gain share in virtualization.”

Windows Server 2012 includes an upgraded Hyper-V hypervisor. While it’s difficult to say if Microsoft is taking share from rivals, it’s important to note that VMware recently announced plans to cut some staff while Wall Street worries about potential slowing growth at the virtualization leader.

Meanwhile, a recent research report from Forrester Research found that Windows Server 2012 delivers a 195% ROI, with initial payback requiring only six months. The survey was based on Forrester interviewing more than 20 companies that have deployed Windows Server 2012 since launch. One caveat: Keep in mind that Microsoft commissioned the research.

What’s the takeaway for channel partners? Amid the growth of the cloud (Office 365) and questions about the desktop and mobile markets (Windows 8), on-premise server upgrades and new deployments running Windows Server 2012 seem to be paying dividends.