Iain McDonald helped create the vision document for Windows Server 2008 and saw it through with his team to completion. In this interview, he tells us some of the things he likes they have accomplished with the launch of WS08 today. You'll discover Iain is an IT pro too, with 12TB of storage at home. Also, you'll get the inside scoop on what really goes on behind naming our server products and the release cycle.
To break this down a little further, you'll get to hear about:
Some of the challenges he experienced going from vision of WS08 server to launch and overcame, such as:
- Cadence of releases to customers
- Getting the right server for the job
- Building in a more connected system
- Improving storage and backup
- Creating more secure access to data & automatically fixing errors/problems
- Better management
Explanation the role the IT Pro has played in shaping the product and what he does to create the vision for the upcoming server products.
Why we are calling Windows Server 2008 SP1 on its RTM release
"Mommy, Why is there a server in the house?" - Iain gives us an idea of his own personal IT setup at home.
How they really come up with the names for the server products and a little history behind how we came up with the codenames whistler, blackcomb, and longhorn and how we no longer use these anymore. He doesn't think anyone enjoys the codenames - do you?
How they determine the release schedule
If you decide to tune in for "Over the Edge" @ 20:33, some of the things you'll see:
Windows Server 2003 R2 comedic poster, Windows 95 launch pass, Iain driving Brian Valentine wearing a pink ballerina outfit (tutu) on his motorcycle, Iain's band from 1985, an Australian $10 bill, "big mofo" heat sinks, and a picture of Iain at the Nasdaq.