Windows Server 8 debuted in beta form earlier this month, so it's time to start paying attention to what you can expect to see when Windows Server 8 goes gold. We can't think of any release of Windows Server that Microsoft hasn't claimed is the most significant release ever. But to be fair, Windows 8 does promise to include some cool enhancements and new features that might make deployment worthwhile in the shorter term.

Of the hundreds of new features that Microsoft is packing into Windows 8 Server, only a few are truly impactful in our opinion. Here's a Cliff Notes version of the high-impact features that I think could actually make a difference in your environment in late 2012 and beyond.