Stripped down version of Windows Server 8 aims to significantly reduce storage costs for organizations building private clouds.



From InformationWeek:

Microsoft has enhanced Server Core in Windows Server 8 to make it more flexible and user friendly, and as a result the company says organizations can save thousands of dollars--or more--simply by using the feature in their private cloud deployments.

Server Core is a stripped down version of Windows Server that includes only the bare essentials necessary for certain types of server roles, such as a DNS server or file and print server, that don't require all the components included in Windows Server, such as a GUI and Internet Explorer.

  Windows 8 Server Core Promises Cheaper Clouds