System Admins want to be on the bleeding edge with new features, in a non-production, non-critical server environment, of course – Windows Server is becoming part of the Insider Program. It’s definitely a worthwhile program to be in, getting advanced knowledge of features before they are solidified within the RTM version of the software. I’ll definitely be putting up a new Server 2016 VM just to be a part of this and provide some feedback. It’s always nice to feel like you’re a part of the Microsoft community!

The last year was an incredible partnership with you as we finalized and launched Windows Server 2016. We progressed through five technical previews of Windows Server, shaping and refining the experience and functionality together. Simply put, this release would not be the same without the detailed feedback we received – your partnership was critical to its success.

One common theme we heard again and again came from our customers – you want access to Windows Server builds more frequently to test new features and fixes. Today I am pleased to announce that Windows Server is joining the Windows Insider program! Starting this summer, regular and frequent builds of Windows Server (including container images) will be available to all Windows Insiders who want to download and test them. As Dona Sarkar, who runs the Windows Insider program, recently said of the Insider community, “These are the biggest fans of Windows I’ve ever seen in my whole life.” With the addition of Windows Server, the community has even more reasons to be a fan.