Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program

The Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program describes hardware and testing requirements for 64-bit server systems running Windows Server 2008 versions for Enterprise and Datacenter x64 and for Intel Itanium-based systems. Server systems that qualify for this program are listed in the Windows Server Catalog.

To qualify for the High Availability Program, hardware and software components must pass the following applicable tests:

Every kernel-mode software component that an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) includes in a server system running Windows Server 2008 must be tested and must have a Microsoft signature.

Any device and driver that has an applicable Windows Logo Program device category must meet that device category's Logo Program requirements and must be tested in accordance with the test requirements for that device category.

Devices and associated drivers for which no Windows Logo Program device category or tests exist must be tested by using the Unclassified test program and must receive a Microsoft signature.

Applications or utilities that an OEM includes in those systems that have kernel-mode components (such as drivers and DLLs) must undergo the kernel-mode components tests by using the Unclassified test program and must receive a Microsoft signature.

The kernel-mode components of any product must be qualified by submitting the kernel-mode components through the WinQual submission site under the Universal/Unclassified category and must receive a Microsoft signature.

The hardware components of the system include features and functionality specifically designed to improve reliability and availability, such as supporting "N+1 and Hot Swap" capability or other forms of redundancy.

A system that is qualified for the Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program is indicated by the "High Availability" Additional Qualification notation that is visible as part of the system entry in the Windows Server Catalog.

Note: The High Availability Program requirements do not represent the minimum system requirements for running any version of the Windows family of operating systems. This document does not address licensing, support, services, or other programmatic requirements for OEMs and other vendors.

Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program Requirements
Windows LogoWindows Logo Program Requirements and Policies
White PaperHardware Criteria for the Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program [55 KB]
Microsoft.comWindows Logo Program Overview

Certified for Windows Server Logo Program for Software
This link leaves the Microsoft.com siteApplication vendors who meet Certification requirements
Microsoft.comCertified for Windows Server Logo Program for Software

Windows Server 2008 Technologies at WinHEC 2007
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Building a Reliable Windows Platform [WinHEC 2007; 197 KB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Dynamic Partitioning: Windows Server [WinHEC 2007; 2.3 MB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Enterprise Networking Technologies [WinHEC 2007; 1.4 MB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Enterprise Storage Advances in Windows [WinHEC 2007; 818 KB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)NUMA I/O Optimizations [WinHEC 2007; 1.0 MB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)PCI Express 2.0: Platform Implementations [WinHEC 2007; 514 KB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)WHEA Platform Implementation [WinHEC 2007; 1.1 MB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)WHEA Systems Design and Implementation [WinHEC 2007; 1.2 MB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Windows Memory Management Advances [WinHEC 2007; 272 KB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Windows Server Logo Testing: Planning [WinHEC 2007; 1.5 MB]
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Windows Server Power Management [WinHEC 2007; 1.3 MB]
Windows MultimediaWindows Server 2008 [WinHEC 2007; Streaming media]
Windows MultimediaWindows Server Power Management [WinHEC 2007; Streaming media]

Windows Server 2008 Hardware Platform
White PaperDesigning RAID Adapters to Work with Windows
White PaperHardware Support and Directions for Windows Server
White PaperInstalling Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista SP1 on UEFI Systems
White PaperKernel Enhancements for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
White PaperPerformance Tuning Guidelines for Windows Server 2008  
White PaperPlug and Play Device Driver Deployment in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
White PaperPower In, Dollars Out: How to Stem the Flow in the Data Center
White PaperProcessor Power Management in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
White PaperRecommendations for Power Budgeting with Windows Server
White PaperUEFI Support and Requirements for Windows Operating Systems  
White PaperWindows Hardware Error Architecture
WHDC Portal/NodalWindows Server 2008 High Availability Program Overview

Microsoft Update, Driver Signing, and Related Resources
WHDC Portal/NodalDriver Signing Requirements for Windows
WHDC Portal/NodalWindows Server Hardware Platform
Microsoft.comMicrosoft Technical Security Notification Service
Microsoft.comMicrosoft Update
Microsoft.comWindows Server 2008 Web site


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