Prepare Windows Streaming Media Servers

WS08 does not include the components for Windows Streaming Media (WSM) services. It does, however, include the capability to manage streaming media and, especially, multicast IP connections to provide a seamless streaming experience. This is the Quality Windows Audio Video Experience (qWave) engine that is available as a WS08 feature. qWave enhances audio and video streaming by providing Quality of Service (QoS) when streaming data. On your servers, this will ensure that rate-of-flow and prioritization services are enabled throughout the IP network when you stream data to end points.

WSM clients can take the form of a number of platforms:

• Computers or devices that play the content using a player, such as Windows Media Player.
• Computers running Windows Media Services (WMS) that are proxying, caching, or redistributing content.
• Custom applications that have been developed using the Windows Media Software Development Kit (SDK).

Beginning with Windows Server 2008, Windows Media Services contains a new, built-in cache/proxy plug-in that can be used to configure Windows Media servers, either as a cache/proxy server or a reverse-proxy server. Since WMS is not a part of WS08, most of the documentation pertaining to these configurations is available on the WMS web site.

TIP:
Access the WMS Web site at www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/default.mspx

Install the required features by using Server Manager.

1. Move to Server Manager | Features, and right-click to Add Features.
2. Select Quality Windows Audio Video Experience. Click Next.
3. Click Install. Click Finish when done. A server restart is required to complete the operation.

Your server is now ready for Windows Media Services. Follow the instructions in the WMS documentation to perform the installation.

Server Requirements

Now that you have reviewed the creation process for several more server roles, you have an idea of the resource requirements to construct them. You'll need to review the CPU, RAM, disk volumes, and network capabilities required for these server roles. Use these guidelines to prepare your servers when you stage the parallel network for VSOs.