.NET Framework Support in Windows Server 2008
The Windows Server 2008 operating system brings a powerful set of features to the .NET Framework developer. The .NET Framework version 2.0 is included in all the versions of Windows Server 2008. Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 includes new flexibility and capabilities for building scalable Web sites and applications. By adding the Application Server role, Windows Server 2008 enables an improved environment for deploying and running custom, server-based business applications. It also includes support for Web services built on Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF), and more.
If you have existing .NET Framework applications, you should be aware of the available support provided by Windows Server 2008 for the various .NET Framework versions. The following table outlines the support provided.
.NET Framework Version |
Supported in Windows Server 2008 |
Comments |
1.0 |
No |
You should migrate these applications to a more recent version of the .NET Framework. |
1.1 Service Pack 1 |
Yes |
Applications written using the .NET Framework 1.1 SP1 will continue to work on Windows Server 2008. Note the end dates of support for this version of the Framework, which are not related to the product life cycle of Windows Server 2008. For more information, see the .NET Framework 1.1 dates in Microsoft Support Life Cycle. |
2.0 Service Pack 1 |
Yes |
Included in Windows Server 2008. Supported regardless of the server roles selected. You can run applications built for the .NET Framework 2.0 without installing additional software or requiring additional configuration of your server. |
3.0 Service Pack 1 |
Yes |
Included in Windows Server 2008. Configuring Windows Server 2008 as an Application Server activates the included support for the .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 1. |
3.5 |
Yes |
Windows Server 2008 does not ship with the .NET Framework 3.5. However, you can install this version to take advantage of the new features it offers. Note: This version depends on the .NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 1 and the .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 1, which are included in Windows 2008 Server. |
For more information about .NET Framework support in Windows Server 2008, see the following:
Frequently Asked Questions for Application Server
Problems that are fixed in the .NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 1