A server is designed to manage access to centralized resources or services in a network. Servers are often identified by the services they provide, such as:
File servers
Print servers
Email servers
Web servers
Proxy servers
FTP servers

Microsoft Server operating systems are designed to facilitate:
Centralized network administration
Centralized network security
Standardized network deployment
Standardized security implementation

Windows Server 2012 introduces new and improved features to enhance traditional services as well as to provide for a modern IT organization's evolving needs to support virtualization and cloud-based applications and services. Enhanced functionality includes:
Server Manager facilitates managing multiple local and remote servers from one management console.
Hyper-V Server provides hypervisor-based virtualization.
Hyper-V Manager centralizes administration of virtual machines and virtual networks.
Windows PowerShell 3.0 provides comprehensive management capabilities from the command line and a Robust Session Connectivity feature to protect against damage caused by disconnection.
Storage spaces provide virtual storage that can be dynamically managed and eliminates the need for such tasks as repartitioning drives, resizing volumes, and backing up data into order to repartition.
Active Directory enhancements include domain controller cloning, Dynamic Access Control for easier access authorization, and automatic generation of PowerShell commands by the graphical user interface.
IP Address Management (IPAM) provides network administrators a single console from which they can view and manage the IP addresses of an entire enterprise.