Windows Server 2008 R2 continues to build on the solid foundation of Windows Server and offers an OS that is like Windows Server 2008. It continues to evolve into a more secure, reliable OS that performs well on the new generation of 64-bit (x64) processors, including those designed to assist with hardware virtualization. Therefore, the decision to deploy Windows Server 2008 R2 will be based on several considerations:

• Whether organizations are using technologies (such as the Hyper-V virtualization system) improved in the release
• Whether all the server software an organization uses is compatible with the new release
• Whether the organization is already entitled to server licenses for the version under programs such as Software Assurance.

In general, customers using the Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation, the Windows Hyper-V hypervisor for hardware virtualization, the Active Directory Domain Services, and any customers who struggle to administer large numbers of local and remote servers in an efficient and consistent manner will benefit from the improvements in Windows Server 2008 R2. Customers who are deploying Windows 7 might also benefit from two features, DirectAccess and BranchCache, which only work on Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.

To help organizations decide whether or not to deploy Windows Server 2008 R2, this report outlines the new and improved features and benefits most likely to entice an organization to upgrade to the latest release. It also identifies the most important barriers to and planning considerations for upgrades.

Sections in the Windows Server 2008 R2 Research Report:

Introduction

• Although Windows Server 2008 R2 is an interim release, organizations using Hyper-V or looking to make server administration more efficient could find the upgrade worthwhile

Hyper-V R2 Gains Live Migration

• The second version of Hyper-V allows administrators to move running virtual machines from one physical server to another without interruption

PowerShell Version 2.0

• Customers and partners may want to evaluate PowerShell 2.0 because of its growing management role, even if they have not yet adopted it

R2 Improves Active Directory Administration

• Administrators benefit most from changes to Active Directory Domain Services in Windows Server 2008 R2

Terminal Services Renamed and Updated

• Terminal Services gets a new name with Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as improvements for Microsoft's virtual desktop infrastructure and remote desktop support

Windows Server 2008 R2 Updates IIS

• Although not technically an improvement to IIS, the addition of .NET support to Server Core installations may be as important as the incremental improvements to the Web server

Windows 7 Integrates with Windows Server 2008 R2

• The simultaneous development of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 creates integration opportunities, but to benefit, organizations will have to license the Windows 7 Enterprise edition

Windows Enhances Power Management

• As customers demand more power-efficient desktops and servers, Windows power management is becoming more important

File Classification Aids File Management

• A new file classification infrastructure allows file management based on specific file location or content, but tools may need updating to benefit from file classification

Application Compatibility for Windows Server

• As with the release of any new OS version, applications, including Microsoft's applications, have to be checked to ensure they are still compatible with the changes and updates

Security Fixes Not Assured

• Microsoft might not provide security fixes for supported products if the fix would require architectural changes that would render applications incompatible

Resources

• Guide to additional information about the Windows Server 2008 R2-related topics discussed in this report

Sidebars, Illustrations & Charts:

• Illustration: Live Migration Switchover
• Sidebar: Clustered Shared Volumes
• Sidebar: Logical Processors and Hyper-V Limits Clarified
• Chart: PowerShell-Enabled Server Products
• Illustration: PowerShell ISE
• Sidebar: Restoring Objects
• Illustration: Recycle Bin Life Cycle
• Illustration: Active Directory Administrative Center
• Chart: Terminal Services Renamed
• Illustration: VDI with Hyper-V
• Sidebar: IIS Media Services
• Illustration: IIS 7.5 Best Practices Analyzer
• Illustration: IIS Manager FTP Integration
• Illustration: Windows DirectAccess
• Illustration: Windows Power Management Architecture
• Illustration: Windows Core Parking
• Illustration: Windows Power Efficiency Diagnostics Report
• Illustration: File Server Resource Manager
• Illustration: File Classification Pipeline
• Chart: Microsoft Applications and Windows Server 2008 R2
• Chart: Support Life Cycle Phases

This 44-page Report Contains [23,360 words]

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