Windows Server 2008 R2 was released to manufacturing concomitantly with Windows 7. However, the latest iteration of the Windows Server platform was shipped to customers ahead of its client counterpart. In addition to providing the actual RTM bits for purchase, Microsoft is offering additional resources designed to benefit customers, be them IT professionals or developers. It is the case of training content made available completely free of charge discussing the advanced features of Windows Server 2008 R2, formerly codenamed Windows 7 Server, for developers.

“Windows Server 2008 R2 Advanced Series is an on-demand series about the advanced features of Windows Server 2008 R2. Topics will include Building a Seamless Enterprise, Virtualization Enhancements, Remote Desktop & Remote Apps, Managing with Server 2008 R2 and Web Server Improvements,” revealed Bruce D. Kyle, ISV architect evangelist | Microsoft. “Each session lasts between 30 minutes and 60 minutes, specifically for developers.”

Microsoft has said on numerous occasions that it considers Windows Server 2008 R2 more than just an R2. However, despite this, the latest version of Windows Server is indeed considered only a minor upgrade to Windows Server 2008. Customers that are perfectly happy with Windows Server 2008 in their IT environments do have consistent reasons to upgrade, including new features such as Branch Cache and Direct Access, IIS 7.5 and virtualization improvements. Still, those who are looking for a major new version of Windows Server will have to wait at least until 2012, when the next iteration of the platform is planned for release.

Kyle provided a list with the Windows Server 2008 R2 advanced training content:

“- Windows Server 2008 R2: Building a Seamless Enterprise. This course will focus on the release of Windows 7 and how it has been coded to work succinctly with the features of Server 2008 to create a dynamic and reactive enterprise that can take advantage of the Branch Cache and Direct Access features available.

- Windows Server 2008 R2: Remote Desktop & Remote Apps. Some of the new capabilities in R2 such as Multimedia and DirectX Redirection have improved the landscape for administrators when it comes to RDP connections. This course will delve into some of the details and improvements found in the new release.

- Managing with Windows Server 2008 R2. The interactive controls and tools that were introduced in Server 2008 have been re-geared to give administrators even more leverage when it comes to performing everyday tasks. This course will focus on some of these including improved Identity Management within Active Directory as well as the new Powershell improvements.

- Windows Server 2008 R2: Web Server Improvements. This course will look at the new IIS 7.5 and some of the capabilities that come with it such as improved FTP as well as new management tools like Configuration Editor and Enhanced Auditing.

- Windows Server 2008 R2: Virtualization Enhancements. This course will delve into the areas where R2 has been streamlined and improved in the realm of virtualization. We will look at the enhancements made to Hyper-V in particular with new features such as Live Migration and Dynamic VM storage.”