Download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM via MSDN and TechNet

At the end of the past week, Microsoft made available for download the second wave of Windows 7 RTM releases for subscribers of its MSDN and TechNet portals. On the heels of Windows 7 RTM Wave 2 downloads going live, the Redmond company also started offering its communities of developers and IT professionals the gold bits of Windows Server 2008 R2 (Windows 7 Server). MSDN and TechNet subscribers can now grab Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM straight from Microsoft, along with Windows 7 RTM.

“ TechNet and MSDN subscribers also get access to RTM in the form of full bits. This version requires you to enter a product key for activation, but that key is supplied when you download the code. Just log-in with your account credentials and start downloading. Enjoy the new server,” revealed Microsoft’s Crissy House.

Customers will be able to download the 64-bit and Itanium flavors of Windows Server 2008 R2. As many of you already know, Windows Server 2008 was the last Windows Server platform released in a 32-bit version by the software giant. The following editions of Windows Server 2008 R2 can be accessed from Microsoft: Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, and Web, localized in Chinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. This is valid for x64 Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM. As far as Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-Based systems is concerned, the following languages are supported: English, German, French, and Japanese.

“Windows Server 2008 R2 is the latest version of the Windows Server operating system from Microsoft. Building on the features and capabilities of the Windows Server 2008 release version, Windows Server 2008 R2 allows you to create solution organizations that are easier to plan, deploy, and manage than previous versions of Windows Server,” stated Nitin Saxena, senior product manager, TechNet Plus.

Wave 2 of Windows 7 RTM MSDN and TechNet releases coincides with the first Wave of downloads for Windows Server 2008 R2. This is the first time that Microsoft is allowing developers and IT professionals that subscribe to MSDN and TechNet access to the finalized build of Windows Server 2008 R2. All remaining Windows Server 2008 R2 releases will be offered by the end of this month.

“Building upon the increased security, reliability, and performance provided by Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 extends connectivity and control to local and remote resources. This means organizations can benefit from reduced costs and increased efficiencies gained through enhanced management and control over resources across the enterprise,” Saxena added.