Microsoft: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Better Together for Security

Just as it was the case with Windows Vista (starting with SP1) and Windows Server 2008, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are advertised by Microsoft as being better together.

A new article published recently on TechNet is designed to deliver insight into how Microsoft IT leverages the two platforms in conjunction in order to make the best of the security enhancements delivered to both.

According to the software giant, customers that will opt to use the two operating systems in tandem in their organizations will benefit from a range of security improvements related to network access, branch offices, enforcement, and applications control.

“Windows Server 2008 R2 is an incremental upgrade that builds on the Windows Server 2008 foundation,” Microsoft stated.

“By simultaneously releasing Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, Microsoft was able to build significant synergy between the two products. This article focuses on some of the technologies made possible by that synergy, including DirectAccess, BranchCache, Network Access Protection (NAP), and AppLocker.

“The article shows how the Information Security and Risk Management (InfoSec) team in Microsoft IT use these technologies and Extended Protection for Integrated Windows Authentication (IWA) to fulfill their mission of enabling secure and reliable business for Microsoft and its customers.”

Moving forward, the Redmond company is expected to continue developing and delivering future versions of Windows client and Server in concert.

It is the case of Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, which are for all purposes intended, essentially the same.

And there has already been confirmation that the next versions of Windows client and Server will also be built together.

Of course, Microsoft has yet to confirm officially that it is working on both Windows 8 and Windows Server 8 and that the two will also end up being advertised as being better together.