14 DAY TRIAL // The promise from Microsoft is that the latest iteration of Windows Server is capable not only to optimize IT infrastructures but also to help organizations cut back on spending. The Redmond company is offering for download a whitepaper designed to convince corporate customers of the advantages that comes with embracing Windows Server 2008 R2. “How Windows Server 2008 R2 Helps Optimize IT and Save You Money” is a PDF file which can be accessed free of charge via the Microsoft Download Center. Customers in need of a bit of convincing before making the jump to Windows Server 2008 R2 might find the whitepaper useful in making a decision.
“A key goal for the next several years will be to reduce technology costs. At the same time, however, IT technology has become a competitive cornerstone for a broad swath of commercial and non-commercial industries alike. Maintaining that competitive edge in a fast changing business landscape is also a requirement. These goals require a new approach to IT and data center management emphasizing automation and optimization. Windows Server 2008 R2 was designed and built with these goals in mind,” Microsoft noted in the whitepaper.
Of course, in addition to infrastructure optimization, customers are bound to be at least interested in hearing about the possibility of slashing costs. While the worst of the global economic crisis seems to have passed, it has certainly made cost reduction a priority for many organizations. In this regard, Windows Server 2008 R2 needs to deliver sufficient cutbacks in terms of the Total Cost of Ownership in order to compensate for the migration costs and for the investment associated with buying new Windows Server licenses.
“Windows Server 2008 R2 addresses cost savings across a number of areas, including streamlined management, less reliance on expensive third-party software, more scalable application serving and lowered WAN bandwidth costs. Customers have seen server consolidation rates up to 3-to-1 as well as up to an 80% decrease in IT man-hours spent on rote administrative tasks like file system management. Power efficiency is also improved over Windows Server 2008 and again over Windows Server 2003 R2. Early adopters of Windows Server 2008 R2 have documented significant savings in this regard, up to 18% over Windows Server 2003 R2,” the company added.
Windows Server 2008 R2 is available for download here.