14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Server 2008 was released to manufacturing on February 4, 2008 and became available to the general public as of February 27 via the Heroes Happen Here launch. Development on the next versions of the Windows server platform has already debuted. And while there is still no word on Windows 7 Server, Microsoft is making headway with the building of Windows Server 2008 R2. In this context, Windows 7 Server is the next version of the Windows server operating system, while R2 is merely the evolution of Windows Server 2008 RTM/SP1.
No word from Microsoft as to when Windows Server 2008 R2 is planned to hit, but Bob Visse, senior director of Windows Server marketing, did give a few details. According to eWeek, the Redmond company confirmed that the evolution of Windows Server 2008 would scrap support for 32-bit architectures. Microsoft has already stated that Windows Server 2008 RTM/SP1 would be the last 32-bit server operating system that it would release, and plans for R2 are focused exclusively on 64-bit processors.
Additionally with R2, Microsoft intends to focus on multicore servers delivering advanced power management features. This is, of course, part of the company's quest for green computing, as well as for lower Total Cost of Ownership when it comes down to energy consumption. Windows Server 2008 R2 will effectively evolve the way that plain vanilla Windows Server 2008 deals with authentication across datacenters and corporate networks, but also with the management of access and identities, virtualization, support for remote workers, cloud environments, social networks and, last but not least, interoperability.
At the end of July 2007, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer highlighted the product roadmap for Windows client and server platforms in the financial year 2008 and beyond. As of the first half of this year, Microsoft has already released Windows Vista SP1, Windows Server 2008 SP1, and Windows Small Business Server. Ballmer's roadmap stopped at Windows Server 2001, and the company is not providing any additional information at this point in time about Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7 Server.