Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 -No One can compare

Windows Server 2008 R2, or simply R2 for short, is the second release of Windows Server 2008. It isn’t a completely new release, but rather adds additional features and refinements to the existing release. As per my View Windows 2008 R2 is one of the best Server Operating system.

On Windows 2008 R2, Microsoft has  improved Virtulization and other network management, added Direct Access,  App Locker features.

Improvement on Hyper V.

1. Microsoft extends Hyper-V virtualization to include support for client desktop virtualization

2. Adds important new capabilities for dynamic disk allocation.

3. Live Migration

4.Improved Scalability and redundancy.

Direct Access

Another one good feature is Direct Access, I personally like. Its really exciting feature of Windows 2008 R2.New way to securely connect remote clients to the corporate network. Previously we are using VPN connection to connect our corporate network, VPN is very time consuming to configure and understanding the setup.

With WindowsServer 2008 R2 and DirectAccess, if the client is running Windows 7, the remote user has seamless, always-on remote access to corporate resources that does not compromise the secure aspects of remote connectivity.

With Direct Access Clients that are connected via DirectAccess can be remotely managed by internal IT staff, allowing you to ensure that they are kept current with critical updates.

Yesterday one of my friend who ask me, I am using Windows 2008,its working fine, with no trouble, why i need to upgrade Windows 2008 R2. I explain some of feature Like:-

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Hyper-V improvements.

Direct Access.

Applocker.

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But , i am really confused if our infrastructure is running fine Windows 2008, so why we need to upgrade ?

Ok Here is the answer.

Powerful hardware and scaling features Windows Server 2008 R2 supports up to 256 logical processors.

Improved Hyper-V Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2 can now access up to 64 logical CPUs on host computers.

Reduced power consumption Windows Server 2008 R2 supports Core Parking,which dynamically turns off unused processor cores when they aren’t needed, reducing power consumption.

Reduced desktop costs Windows Server 2008 R2 enables VDI technology, which Extends the functionality of RDS to provide full desktop virtualization or application Virtualization of key applications. 

Improved server management Windows Server 2008 R2 includes a new version of Windows PowerShell, which is now available on Server Core as well. Server Manager can now also be used remotely.

Improved branch office performance and security Windows Server 2008 R2 includes BranchCache and read-only DFS-R, which extends the branch office scenarios introduced in Windows Server 2008.

Improved Web server Windows Server 2008 R2 includes IIS 7.5 as well as a new FTP server. IIS 7.5 includes a new Windows PowerShell provider for IIS management.

Windows PowerShell v2 Windows Server 2008 R2 includes an improved and More powerful version of Windows PowerShell that has cmdlet support for remote Management. Windows PowerShell is now available on Server Core in Windows Server2008 R2.

Improved Remote Desktop Services The new RDS features provide an improved and more seamless user experience, especially when the client is running Windows 7.

Improved mobile user experience Mobile users running Windows 7 have seamless and continuous access to corporate resources through DirectAccess. And RD Web Access, provides users running at least Windows XP SP3 with full access to published applications or desktops.

To be continued ....