Windows

What's New in Windows Server 2008 R2?

August 14, 2009 All, General, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 2008 R2 No comments

Windows Server 2008 R2 Reaches the RTM Milestone and What’s new about it??

This is a small information lended from Windows Server blogs  

The acronym stands for Release to Manufacturing, and it means this latest release of Windows Server 2008 R2 is now blessed by engineering as ready for the manufacturing process. We’re talking final code. Sun shining, birds singing, children dancing in the streets.

With evaluation software available for download in the first half of August and the full product available to customers with Software Assurance in the second half of August, RTM is more than just an engineering milestone. Occurring in lock-step with the release of the Windows 7 RTM, these two platforms are now ready for our partners to start testing and installing on their hardware. And that lock-step isn’t a coincidence, it’s a design goal.

Customers using Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 in their enterprises has been Microsoft’s intent from the first day programmers touched fingers to keyboards. Let’s look at the highlights:

HAPPY ADMINISTRATORS

It’s Christmas for server and desktop administrators with Windows Server 2008 R2’s updated management tools, including:

  • Hyper-V and Live Migration – still the big stars. R2’s Hyper-V enables a complete server virtualization solution available out-of-the-box. Live Migration allows server administrators to migrate VMs between physical machines with no perceived downtime for current server connections and work streams. That means a more dynamic datacenter and more agility in meeting new business needs For more information on Hyper-V in R2, check out today’s in-depth post on the Virtualization Team blog.
  • File Classification Infrastructure – FCI lets you manage your data based on its characteristics, including things like file type, user credentials and even content. Based on this kind of criteria, FCI can assign data different access restrictions, store it in different locations or simply push it into an entirely customized lifecycle scheme – all done automatically via policy. For me, this is one of the most exciting new features in R2.
  • Active Directory and Pervasive PowerShell – 240 new PowerShell cmdlets and several management consoles (including a new Active Directory interface) have been built on top of PowerShell. Active Directory has also been enhanced with the Active Directory Recycle Bin as well as AD Group Policy objects that give desktop administrators deeper capabilities when it comes to managing Windows 7 clients.
  • IIS 7.5 – The latest edition of Internet Information Server also sports updated management tools as well as application serving capabilities that now including support for PHP and .NET on Server Core installations.
  • Server Scalability – Not only is R2 Microsoft’s first 64-bit-only operating system, it also supports up to 256 logical processors in a single server as well as all the latest CPU technologies. And, R2 has support for advanced storage technologies, including SAN management and solid state hardware.  

HAPPY USERS

I’ll leave it to the Windows 7 team to evangelize the many advantages that Windows 7 has as a standalone operating system (click here for the Windows 7 RTM announcement). But we server guys love it because combined with Windows Server 2008 R2 we can provide features I’ve never seen before in another client-server platform.

  • DirectAccess, for example, provides secure, always-on access to corporate networks no matter from what network a client might be connecting. Better yet, it provides a two-way relationship allowing desktop admins to manage clients the same way whether they’re local or remote.
  • BranchCache allows users in remote offices to cache corpnet data locally, providing a better work experience for remote workers while simultaneously lowering expensive WAN bandwidth costs.
  • Remote Desktop and Applications – Windows Server 2008’s Terminal Services has now evolved into R2’s Remote Desktop Services, and it integrates so tightly with Windows 7 that administrators will be able to roll out virtualized applications and even entire desktop environments without users being able to tell that these tools aren’t running locally. It’s fast and can even be managed via policy. Very cool stuff.

LOWER BUDGETS

Power efficiency and power management were priorities for R2.  The power efficiency improvements help you save power automatically – without additional steps or configuration.  An improved processor power management engine, storage power management improvements, tick skipping, core parking, and timer coalescing all contribute to improved power efficiency.

While licensing topics are a bit arcane, those of you already running Windows Server 2008 should know that you don’t need new Client Access Licenses (CALs) when updating to Windows Server 2008 R2, which helps make for a cost-effective upgrade.

I’m out of space and have only scratched the surface of what you’ll find in R2. You can follow the buzz about R2 and Windows 7 on Twitter via the #Windows hashtag.

 For those evaluating the software for near-term deployment, make sure to visit the Windows Server 2008 R2 Resource Center, our TechNet Resource Center as well and also our Application Compatibility page. And as always, send us your feedback when you’re testing the software. Happy testing,

 

–Oliver Rist

Technical Product Manager

Windows Server Marketing

 

Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM – Release to MSDN today!!!!

August 14, 2009 All, General, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 2008 R2 No comments

I got this information regarding the availablility for Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM to public.

So today i can get it from TECHNET Downloads. I’m waiting for it, to download…

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For Partners & OEMs:

ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent hardware vendor) partners will be able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM from MSDN starting on August 14th.  MSDN will post in English, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish on August 14th and will roll out the remaining languages starting August 21st.

Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will be able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM through the Microsoft Partner Program (MPP) Portal on August 19th.

Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers will be able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM starting August 23rd.

OEMs will receive Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM in English and all Language Packs on July 29th.  The remaining languages will be available around August 11th.

For Volume Licensing Customers:

If you are a Volume License (VL) customer with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license, you will be able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM on August 19th via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC).

Volume License customers without a SA license will be able to purchase Windows Server 2008 R2 through Volume Licensing on September 1st.

IT Professionals:

IT Professionals with TechNet Subscriptions will be able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM in English, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish on August 14th and all remaining languages beginning August 21st.

Developers:

Developers with MSDN Subscriptions will be able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM in English, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish on August 14th and all remaining languages starting August 21st.

For Technical Enthusiasts:

Starting on August 20, you can download the 180 day evaluation version of Windows Server 2008 R2 from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/try-it.aspx

Additionally, Windows Server 2008 R2 will be available in the retail channel on September 14th.

Thanks,

Crissy House

Product Manager – Windows Server Marketing

Windows 7 King of All Windows

August 14, 2009 All, General, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7 No comments

At first i doubted Windows 7 will have same problems as the Windows Vista had. But I have been using it since Pre-Beta to RC to RTM. I found that things getting better with windows 7. I never seen such a stable OS in my life. There was a Time people loved Windows 98, ME then came the Windows XP, he took over the world of windows and Windows Vista was the most awaited release, but it did not go well in stealing the hearts of millions of windows lovers.

Windows Vista ran in to problems it was a HUGE RESOURCE EATING MONSTER, lots of stability issues. I did personally tried from Pre-Beta to RC to RTM , SP1 and Sp2 of VISTA.. I some times felt what’s this all about. SP2 of Windows Vista changes lots of things in VISTA. It brought up a STABLE OS.

Windows Vista with SP2 is stable than it’s predecessors. I felt that millions guarantee that.

But still Windows 7 from Pre-Beta onwards has a lots of FAN Following. the main reason is that, it doesn’t behave like Windows Vista first release, more over NOT MUCH of stability issues with Windows 7, i could say i have ran the windows 7 from last FEB 2009 onwards from RC, just 1 week back only i reinstalled it. Because i thought since RTM(Release to Manufacture) version is out, it would be better to Format and make a fresh install.
I’m part of MSDN TechNet Subscriber and i got the download of Windows 7 from Technet on 6th August 2009 and it was a long awaiting.
By the way TechNet is microsoft subscription group for IT Professionals, who can try any microsoft product for Evaluation purposes, unlimited times. This is not free, there will be an annual subscription.
I’m glad that i’m part of it. Trying out any microsoft release first before, that comes in to market is a great opportunity.
There is lot of things to say. i’m stopping things for now.. Will continue in next blog….

Microsoft: Windows 7 is done, on its way to manufacturers

July 23, 2009 All, General, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7 No comments

Microsoft

has announced that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have hit the Release to Manufacturing milestone. OEMs can get their hands on it this Friday, while MSDN and TechNet subscribers will be able to get it on August 6. Consumers will have to wait until October 22.   

Microsoft today announced that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have hit the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) milestone. The software giant still has a lot of work to do, but the bigger responsibility now falls to OEMs that must get PCs ready, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that are testing their new apps, and Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs) that are preparing their new hardware.

The RTM build is 7600, but it is not the same one that leaked less than two weeks ago (7600.16384). We speculated that Microsoft may end up recompiling build 7600 until it is satisfied, but it only took the company one more shot to get it right: 7600.16385 is the final build number. Microsoft refused to share the full build string, but if you trust leaks from a few days ago, it’s “6.1.7600.16385.090713-1255,” which indicates that the final build was compiled over a week ago: July 13, 2009, at 12:55pm. This would be in line with the rumored RTM date but it is also the day Microsoft stated that Windows 7 had not yet hit RTM. Although the final build had been compiled, Microsoft still had to put it through testing before christening it as RTM.

Who gets it when?

OEMs will be the first to get their mitts on the final Windows 7 code, with the English-language version being sent out on July 24 and remaining languages on July 28. They’re first in line as they need to prepare Windows 7 for new PCs. Next up are ISVs and IHVs, who can grab the RTM build from Microsoft Connect and MSDN on August 6, as can MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Volume License customers with Software Assurance are next, with the English-language version available to them on August 7 and other languages shortly thereafter.

Partner Program Gold/Certified members gain access on August 16 and Action Pack subscribers on August 23 with access to the other languages to come by October 1. Last up are consumers, who can purchase Windows 7 on October 22.

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 7 testers will not be getting a free copy of the new operating system, as Windows Vista testers received the Ultimate edition for sending in at least one bug. The company suggested that this might happen back when invites to test the operating system were sent in December 2008. Therefore, unless they fall into one of the other categories above, beta testers will have to wait like all other consumers until October 22.

Family Pack for Windows 7

On the Windows 7 Team Blog Microsoft confirmed rumors from earlier last month about a three-computer “Family Pack” deal for Windows 7 Home Premium: “I’m happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to three PCs.” Microsoft refused, however, to disclose when the pack would become available or how much it would go for, though many are expecting the price tag to be $150.

Microsoft started work on Windows 7 with partners much earlier than it did with Windows Vista, and beta testers are reporting that the decision has paid off thus far. Whether that is true or not will become evident in the coming months. Today’s major announcement follows pricing details made in June 2009 and edition details made in February 2009.

Microsoft announces Windows 7 RTM, MGX details

July 23, 2009 All, General, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7 No comments

Microsoft officially confirmed today that it has finished Windows 7 and released the final build to manufacturing (RTM).

Steve Ballmer, Chief Executive Officer at Microsoft, will confirm that Microsoft has finalised Windows 7 during his speech at an employee conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Microsoft Global Exchange (MGX) is an internal Microsoft conference for Microsoft’s global sales teams and evangelists. Employees have been posting updates to Twitter today.

Kevin Turner, Microsoft’s Chief Operating Officer, donned the stage earlier at MGX claiming “in business, adversity is inevitable, but misery is a choice” during his keynote. It was also announced that Jim Cirone (east region evangelist) won the Microsoft Chairman award for his thought leadership on Silverlight. The award is handed out annually for innovations that have furthered the state of “engineering excellence” at Microsoft.

Microsoft also announced the investment of $9.5 billion in research and development for FY09. This is the most for any technology company and the Redmond software giant will not decrease its investment in FY10. The closest comparable company is IBM with $3 billion less.

Before Ballmer confirms Windows 7 RTM, Bob Muglia proudly claimed that “developers are at the heart of Microsoft” after demonstrations of virtualisation in Windows Server 2008. Microsoft employees were also treated to SharePoint 2010 demos and Office 2010 running across PC, phone and browser. Later on in the day Bing was the focus with Yusuf Mehdi, Senior Vice President, Online Audience Business Group taking the stage with demonstrations of Bing’s travel updates. Robbie Bach later took to the stage and demonstrated the Zune HD and Windows integration. New Windows Phone branding and UI was also demonstrated.

RTM (Released to manufacturing) marks the end of the Windows 7 alpha and beta phase and the product will now be officially supported by Microsoft’s support channels and servicing. RTM does not mark the end of Windows 7 development though. Engineers will have booked their summer vacations but new builds will still be compiled ready for any hotfixes and heading towards the initial SP1 release.

Microsoft announced yesterday that the Windows 7 RTM build will be in OEM’s hands “2 days after RTM” meaning OEM partners may have the build as early as Friday. MSDN and TechNet customers will receive the build on August 6.

7600.16385.090713-1255 is confirmed as the official RTM build, according to Steven Sinofsky “today after all the validation checks were met, we signed off and declared build 7600.16385 as RTM.”

7600.16384 May Not Be the Final Windows 7 RTM Build Version

July 14, 2009 All, General, Microsoft, Windows, Windows 7 No comments

If you have downloaded the leaked 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate Retail RTM Build 7600.16384, do bear in mind that the build may not be the final build that been released to end users. Windows 7 Build 7600.16384 has been subjected to much speculation that whether it’s the final RTM build, where some people believes the minor build may be increased to 7600.16386 in order to match Windows Vista RTM, which also jumps from 5600.16384 of Windows Vista RC1 to 6000.16386.

In fact, the non-finalized yet of Windows 7 is almost certain with the denial announcement on Windows Team Blog. “We are close, but have not yet signed off on Windows 7.” Said Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager of Microsoft. “Just because a single build may have ‘leaked’ it does not signal the completion of a milestone such as RTM”, he continued.

However, weird part is that for Microsoft, RTM isn’t a single point in time. Instead, it’s the beginning of the next “process”for Windows 7.

At RTM our partners begin their final preparations for Windows 7, including testing and building images for new PCs. RTM is essentially the final “stage” of engineering for Windows 7 before it hits the market at General Availability (GA). As Steven notes, engineering continues on Windows 7 from RTM until GA on October 22nd.

Nonetheless, Windows 7 is expected to RTM in the second half of July. If the expected release date to Microsoft Partners through Connect, MSDN and TechNet on July 24 still hold, the RTM sign off must take place before or on July 23, 2009. Word is out by mspcbeta (the guy who leaks Windows 7 RTM Build 7600.16384) that Windows 7 RTM Build 7600.16385.win7_rtm.090713-1255 has been compiled on July 13, 2009, with another build expecting soon.

What is certain currently is that the major build number of 7600 for Windows 7 RTM should remain the same. However, the minor build number is anyone guess, with wild speculation of up to 7600.19000. It’s much the same way with Windows Vista SP2, where minor build version keep increasing from 6002.18001, 6002.18002
6002.18003, to 6002.18004 before been finalized and RTMed as 6002.18005 as development team ironed out the bugs.

With impending arrival of Windows 7 RTM, here’s little more Windows 7 information on how and when end-user can get Windows 7.

  • MSDN & TechNet Subscribers: Subscribers will be able to download the final version of Windows 7 a few weeks after Microsoft announces RTM.
  • Volume License (VL) Customers: As announced by Bill Veghte during his WPC09 keynote, Windows 7 will be available to Volume License customers on September 1st.
  • Consumers, Enthusiasts, & Beta Testers (Everyone else): The retail version of Windows 7 will be available in stores October 22nd. If you pre-ordered Windows 7, it should be delivered sometime around the October 22nd timeframe (depends on the retailer). You can pre-order Windows 7 today through many online retailers like the Microsoft Store.
  • On New PCs: OEMs are expected to start shipping new PCs with Windows 7 pre-installed on them around October 22nd.