Server 2008 R2 to launch with Windows 7?

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 4 Nov 2008 at 09:52

Microsoft has hinted that Release 2 of Windows Server 2008 may launch alongside Windows 7.

Several of the new features in Server 2008 R2 will only work with Windows 7 client PCs, including the Direct Access and Branch Cache features we highlighted last week.

With R2 due to be released within the next year, it raises the distinct possibility that Microsoft will time the launch to coincide with Windows 7, which is expected to arrive early next year.

"From a developer's perspective, there's a real synergy between them [Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2]," said Bob Visse, senior director of the Windows Server Marketing Group, in an exclusive interview with PC Pro, before adding: "we've not committed to releasing these products together."

Visse claims the company is taking great care not to throw too many new features into Release 2 of Server 2008, having only released the full version of the OS in February this year. "We try and limit the amount of times we touch the core OS," Visse claimed. "Customers have told us they can only digest a major release within that timeframe [every three to four years]."

"It comes down to trying to control costs," he added. "People are looking to save costs wherever they can."

Microsoft is also keen to push virtualisation as a way for company to keep a lid on running costs.