Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate

Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 will be the next version of the Windows Server operating system from Microsoft. Building on the features and capabilities of the current Windows Server 2008 release version, Windows Server 2008 R2 allows you to create solutions organization that are easier to plan, deploy, and manage than previous versions of Windows Server.

Developing upon the increased security, reliability, and performance provided by Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 extends connectivity and control to local and remote resources. This means your organizations can benefit from reduced costs and increased efficiencies gained through enhanced management and control over resources across the enterprise.

Windows Server 2008 R2 includes many improvements that make this release the most robust Windows Server application platform yet. These improvements comprise new features in IIS 7.0, as well as other areas of Windows Server 2008 R2, to help applications run faster while using fewer system resources. The improved features also combine to help reduce the effort to administer and support Windows Server–based applications as well as improve availability, reliability, and scalability.

Improvements to IIS and the Windows Web platform which are included in Windows Server 2008 R2 include: reduced effort to administer and support Web-based applications, enhanced security for Web-based applications, improved file-transfer services, the ability to extend the functionality and features for Web-based applications, and improved availability and performance for Web-based applications and services.

Download: Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate