United States   Change   |   All Microsoft Sites

Home

Product Information

Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on the award-winning foundation of Windows Server 2008, expanding existing technology and adding new features to enable organizations to increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructures. New virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements, and exciting Windows 7 integration help save time, reduce costs, and provide a platform for a dynamic and efficiently managed data center. Powerful tools such as Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5, updated Server Manager and Hyper-V platforms and Windows PowerShell version 2.0 combine to give customers greater control, increased efficiency, and the ability to react to front-line business needs faster than ever before.

Here you can start to learn about Windows Server, update your knowledge, or focus on a specific technology or features that may benefit your organization. Choose your suggested path below, or click directly to what you need by using the menu navigation on the toolbar above, or on the rail to the right.

I Am New to Windows Server

Welcome! Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on the successes and strengths of its Windows Server predecessors while delivering valuable new functionality and powerful improvements to the base operating system. New Web tools, virtualization technologies, security enhancements, and management utilities help save time, reduce costs, and provide a solid foundation for your information technology (IT) infrastructure. Here is a suggested learning path for you to quickly get up to speed.

What is Windows Server 2008 R2?

Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on the award-winning foundation of Windows Server 2008, expanding existing technology and adding new features to enable IT professionals to increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructures. New virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements, and exciting Windows 7 integration help save time, reduce costs, and provide a platform for a dynamic and efficiently managed data center. Powerful tools such as Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5, updated Server Manager and Hyper-V platforms and Windows PowerShell version 2.0 combine to give customers greater control, increased efficiency and the ability to react to front-line business needs faster than ever before.

Learn how the specific scenarios, enhancements, and features can help you.

I Have Some Experience with Windows Server

Welcome back! Whether you are evaluating upgrading from previous versions of Windows Server—or extending your knowledge of Windows Server 2008 R2—you will find what you need here to start your process. Here are some suggestions to get you underway:

I Want to Know Some Specifics of Windows Server 2008 R2

Deepening your knowledge of Windows Server 2008 R2 here is easy. Whether you want to know the answer to a specific question, or deepen your knowledge of a feature, these resources will help you find it. Here are some suggestions for you:

When you are ready, feel free to explore further information areas such as

  • Solutions: Take the next step and learn about solutions and examples for organizations such as yours.

  • Start your tailored evaluation: Follow our customized evaluation path for managers and IT pros.

  • How to buy and deploy: Find a partner, overview your options, and learn about pricing, licensing, and deployment options for your exact needs.

New Efficiency

Evaluate Windows Server 2008 R2

Accelerate your deployment