Beta! Beta! Read all about it!

Can we be so privilged?  Two new Operating systems released in beta format almost simultaneously - we are in OS heaven!  First we had the release of the much anticipated beta of Windows 7 and then the release of Windows Server 2008 R2 (which was known as Windows Server 7).  Can we ask for more? Quick, pinch yourself!

While Windows 7 garnered much of the attention, Microsoft also released this new server operating system as well.  Several interesting  features about Windows Server 2008 R2 - It is the first 64-bit only OS (Windows 7 is both 32 and 64 bit as well as Vista, XP and Windows Server 2003).  There are five key investment areas in Windows Server 2008 R2: Virtualization, Management, Web, Scalability and Reliability and Better Together With Windows 7.  

The virtualization area has seen some major changes, one of which is Terminal Services. The capacity and flexibility of Terminal Services has increased over previous versions so that you can remotely run an application in one location but have it controlled and managed in another.* As a result of this and further evolvement of this product, Microsoft has renamed Terminal Services to Remote Desktop Services.   This is but one of many significant changes associated with this new server OS.

I don't know if there are any plans for new MCTS/MCITP certification tests for Windows Server 2008 R2.   Windows Server 2003 R2 didn't have new tests released for it -but then again, it wasn't tied to the new MCTS/MCITP format either - so there may well be plans for new tests. We will have to see - it wouldn't surprise me if there was given the changes with Virtualization, Clustering, DirectAccess  (no mistake there - a new method for remote client connectivity).  I do believe there will be new MCTS and MCITP certification exams released since Windows 7 is a new product.

This looks like this is going to be a good year for new Microsoft Operating Systems!

For more information, links and such:

Here is the link to download your very own copy of Windows Server 2008 R2:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e464e255-cdd5-44b2-84e6-3233eae3f356&displaylang=en

For more information on the Windows Server 2008 R2 beta: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/R2-Beta.aspx

* http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/R2-virtualization.aspx3d57c5&displaylang=en

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