History

Microsoft alien Windows Server 2008 R2 at the 2008 Professional Developers Conference as the server alternative of Windows 7.

On January 7, 2009, a beta absolution of Windows Server 2008 R2 was fabricated accessible to subscribers of Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN programs, as able-bodied as those accommodating in the Microsoft Connect affairs for Windows 7. Two canicule later, the beta was appear to the accessible via the Microsoft Download Center.6

On April 30, 2009, the absolution applicant was fabricated accessible to subscribers of Microsoft's TechNet and MSDN.7 On May 5, 2009, the absolution applicant was fabricated accessible to the accepted accessible via the Microsoft download center.8

According to Windows Server Division WebLog,9 the afterward are the dates of the year 2009 if Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 has been fabricated accessible to assorted administration channels:

OEMs accustomed Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM in English and all Language Packs on July 29. The actual languages were accessible about August 11.

ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent accouterments vendor) ally accept been able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM from MSDN starting on August 14.

IT Professionals with TechNet Subscriptions were able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM and access artefact keys for in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish alpha August 14 and all actual languages alpha August 21.

Developers with MSDN Subscriptions accept been able to download and access artefact keys for Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish starting August 14 and all actual languages starting August 21.

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

Volume Authorization (VL) barter with an absolute Software Assurance (SA) authorization were able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM on August 19 via the Volume Authorization Service Centermost (VLSC).

Volume Authorization barter after a Software Assurance (SA) authorization were able to acquirement Windows Server 2008 R2 through Volume Licensing by September 1.

Additionally, condoning acceptance accept been able to download Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM Standard Edition in 15 languages from DreamSpark.10

Microsoft has appear that Server 2008 R2 will be the endure adaptation of Windows acknowledging the Itanium architecture.