Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 was released to public on the 22^nd July 2009. This new version of the operating systems introduces a host of new features and improvements including:

Active Directory Recycle Bin – Quickly & Easily recover deleted Active Directory Objects

Offline Domain Join – Provides the ability to Pre-Stage Computer Accounts on the domain, when the computer is installed & connected to the network it will be automatically joined to the domain.

Direct Access – Allowing VPN-Less Secure access to the corporate network for mobile users

Hyper-V Live Migration – Migrate Virtual Machines from one physical host to another without the need to suspend their state

Multiple NAP System Health Validator – Allowing more flexibility in assessing NAP policies for multiple Clients, Servers, Organizational Units etc.

There are a number of additional improvements not listed above, for a more detailed overview check out the Windows 2008 R2 Technet “Whats Changed” section.

For organizations considering evaluating Windows 2008 R2 it is important to remember that this release of Windows Server is 64bit Only.

Also be sure to check out the Top 10 Reasons for Windows 2008 R2