Windows Embedded Server With Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft is not only hard at work laboring to produce the first Release Candidate of Windows 7, but it is also looking beyond the next iterations of the Windows client and server operating systems. The next version of Windows Embedded Server would be based on the Windows 7 platform, the Redmond company informed. In all fairness, Windows Embedded Server was a variant of Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft revealed, claiming that the new offering was positioned to take the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform to the next level.

“The evolution of the Windows Embedded software-plus-services platform with the addition of Windows Embedded Server reflects the realization of Microsoft’s continued commitment to drive innovation and leadership in the embedded market by fostering the next generation of smart, connected, service-oriented devices and device services,” revealed Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded business unit at Microsoft.

According to the software giant, Windows Embedded Server is based on the Windows Server core and will permit original equipment manufacturers to develop dedicated server appliances with a focus on robust networking and large volumes of storage, while keeping a low footprint. In Microsoft's vision, the Windows Embedded Server OEM appliances will feature capabilities serving to streamline the setup and remote management associated with embedded devices.

“The combination of software plus services from Windows Embedded will establish new revenue channels for embedded OEMs and partners by utilizing Windows Embedded Server and the complete Microsoft portfolio of embedded platforms and technologies in scenarios such as device maintenance and support services,” Dallas added.

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Power Pack 2 for Windows Home Server by Microsoft

The next version of Windows Home Server, codenamed Vail, is expected to be a 64-bit only server, based on Windows Server 2008 R2 and could well be Microsoft's first 64-bit only consumer product. It is scheduled to be launched next year and will come with a re hauled user interface.

Microsoft has finally released Windows Home Server Power Pack 2 which is a free package that significantly improves WHS's core set of features especially and will be available as a Windows Update.

The current service pack would improvement remote access configuration, enhance functionality for PCs running Windows Media center.

Windows Home Server is essentially a more media friendly server operating system that allows home users to back up, access, share, and store content in a centralised vault.

Users will need Windows Home Server with Power Pack 1 installed on their home servers before installing Power Pack 2. Microsoft Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 can be purchased from for as little as £73 and comes in a 1 server - 10 Client Access Licenses.

Source: ITproportal

SMB Powerhouse Windows Server 2008 R2 Beta Is Public

During yesterday's Microsoft keynote at CES, Steve Ballmer announced the release of the public beta of Windows Server 2008 R2, which is a midway release between its major server releases. This is a philosophy that the Windows Server team at Microsoft adopted since Windows Server 2003. R2 beta will be available for download on the WinServer R2 web site.

While R2 arrives with myriad new features, there are two key areas that are of great interest to IT generalists and small VARs that cater to the SMB. First, a new DirectAccess feature eliminates the need for VPN connectivity by providing seamless intranet based connectivity to Windows 7 clients from remote locations. DirectAccess will do away with the need to buy any VPN appliance. What's more, administrators will be able to manage remote computers just like computers inside corporate intranets. For VARs, DirectAccess spells a boom in new business revenue. VARs can offer managed services directly from their networks.



In R2, Microsoft also changed some of the network plumbing and underlying protocols to increase the efficiency of file transfers and improve remote connectivity with Hyper-V. As a result, the old Terminal Services will no longer be supported.

R2 provides a new Remote Desktop service using a new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). In a R2 VDI environment, remote computers will be able to connect to virtual desktops, instead of physical machines. Hyper-V's virtualization technology makes it looks seamless. From the point of view of users, they won't be able to distinguish if the virtual desktops are virtual or installed on physical hardware.

While this might sound too esoteric for many small businesses to deploy, in actuality, it is not. I've worked with Hyper-V in the past and found it extremely easy to use. Small business will be able to reduce operational costs because the desktops exist in the VDI environment (a server box). You won't be rolling your eyes back when you see the price. It's all included in the Windows Server 2008 license.

Source: http://blogs.pcmag.com/atwork/2009/01/ces_2009_smb_powerhouse_window_1.php