| New Capabilities. Newer versions of Windows Server offer new capabilities which can help improve productivity of IT staff and other workers. For example DirectAccess, new to Windows Server 2008 R2, enables users to stay connected to corporate resources wherever they are on the internet, while administrators can manage those users laptops as if they were in the office. Hyper-V, Microsoft’s hypervisor technology for server virtualization, enables businesses to consolidate frequently underutilized server hardware, helping create a more flexible, efficient, and cost effective server environment.
Windows Server 2008 R2 has been well received by partners, and customers. Customer case studies showcasing the benefits and cost savings of newer versions of Windows Server are available at http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies.
The press has recognized the benefits of Windows Server 2008 R2, as exemplified here:
“With all these new features, R2 is certainly the best Windows Server operating system to date.” Jonathan Hassell, ComputerWorld
“This is, in short, Microsoft's best server operating system to date.” Samara Lyn, CRN
“This version of Windows Server is also the first in a decade to be released in tandem with a new Windows client (in this case, Windows 7). As such, Windows Server 2008 R2 includes many features that make it and Windows 7 "better together.“ Jason Perlow, ZDNet
Furthermore, Forrester Consulting conducted a study on Windows Server 2008 R2 using their Total Economic Impact (TEI) Model. They interviewed real customers who have already deployed R2, and the model is based on their actual results. Their framework identified 13 potential areas of savings for customers, and can be used as a template for examining potential savings in your environment. The TEI model shows that medium sized customers could see a break-even Return on Investment (ROI) in less than 6 months. The study is available at http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9695563.
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