- Windows Server 2008 R2 Defined
- When Is the Right Time to Migrate?
- Versions of Windows Server 2008 R2
- What's New and What's the Same About Windows Server 2008 R2?
- Changes in Active Directory
- Windows Server 2008 R2 Benefits for Administration
- Improvements in Security in Windows Server 2008 R2
- Improvements in Mobile Computing in Windows Server 2008 R2
- Improvements in Windows Server 2008 R2 for Better Branch Office Support
- Improvements for Thin Client Remote Desktop Services
- Improvements in Clustering and Storage Area Network Support
- Addition of Migration Tools
- Improvements in Server Roles in Windows Server 2008 R2
- Identifying Which Windows Server 2008 R2 Service to Install or Migrate to First
- Summary
- Best Practices
Summary
This introductory chapter was intended to highlight the new features, functions, migration tools, and management utilities in Windows Server 2008 R2 that will help administrators take advantage of the capabilities of the new operating system. If Windows Server 2008 R2 is seen as just a simple upgrade to Windows 2000/2003/2008, an organization will not benefit from the operating system enhancements. However, when fully leveraged with the capabilities of the Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system, an organization can improve services to its employees through the use of new tools and technologies built in to the operating system.
Because Windows Server 2008 R2 is a relatively simple migration from existing Windows 2003 and Windows 2008 Active Directory environments, and Windows Server 2008 R2 application servers can be added to existing Active Directory 2000/2003/2008 domains, the migration process really is one where the IT administrators need to prioritize which Windows Server 2008 R2 services to install or migrate to first, and to then plan and test the new technologies to make sure they improve IT services to the organization.