Windows Server 2008 R2 Details

In line with the release of Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, Microsoft is aiming to launch the new Windows Server 2008 R2 in the second half of 2009 with an RTM date to support that.

Let's take a look at the latest information we obtained regarding Windows Server 2008 R2. We will update this article as and when we receive further updates, so be sure to check back often!

Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM & Launch Dates

As mentioned above, Microsoft is aiming to launch Windows Server 2008 R2 in the second half of 2009. More precise dates or date ranges of General Availability or RTM of Windows Server 2008 will depend on Microsoft reaching certain interim engineering milestones.

In January, Microsoft released the Windows 2008 R2 Beta and has received very good feedback from OEMs who have been testing images and reporting bugs for resolution. Based on this cooperation from OEMs, Microsoft is currently on track to reach its next engineering milestone and deliver the Release Candidate (RC) by the first week in May 2009. Once RC is reached, Microsoft will provide a more precise update on the disclosure schedule and how Microsoft is tracking toward launch day.

Update @ June 4, 2009 : Microsoft has just announced that they are on track to RTM Windows Server 2008 R2 in the second half of July 2009. This would put the estimated launch date somewhere in August-September, 2009. In addition, Microsoft will further compress Windows Server 2008 R2 language waves. However, they will only release details of the languages by date at a later date.

Windows Server 2008 R2 Milestones

Key Program Activities Planned Dates Description Windows Server 2008 R2 Licensing April 17, 2009 Windows Server 2008 R2 products will be available to license via the Server Products Agreements and Product Modification Amendments (PMAs) by April 17, 2009. Server Products OEM Resource Guide Week of April 20, 2009 The Server Products OEM Resource Guide will be available the week of April 20, 2009. Windows 2008 R2 Foundation May 2009 Windows Server 2008 R2 Foundation is not included in this licensing release. More information on the WS08 R2 Foundation launch will be available in May 2009. Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate First week of May, 2009 Microsoft plans to deliver the Windows Server 2008 R2 Release Candidate (RC) by first week of May, 2009. Windows Server 2008 R2 BOM May 11, 2009 Microsoft plans to baseline the Windows Server 2008 R2 BOMs (Bill of Materials) on May 11, 2009. BIOS Lock Whitepaper Early May, 2009 An updated BIOS lock whitepaper for Windows Server 2008 R2 that includes improved documentation and code samples will be available in early May 2009. RTM Second half of July, 2009 Estimated time of Windows Server 2008 R2 release to manufacturing. Launch Estimate August-September 2009 Estimated time of Windows Server 2008 R2 launch.

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