Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 RTM’edWindows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 SP1 will Release to Manufacturing (RTM) today. On February 16, both will be available to current customers of the Windows Volume Licensing program, as well as subscribers to Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) and TechNet. On February 22, both will be available to all customers through Windows Update and will also come preinstalled on new servers ordered. A couple quick things to call out relative to this milestone: As part of Microsoft’s broader desktop virtualization strategy, two new virtualization capabilities are now enabled in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1: RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory. Both features provide customers easy to use solutions that drive efficiencies and build upon the virtualization functionality already in the Windows Server operating system. From a Windows 7 perspective, SP1 includes minor updates including some made previously available through Windows Update. Microsoft also has some updates regarding Windows 7 momentum and new technologies in development designed for customers to get the most out of their Windows 7 experience. This includes: Windows Thin PC (WinTPC): Microsoft is announcing an upcoming software assurance benefit called Windows Thin PC (WinTPC), which is a smaller footprint, locked down version of Windows 7, designed to allow customers to repurpose their existing PCs as thin clients. PCs with WinTPC will not require the VDA license that regular thin clients will need to access VDI desktops. WinTCP is expected to be available for download from the Microsoft Connect Site in Q1 2011. Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring (MBAM): IT pros gave Microsoft feedback that they needed an easier way to manage BitLocker, the security feature included in Windows 7. In response, the company is in the process of developing MBAM, which will help customers manage and provision BitLocker. The beta is expected to be available in March. More on Win7 sp1: Windows 7 updates deliver more bang for your buck As part of Microsoft’s broader desktop virtualization strategy, two new virtualization capabilities are now enabled in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1: RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory. Both features provide customers easy to use solutions that drive efficiencies and build upon the virtualization functionality already in the Windows Server operating system The first new feature, Dynamic Memory, takes Windows Server’s Hyper-V feature to a whole new level. Dynamic Memory lets you increase virtual machine density with the resources you already have—without sacrificing performance or scalability. In our lab testing, with Windows 7 SP1 as the guest operating system in a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) scenario, we have seen a 40% increase in density from Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM to SP1. We achieved this increase simply by enabling Dynamic Memory. This increased density does not come at the expense of security, as is the case with other offerings in the industry. Dynamic Memory preserves Windows 7 security without compromising density. My colleague Jeff Woolsey goes into detail in a recent post on this topic at the virtualization blog. In addition, you get immediate benefit from the moment you turn on the virtual machine. There’s no waiting for memory management algorithms to work. Nor do you have to tweak the hypervisor with custom settings for specific workloads to maximize density. It’s an awesome out-of-box experience for all your virtualization workloads. The second new feature, RemoteFX, is a first-to-market technology that we have demonstrated at multiple events. In fact, I was honored to be the first to show it publically at the Desktop Virtualization Hour last March. RemoteFX is an exciting technology that lets you virtualize the Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) on the server side and deliver next-generation rich media and 3D user experiences for VDI. RemoteFX is also enabling new low cost ultra-thin client devices to enter the market. Together, these technologies will drive down the end-point cost and reduce endpoint power consumption to as little as a few watts. Customers have already been successful with Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX, in early adopter deployments. Case studies, like the one we partnered with Sporton International on, show how using both RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory delivers real business value. More on Dynamic Memory: Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Add New Virtualization Innovations - Windows Virtualiza
Send via e-mail | Submit to Digg | Add to Live Favorites
http://feeds.bink.nu/~r/binkdotnu/~3/J-4ZHBPYHC4/windows-7-windows-server-2008-r2-service-pack-1-rtm-ed.aspx
