The release of Server 2008 R2 was largely overshadowed by the more consumer friendly release of Microsoft’s next desktop operating system, Windows 7.

However, Windows Server 2008 R2 provides many new features and upgrades, including several that go hand in hand with new features found in Windows 7.

That means there are more new reasons to upgrade both the desktop operating system and the server operating system at many companies.

If that doesn’t sound like major undertaking, I don’t know what is.

What is an R2 Release Anyway?

Many businesses have been plugging along comfortably with older combinations of Windows XP and either Server 2003 or Windows Server 2000, and installing only those service packs and features designed to keep those systems running securely and stably.

Therefore, the question that has to be asked is what is an R2 release and exactly what does the R2 version of Sever 2008 have to offer?

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Windows 7 has been released to considerable acclaim.

Most reviewers claim to see not only improvements in speed and functionality, but better usability as well.

Some reviewers are going so far as to proclaim that Windows 7 is as user friendly as the latest Mac OS Snow Leopard.

Even more important for business users and Information Technology Professionals is the list of impressive new features that come with Windows 7. Many of these new Windows 7 technologies allow for IT Departments to better manage, support, and configure Windows 7 machines throughout the enterprise.

It is not surprising then that these Windows 7 features are at the top of the list of reasons IT groups are ready to initiate the massive undertaking of upgrading desktop computers throughout the company.

Server 2008 R2 Required for Windows 7 Functions

But, did you know that some of the best new Windows 7 features only work with Windows Server 2008? In fact, some features actually require the latest Windows Server release, Server 2008 R2.

And, a handful of functions not only require Windows Server 2008 R2, but they require that all domain controllers be Windows Server 2008!

This isn’t a trivial point when evaluating upgrading to Windows 7 in a large environment. Let’s take a look at some of the features of Windows 7 that require Server 2008 R2.

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Microsoft is doing something really cool and creative to promote the new Server 2008 R2 release.

A Server 2008 R2 haiku writing contest!

The winning prize is an Xbox 360 Elite and a home theatre system that’s valued at $3,675.

 
According to ars technica here’s what’s included:

• One Sony Bravia XBR 52″ LCD HDTV ($1999.99)
• One Sony Bravia 1000W 5.1 Home Theater system with Blu-ray disc player BDV-300 ($599.99)
• One Whalen 3-in-1 TV Stand BBXLF50GB ($314.99)
• One Xbox 360 Elite Video Game Entertainment System ($299.99)
• Installation services-advanced home theater setup from Best Buy Geek Squad ($449.99)

All you have to do to enter to win is write a haiku that talks about the benefits of Server 2008 R2.

A haiku is a three line poem with a format of 5 – 7 – 5 syllables on each line — however the syllable count isn’t required for this contest. Just make sure you fit under 140 characters, so your haiku can be posted on Twitter.

The contest is open to all residents of the US 18+ years old.

Here’s the Server 2008 R2 haiku I came up with, based on our recent Server 2008 R2 articles:

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Interested in learning about what’s new in Server 2008 R2?

Ready to advantage of all the new features and tools that Server 2008 R2 has to offer?

 
Here’s a list of some free Server 2008 R2 resources to help you get started.

Free Server 2008 R2 Learning Resources

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I’ve been eating out on my MCSE certification since I first earned it in 1995.

Back then, I got an unsolicited phone call from a major computer company that was adding a new arm to its consulting division. They found my resume on the Internet, doubled my salary, sent me on consulting gigs across the country, and bought my first house with the discounted stock I bought out of every paycheck.

By the time I left the computer industry (before it became the “technology” industry) there wasn’t a job I couldn’t get an interview for just because I had an MCSE.

(By the way, if you’re wondering, I’m not old. I graduated from college in 1995. I got my certs pretty much right away.)

The Value of MCSE Certifications Today

Of course, things are not the same today as they were then. That is the function of time, to change what was into what is. Nevertheless, the MCSE certification continues to be both a badge of honor among IT professionals, and a powerful card to play when seeking a new job or a promotion.

However, the MCSE gravy train may finally be coming to an end.

When Microsoft first announced its new certification paradigm, there was much hand wringing and more than a few pronouncements that the IT world was doomed. It turns out that those sentiments were premature. The MCSE on Windows Server 2003 stepped in unnoticed as the “next” MCSE certification and IT professionals have been content to pursue, hold, and display the MCSE ever since.

So, what has changed?

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