Server2008 R2 Overview

This document summarizes key platform investments and trends for Windows Server 2008 R2. It discusses the server core application platform which provides a minimal installation option without a GUI shell. This reduces patching requirements by around 40%. It also discusses power management improvements, virtualization enhancements like Hyper-V, and leveraging the enterprise network stack to build applications. New R2 solutions like BITS Compact Server and the native web services API are highlighted.