Today during our online Desktop Virtualization Hour event, we’ll be talking a little bit about Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
For Windows Server 2008 R2, SP1 will be introducing two new desktop virtualization features: Microsoft RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory. These features are designed to meet the increasing needs of our customers as they utilize virtualization in their environments with Windows Server 2008 R2. You can read more about RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory on the Windows Server Division WebLog.
For Windows 7, SP1 includes only minor updates, among which are previous updates that are already delivered through Windows Update. SP1 for Windows 7 will, however, deliver an updated Remote Desktop client that takes advantage of RemoteFX introduced in the server-side with SP1 for Windows Server 2008 R2.
Windows 7 is ready for commercial deployments now and many industry experts have recommended that customers do not wait for SP1. Many organizations are already in the process of deploying and are receiving benefits from their Windows 7 deployment. You can read some of those customer stories, as well as Forrester’s view of the benefits of Windows 7, with the following case studies:
- Forrester Total Economic Impact Study of Windows 7
- City of Miami TCO Study
- Baker Tilly TCO Study
- Getronics TCO Study
The Springboard Series on TechNet offers the best guidance for migrating from Windows XP as well as deploying and managing Windows 7. Some key resources to check out are:
- Choosing a Deployment Strategy
- Windows XP to Windows 7 Migration Walkthrough Guide (Start to Finish)
- Deploying Windows 7 from A to Z Whitepaper
- Getting Started with Application Compatibility in a Windows Deployment
So don’t wait – go ahead and deploy… you know you want to! 😉
We’re not yet announcing a beta or release timeline for SP1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 today. Once SP1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is released, the service pack will be delivered through Windows Update and be available on Microsoft Download Center for download as well. UPDATE 8/1: Click on the link for more information on Windows Service Packs.
I’ll be posting more on SP1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 once we get close to a release milestone. And remember, our Desktop Virtualization Hour online event starts at 9am PST today. Tune in if you want to hear more about desktop virtualization!
UPDATE 3/19: Fixed broken links for the above customer case studies.