News

Finally: Windows Server 2003 "R2" Ships

The long-awaited "Release 2" of Windows Server 2003 is finally out, albeit a couple of months later than originally planned. In addition, Microsoft is also shipping an update to its Internet Security and Acceleration Server.

Windows Server 2003 R2, as it is being called, was supposed to be out by the end of last year, but fell slightly behind and only went to manufacturing in early December. That put its availability date at about. . .well, today.

Windows Server 2003 R2 builds on Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 by adding manageability improvements for branch office and storage scenarios and by expanding the capabilities of the Active Directory, including the addition of Active Directory Federation Services, which is meant to simplify identity management across multiple platforms via Web services.

The update is available for purchase and will be delivered to Enterprise Software Assurance customers "shortly," according to a statement from Microsoft. Several OEMs, including Dell, HP and IBM have R2 for sale as well.

Also shipping, ISA Server 2004 Service Pack 2 adds Microsoft Update and BITS caching, HTTP Compression and application traffic prioritization. The update is meant to streamline branch office connectivity and security, while making the best use of data center IT resources. The update is available for download here.

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

Featured

  • MIT Finds Only 1 in 20 AI Investments Translate into ROI

    Despite pouring billions into generative AI technologies, 95 percent of businesses have yet to see any measurable return on investment.

  • Report: Cost, Sustainability Drive DaaS Adoption Beyond Remote Work

    Gartner's 2025 Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service reveals that while secure remote access remains a key driver of DaaS adoption, a growing number of deployments now focus on broader efficiency goals.

  • Windows 365 Reserve, Microsoft's Cloud PC Rental Service, Hits Preview

    Microsoft has launched a limited public preview of its new "Windows 365 Reserve" service, which lets organizations rent cloud PC instances in the event their Windows devices are stolen, lost or damaged.

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.