Windows 7 Gains Windows Server Hooks
As Windows 7 gets closer to market, more and more add-ons are appearing, albeit in beta form. You already know about the XP compatibility mode that will come free with high-end versions of the OS. Now Redmond is releasing tools that let Windows 7 configure and manage Windows Server 2008.
The overall idea is to "manage roles and features" through Windows 7. IT can set up roles for DNS, terminal services, AD and Hyper-V. These tools work best with Windows Server 2008 R2, but can direct the activities of older servers, as well.
In fact, Microsoft hopes Windows 7 will drive Server 2008 migration. Besides the remote management tools, Windows 7 has two 2008-dependent features. Direct Access lets Windows 7 clients talk to 2008 without a VPN. And BranchCache lets remote Windows 7 clients attach to headquarters more quickly through caching and traffic shaping.
Posted by Doug Barney on May 08, 2009