Barney's Blog

Blog archive

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


Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.