Earlier today, Microsoft revealed that Windows 8.1 would be released to the masses on October 18th of this year. Microsoft also revealed today that Windows Server 2012 R2 will also be released on the same day, along with System Center 2012 R2, and the latest update to Windows Intune.
“I’m excited to announce that, on the same day, eligible customers will be able to download Windows Server 2012 R2 and System Center 2012 R2, as well as the latest update to Windows Intune! We’ll make evaluation versions available through the TechNet Evaluation Center, and these products will be available for new purchases when they hit the price list on November 1st,” Microsoft’s Brad Anderson stated in an official blog post.
For those that didn’t know, Windows Server 2012 R2 is the “Windows Server Blue” update for Windows Server 2012. Utilizing Storage Spaces, R2 delivers breakthrough performance at a fraction of the cost, according to Microsoft. R2 also features software defined networking, virtualization and live migration, access and information protection, Java application monitoring, and more.
Microsoft had also released the Preview of Windows Server 2012 R2 back in June of this year, offering a glimpse at what is to come with the newest server operating system. So as Microsoft states, mark your calendars, Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows 8.1 are almost here!
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows 8.1, Windows Server
