Windows Server 2012 R2 Enhances Enterprise Capabilities

Many organizations may find new features appealing in Windows Server 2012 R2, which was released in Oct. 2013. The new features fall into three categories: those that enable new functionality in the latest Windows client OS, those that enhance server manageability and high availability, and those that integrate on-premises server deployments with devices and services outside of an organization’s network. However, benefiting from the new features requires considerable planning and testing. Businesses interested in deploying Windows Server 2012 R2 should ensure they understand the complete cost of licensing—particularly for virtualization—as well as for deploying and managing the OS.

Improved Windows Client Integration

Windows Server 2012 R2 includes infrastructure components that are required to enable two new features included in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1: Workplace Join and Work Folders. Both features of the Windows client OSs make it easier for users using their own devices to more securely access the organization’s applications and data, without relinquishing control of their personal device or personal data stored on the device to the organization. (For more information on the availability and dependencies of each of the features covered in this report, see the chart “Windows 8.1 Enterprise Features Depend on Windows Server 2012 R2“.)