Future Directions and Considerations

Michael analyzed and wrote about Microsoft's operating systems, including the Windows client OS, as well as compliance and governance. Michael... more

Whether the Windows team will continue to ship alternating major and interim releases is unknown, but other factors, such as availability of 64-bit processors, will also impact future releases. Windows Server 2003 R2 will trigger updates to several other Microsoft products, and it could be the start of a more regular stream of Windows Server releases. However, it also raises numerous questions related to maintenance, support, and licensing. Microsoft’s answers to these questions could influence how customers accept future interim releases.

Beyond R2

In the short term, Windows Server 2003 R2 will be incorporated into two ancillary products:

Small Business Server 2003 R2 (SBS 2003 R2), scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2006, will include automated patch and update management, increased mailbox limits, and SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition technology for SBS 2003 R2 Premium Edition customers.

Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 is an OS for devices that serve as specialized file and print servers. In the first half of 2006, OEMs including Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Iomega, LeftHand Networks, and Tacit Networks will deliver network-attached storage based on Windows Storage Server 2003 R2.

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